About this cultivar:
Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' features long wands of purple-pink flowers in late summer and autumn, over a trailing mound of fragrant, green foliage that turns reddish-purple in autumn. The flowers hold their colour when dried and are very attractive to butterflies and beneficial insects. Very tough. Much admired in our garden.
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Flowers: July, August, September
- Other features: Bees and Butterflies, Scented
- Hardiness: Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Habit: Clump forming, bushy
- Foliage: Deciduous
- Height: 45 - 60 cm (1.5 - 2 ft)
- Spread: 30 - 60 cm (1 - 2 ft)
- Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
- Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Colour: Green, purple
- Goes well with: --
About this genus:
Origanum (or-ig-a-num) gets its name from the Greek oros, a mountain, and ganos, beauty; the usual habit and attractiveness of these plants. Legend has it that Aphrodite created the sweet, spicy scent of its leaves as a symbol of happiness. Origanum are all aromatic, no surprise as they are in the mint family...but not all are edible. Of the 20 or so species, the best known are Origanum vulgare (culinary oregano) and Origanum majorana (Majoram). However, there are also several oreganos that are grown primarily for ornamental appeal. Like most mint family members, Origanum is rabbit-resisitant and beloved by a fascinating array of beneficial insects.
Origanum plants are low growing, drought-tolerant perennials, topped with small blue or purple flowers in summer that attract butterflies. We have found some cultivars that perform in our damp-clay conditions and they should be for sale here. Oreganos are perfect for growing along a path, in an herb garden or cascading over a wall.