Mexican oregano Lippia graveolens
Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Verbenaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America (arid scrub). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Mexican oregano in your garden →
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Mexican oregano at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 21–57 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Native to | Mexico and Central America (arid scrub) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Mexican oregano toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Culinary herb; not documented as toxic, but concentrated essential oil is not for pets.
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 Mexican oregano
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Mexican oregano
- How far apart should I plant Mexican oregano?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft).
- Does Mexican oregano need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mexican oregano need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mexican oregano?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Mexican oregano flower?
- About 21–57 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Mexican oregano poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary herb; not documented as toxic, but concentrated essential oil is not for pets.
- What grows well with Mexican oregano?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mexican oregano. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Frost damages top growth below about -4 C; needs sharp drainage and little irrigation.
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
- Verbena Verbena bonariensis
- Lemon verbena Aloysia citrodora
- Lantana Lantana camara
- Vervain (common verbena) Verbena officinalis
- Golden dewdrop (sky flower, duranta) Duranta erecta
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris