Marjorams (Origanum) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a plant species native to the Mediterranean region and the Arabian Peninsula. It is commonly cultivated for its aromatic leaves. This species is somewhat sensitive to cold temperatures. Sweet marjoram is often described as combining the flavors of sweet pine and citrus. It gets used as an herb for culinary purposes and to make essential oils.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a herbaceous perennial plant closely related to marjoram. Ancient Greeks and Romans considered it a symbol of happiness. It is one of the most popular spice herbs, used in various cuisines all over the world. Oregano oil can be derived from the plant as well. Unfortunately, legal action has been required to stop suppliers of the oil from falsely claiming unproven health benefits.

Origanum dictamnus is a many branched plant with discoid to ovate, grey-green leaves that are sited in pairs opposite each other. The slender arching stems and lanate leaves are covered in a velvety white down and are 1.3 to 2.5 cm in size. The flowers are pale pink to purple and have a deep lilac corolla with many deep pink coloured overlapping bracts.

Origanum rotundifolium 'Kirigami' is grown for its drooping clusters of apple green bracts that are flushed with shades of reddish-violet. This Origanum rotundifolium cultivar has a denser, more mounding habit than other varieties. Gardeners like this plant because of its tiny rose-pink flowers that bloom throughout summer and fall and are attractive to butterflies.

Oregano ' Aureum' (Origanum vulgare ' Aureum') is an ornamental cultivar of oregano (Origanum vulgare). These plants have golden leaves and produce pinkish-purple flowers, though the flowers are often removed to showcase the leaves. 'Aureum' is a reference to these leaves' golden color. Unlike ordinary oregano, oregano ' Aureum' is not used for culinary purposes and helps bring color to partly-shaded parts of the garden instead.

Oregano 'Amethyst Falls' is distinguished by cascading stems adorned with delicate, amethyst-hued flowers that emerge in summer. The aromatic leaves hint at its culinary uses, while the purple blooms attract pollinators. Thriving in well-drained soil and sun, oregano 'Amethyst Falls' forms robust, compact mounds, presenting a vibrant display of color and fragrance in a garden or container.

Oregano 'Aureum' is distinct for its golden-yellow leaves. A cultivar of Origanum vulgare, its name derives from the Latin word for gold. Though a relative of the familiar kitchen oregano, this cultivar mainly serves an ornamental purpose with its golden leaves and tiny purple flowers in summer.

Oregano 'Country Cream' is a unique member of the oregano family, featuring multicolored leaves and a highly attractive appearance. Hybridized from other oregano variants, this cultivar was named after its creamy appearance and use in the kitchen. While it can be used for cooking, oregano 'Country Cream' is primarily prized for its ornamental value, appeal to pollinators, and pleasant aromas.

All Species of Marjorams

Oregano 'Kent Beauty' 'Kent Beauty' is an ornamental hybrid of the popular Mediterranean herb, not used for cooking, but grown for its striking pink and green flowers. This award-winning cultivar is ideal for hanging baskets or patio containers, so its delightful fragrance can be best appreciated. This Origanum rotundifolium 'Kent Beauty' is named for the County of Kent.

Oregano 'Kent Beauty'

Oregano 'Kent Beauty'

Biblical-hyssop

Biblical-hyssop

Biblical-hyssop is a rare flowering shrub that attracts bees. It is believed the Biblical-hyssop is mentioned in the Holy Bible as a herb used in religious rituals. Today, the plant is used as a spice, but due to its scarcity, the plant is now cultivated rather than harvested from the wild.

Oregano 'Variegata'

Oregano 'Variegata'

Oregano 'Variegata', or variegated oregano, is a herb grown for both culinary and ornamental purposes. It gets its name from its distinctive two-colored leaves, with green centers and creme-colored edges. This is in marked contrast to the all-green leaves of the parent plant. This is an easy to grow plant due to its resistance to disease and pests.

Round-leaved oregano

Round-leaved oregano

Round-leaved oregano is a popular plant grown in herb and vegetable gardens. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried as a spice for many Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta sauce, and barbecue rubs. The foliage is also good for potpourri due to its pleasant scent.

Origanum laevigatum 'Herrenhausen'

Origanum laevigatum 'Herrenhausen' is a hardy, aromatic perennial known for its purplish-pink tubular flowers that bloom atop tall, slender stems in late summer. Its foliage is dark green, with a silver-haired appearance that shimmers in sunlight. This ornamental herb thrives in well-drained soil and, once established, tolerates drought, making it a resilient addition to sunny gardens.

Greek oregano

Greek oregano

Greek oregano is popular in Mediterranean cultures for its aromatic and flavorful applications in cooking, but historically it has also been used for its medicinal properties. These properties are currently being investigated for their potential ability to treat several different kinds of ailments.

Ornamental oregano

Ornamental oregano is native to the Middle East and its Greek name Origanum laevigatum means "the beauty of the mountain." While found in the wild as an herbaceous shrub, ornamental oregano is a favored border plant for gravel or rock gardens and also makes a hardy container plant.

Wild marjoram

Wild marjoram

Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20 to 80 cm tall, with opposite leaves 1 to 4 cm long. The flowers are purple, 3 to 4 mm long, produced in erect spikes. It is sometimes called wild marjoram, and its close relative, O. majorana, is known as sweet marjoram.

Oregano 'Compactum'

Oregano 'Compactum'

Oregano 'Compactum' is a type of oregano. It is named for its small size, as it reaches a mature height of only 15 cm. It has small, highly fragrant leaves and produces pink flowers. The plant grows in a low, rounded cushion, which over time spreads into a mat of attractive ground cover.

More Popular Genus

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Dracaena

Fig trees

Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.

Brambles

Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.

Maples

Prunus

Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.

Nightshades

Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.

Roses

Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.

Oaks

Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.

Marjorams

Origanum

Marjorams are a group of flowering, often aromatic herbs and shrubs. Several species boast strong and distinctive flavors, making them great additions to many cuisines worldwide. The beautiful blooms and fragrant foliage of marjorams also make them great ornamentals as they are pollinator-friendly and very hardy.

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb/Vine

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Key Facts About Marjorams

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Attributes of Marjorams

Leaf type

Semi-evergreen

Ideal Temperature

10 - 38 ℃

Scientific Classification of Marjorams

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Marjorams

Distribution of Marjorams

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Distribution Map of Marjorams

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

How to Grow and Care for Marjorams

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How to Water Marjorams?

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Marjorams?

How to Propagate Marjorams?

How to Plant Marjorams?

More Info About Caring for Marjorams

Exploring the Marjorams Plants

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8 most common species：

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All Species of Marjorams