Dittany of Crete (díktamo) Origanum dictamnus
Dittany of Crete (díktamo) (Origanum dictamnus) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Endemic to the cliffs and gorges of Crete. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Dittany of Crete (díktamo) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and flowers (herbal tea) |
| Native to | Endemic to the cliffs and gorges of Crete |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Dittany of Crete (díktamo) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dittany of Crete (díktamo)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Dittany of Crete (díktamo)
- How far apart should I plant Dittany of Crete (díktamo)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Dittany of Crete (díktamo) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dittany of Crete (díktamo) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Dittany of Crete (díktamo)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Dittany of Crete (díktamo) flower?
- From about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Dittany of Crete (díktamo) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Dittany of Crete (díktamo)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dittany of Crete (díktamo). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- Felted, round, white-woolly leaves and pink hop-like flower heads. Needs sharp drainage and hates winter wet: grow it in a wall, a pot or an alpine house outside dry climates. Wild plants are protected; buy nursery stock. Revered in ancient Greece as a wound herb.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare