Oregano Golden

Description

Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’ – golden oregano

Botanical name: Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
Common names: Golden oregano
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Plant type: Semi-evergreen aromatic perennial herb
Habit: Compact, bushy, mound-forming
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 20–45cm tall × 30–45cm spread
Foliage: Bright golden-yellow aromatic leaves, brightest in spring
Flowers: Clusters of small pink flowers in summer (July–August)
Scent: Aromatic foliage
Aspect / light: Full sun (a little shade from the fiercest midday sun keeps golden forms from scorching)
Soil: Well-drained; poor to average; tolerates lime; dislikes wet; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Open, hot, dry, sunny
Native range: Garden form; the genus is native to the Mediterranean and Europe
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Golden oregano (Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’) is a bright aromatic herb with vivid golden-yellow foliage forming a low glowing mound, topped by pink summer flowers. Superb for lighting up sunny edges and pots.

GardenAdvice notes

A golden-leaved oregano grown as much for its glowing yellow foliage as for its bee-friendly flowers, this forms a low, bright mound that lights up the front of a sunny border or a container, especially in spring. Aromatic, easy and drought-tolerant, it needs only sun and sharp drainage — with a little shelter from the fiercest sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in well-drained soil in full sun — marjorams and oreganos thrive on poor, dry, even limy soils and dislike rich, wet ground. Golden-leaved forms keep their best colour in good light but can scorch in the fiercest midday sun, so a position with a little afternoon shade suits them. Ideal for gravel, sunny borders, edging and containers. Space about 30cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Trim over after flowering to keep it neat and encourage fresh growth. Shear golden forms lightly in early summer to refresh the bright new foliage. Water only while establishing; thereafter it is drought-tolerant. Keep it on the dry side, especially over winter, to avoid rot. Divide congested clumps in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring.
• Cuttings: Take softwood cuttings in early summer.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a sunny, well-drained spot. Its main enemy is winter wet, which causes rot. Otherwise little troubled by pests or disease.

Uses in the garden

Superb for gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens, sunny borders, edging, herb gardens and containers, where the aromatic foliage and bee-friendly flowers earn their place.

Wildlife value

Marjoram and oregano are among the very best plants for pollinators: the summer flowers are hugely attractive to bees, butterflies and hoverflies, and are a magnet for beneficial insects.

Toxicity & safety

This herb is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Golden oregano earns its place for its glowing spring foliage as much as its bee-friendly flowers, and it’s lovely spilling over the edge of a pot or path. Give it good light for the best colour but a little relief from the hottest midday sun to stop the leaves scorching, and shear it in early summer for fresh gold growth.

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