Origanum 'Rosenkuppel'

About this cultivar:

Origanum 'Rosenkuppel' is a compact ornamental cultivar, with small, soft, aromatic, purple-flushed leaves on slender stems. These are topped with clusters of tiny purple flowers with red-purple bracts. Try pairing with pastels. The name translates as 'Rose Dome'. Has the RHS AGM, probably the hardiest Origanum.

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Flowers: July, August, September
• Other features: Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (RHS AGM), Bees and Butterflies, Scented
• Hardiness: H7 - Hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20°C), Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Habit: Clump forming, bushy
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Height: 45 - 60 cm (1.5 - 2 ft)
• Spread: 30 - 60 cm (1 - 2 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Colour: Green, purple
• Goes well with: --

About this genus:

Origanum (or-ig-a-num) gets its name from the Greek oros, a mountain, and ganos, beauty; the usual habit and attractiveness of these plants. Legend has it that Aphrodite created the sweet, spicy scent of its leaves as a symbol of happiness. Origanum are all aromatic, no surprise as they are in the mint family...but not all are edible. Of the 20 or so species, the best known are Origanum vulgare (culinary oregano) and Origanum majorana (Majoram). However, there are also several oreganos that are grown primarily for ornamental appeal. Like most mint family members, Origanum is rabbit-resisitant and beloved by a fascinating array of beneficial insects.

Origanum plants are low growing, drought-tolerant perennials, topped with small blue or purple flowers in summer that attract butterflies. We have found some cultivars that perform in our damp-clay conditions and they should be for sale here. Oreganos are perfect for growing along a path, in an herb garden or cascading over a wall.