Marjoram

Origanum laevigatum Herrenhausen

• Position: full sun
• Soil: poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  Small, round, purple-flushed leaves are topped, from June to September, by dense clusters of tiny pink flowers borne on red-purple stems. As it matures, the foliage turns dark green. Marjoram is a long-flowering perennial that makes a colourful edging plant for a sunny, well-drained border or herb garden. It thrives on alkaline soil, an important consideration when planting a site recently cleared of builders' rubble. The aromatic leaves can be used to flavour savoury sauces.
  

• Garden care: Cut back old faded flower-heads and stems in spring.
  
  
• Goes well with: Salvia officinalis 'Icterina', Melissa officinalis, Thymus serphyllum, Petroselium crispum, Ocimum sativum, Mentha spicata