Oregano Origanum vulgare
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Oregano in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Oregano at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece |
Is Oregano toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, essential oil
Large amounts or essential oil can upset the stomach of cats and dogs.
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 Oregano
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Oregano
- How far apart should I plant Oregano?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Oregano need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Oregano need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Oregano?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Oregano flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Oregano poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Large amounts or essential oil can upset the stomach of cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Oregano?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for 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).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
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
- Thai basil Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora