Oregano and Marjoram: 
An Herb Society of America Guide to the Genus Origanum

Garden Uses

Origanum xmajoricum (left) with thyme and chives

There are probably as many ways to use origanums in the garden as there are species in the genus. The key is to respect the plant's natural tendencies and to consider how its physical appearance and growth habit will complement other plants in the garden.

In the landscape, origanums can be grown in edgings, pots and borders (102) and dwarf, spreading types like O. vulgare subsp. vulgare 'Humile' can be used as groundcovers (78, 104). According to Carol Morse, O. vulgare subsp. vulgare 'Humile' makes a good edible ground cover that can be planted between stepping stones or allowed to grow to 6 inches for wilder or eccentric paths (78).

Susan Belsinger, Joan DeLauro, Gwen Barclay and Henry Flowers recommend planting origanums with plants having similar growth requirements (7, 33, 51), like savory, thyme, lavender, sage and rosemary (7). Tina Marie Wilcox likes to plant O. vulgare with yarrow, silver king artemisia and tansy since they all send out runners underground, are harvested the same way and can be cut to the ground when they flower (114). Dittany of Crete's small, fuzzy leaves make it ideal for fairy gardens (7). Francesco DeBaggio plants his origanums all over the garden and suggests growing around ponds (32).

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