About this cultivar:
Origanum laevigatum 'Herrenhausen' is named after the famous 17th-century Baroque garden near Hanover, Germany. This lavish, formal garden was developed by Electress Sophia (1630-1714), who was the granddaughter of James I of England and mother of George I of England.
The plant? Forms a loose clump of wiry stems with small, ovate, purple-flushed leaves and heads of tubular pink flowers with deep purple bracts. As summer fades, the bracts and stems remain intact and form a branching, dark seed-head. In winter sun, this looks like a fine-wire sculpture. At home in any garden, not just Herrenhausen!
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Flowers: July, August, September
- Other features: Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (RHS AGM), Bees and Butterflies, Scented
- Hardiness: H6 - Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15°C), Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Habit: Clump forming, bushy
- Foliage: Deciduous
- Height: 30 - 45 cm (1 - 1.5 ft)
- Spread: 30 - 45 cm (1 - 1.5 ft)
- Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
- Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Colour: Green, purple, pink
- 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.