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Origanum laevigatum Herrenhausen

Origanum vulgare

£4.49

Size:

9cm pot

Code: 35782

Availability: 2 item(s)

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At a Glance

Variety: Oregano
Size: 9cm pot
Mature Height (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Height

You can expect the height to reach somewhere within this estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the height in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this height.

up to 60cm
Mature Spread (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Spread

You can expect the plant to spread somewhere within this range estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the spread in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this.

10-50cm
Flower Colour (?):

What does this mean?

Flower Colour

Flowers come in a vast variety of colours from pure white to almost black. Colour can be affected by a number of factors including environment and diet. Use the photographs as a guide and expect variations.

Pink
Flowering Time (?):

What does this mean?

Flowering Time

A plants development is synchronised with the changing seasons and flowering is one of several changes that occur at the appropriate time of year dependent on the specific plant. While our meteorological seasons are defined by specific dates; there can be two or the weeks difference in the start and end of the horticultural 'season' between the north and south of the UK.

Summer - Autumn
Foliage (?):

What does this mean?

Evergreen

Plants that have leaves all year round are classified as evergreen. They can however lose leaves sporadically throughout the year.

Deciduous

Deciduous plants drop their leaves in autumn, look bare in winter and put out new leaves again in spring. Some plants such a Beech retain their dead leaves until the new spring growth.

Semi-evergreen

There are exceptions, some plant drop their leaves in cold winters but keep them if it is mild. These are classified as Semi-evergreen.

Deciduous
Fragrant (?):

What does this mean?
Fragrant
For plants that are fragrant the level of fragrance may vary, results may improve by planting in larger blocks. The fragrance may come from flowers or foliage.

Yes
Growth Rate (?):

What does this mean?

Growth rate of a plant will determine how fast the plant reaches it ultimate height and is affected by four main factors: temperature, nutrients, light, and water.

Slow to average
Hardiness (?):

What does this mean?

Fully Hardy

Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (to -15)

Half Hardy

Hardy throughout most of the UK (to -10)

Frost Hardy

Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of UK (to -5)

Half Hardy
Position (?):

What does this mean?

Full Sun

Six or more full hours of direct sunlight but don't forget to water.

Partial Shade

Two or three hours either in early morning or late evening sun. Very limited exposure to midday sun.

Dense Shade

Usually no more than two hours direct sunlight. Usually under dense trees, shurbs or in shade cast by buildings/fences etc.

Full sun, Partial shade
Soil Moisture (?):

What does this mean?

Well Drained

Well-drained soil allows water to percolate through reasonably quickly without pooling. Well drained soil can often be dry and lack nutrients.

Poorly Drained

Poorly Drained soil is usually saturated periodically during the growing season and remains wet for several days at a time. Saturated soil can deprive roots of oxygen.

Moist Well Drained

A moist well drained soil is the best of both worlds by combining high permeability with the ability to retain moisture. Adding well rotted organic matter to dry or wet soil will help improve both these characteristics.

Well-drained
Soil PH (?):

What does this mean?

Acid

Soil with a pH between 1 and 7 is classed as acid, ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons need acid soil.

Neutral

A neutral pH which is around 7, will be suitable for most plants. Clay soils tend to be neutral.

Alkaline

Soil with a pH between 7 and 14 are refereed to as Alkaline. Chalky soil is usually Alkaline.

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type (?):

What does this mean?

Chalk

Chalky or lime-rich soils may be light or heavy, largely made up of calcium carbonate and are very alkaline.

Clay

Clay soils are potentially fertile and hold a high proportion of water. They drain slowly and take longer to warm up in spring.

Loam

Loam soils are s mixture of clay, sand and silt that avoid the extremes of clay or sandy soils. Fertile, well-drained and easily worked.

Sand

Sandy soils have a low clay content, drain quickly, easy to cultivate and work. They can dry out quickly and are low in plant nutrients. Often very acidic.

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Origanum laevigatum ‘Herrenhausen’

Origanum laevigatum ‘Herrenhausen’ is a decorative, aromatic perennial that offers both ornamental beauty and wildlife value. With its rich purple flower bracts, wiry stems, and scented foliage, it brings late-summer colour and pollinator activity to borders, gravel gardens, and containers.

At a Glance

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Common Name: Ornamental oregano
Foliage Colour: Grey-green, aromatic
Flower Colour: Pinkish-purple with deep purple bracts
Height: 60cm (2ft)
Spread: 45cm (1.5ft)
Flowering Time: June to September
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil; drought tolerant once established

Elegant Flowers with a Mediterranean Flair

From midsummer into early autumn, ‘Herrenhausen’ produces clusters of small, tubular pink flowers surrounded by long-lasting, deep purple bracts. These airy flower heads are held above aromatic foliage on wiry, reddish stems, giving the plant a light, graceful presence that sways gently in the breeze.

Attracts Bees and Butterflies

This plant is a favourite with pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers are especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it a fantastic addition to wildlife-friendly and naturalistic gardens.

Beautiful in Sunny Borders and Gravel Gardens

Its neat, bushy habit and subtle colouring make ‘Herrenhausen’ an excellent companion to grasses, salvias, echinaceas, and other drought-tolerant perennials. It works particularly well in Mediterranean-style planting schemes, sunny mixed borders, and rockeries, where its silvery-green leaves and rich flower tones can shine.

Growing Tips

Watering: Water regularly during its first year to help establish roots. Once established, it is drought tolerant and prefers drier soils. Avoid overwatering.
Feeding: Minimal feeding required. Avoid rich soils or excessive fertiliser, which can cause leggy growth.
Pruning: Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh, compact growth. Deadhead faded flowers to prolong blooming.
Dividing: Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring if they become woody or lose vigour.
Positioning: Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered spot with sharp drainage. Avoid wet or heavy soils, especially in winter.

Potted: Yes, Origanum laevigatum ‘Herrenhausen’ is ideal for growing in pots. Use a gritty, free-draining compost—such as a mix of loam-based compost and horticultural grit. Place containers in full sun and water sparingly. Ideal for patios, balcony pots, or Mediterranean-style container displays.

Hardy and Easy to Maintain

With an RHS hardiness rating of H6, ‘Herrenhausen’ is hardy in most parts of the UK but benefits from some protection in colder, wetter areas during winter. It is generally pest- and disease-free, making it a low-maintenance choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Perfect Companions

Pair Origanum ‘Herrenhausen’ with:

Echinacea purpurea – to echo its purple tones and height
Stipa tenuissima – for light, airy movement
Salvia nemorosa – for a pollinator-rich border in blues and purples
Achillea ‘Moonshine’ – for bold, yellow contrast

**Why Choose Origanum laevigatum ‘Herrenhausen’?**

This ornamental oregano offers much more than good looks. With its long flowering season, fragrant foliage, and high wildlife value, it’s a dependable and attractive addition to dry, sunny areas and low-maintenance gardens.

Plant Origanum laevigatum ‘Herrenhausen’ for graceful summer colour, aromatic leaves, and a pollinator magnet that thrives in the sunniest corners of your garden or in decorative pots.

Herb Notes
Herb Guide & Care
Alternatives

Buying Herbs from Jacksons Nurseries

At Jacksons Nurseries our herbs are sold to plant out and grow on rather than instant culinary use. Unlike many supermarkets we grow them to help create a hardly plant with a good healthy root system that will grow to provide a good ‘clump’ producing to come.

Depending on the time of year you make your purchase herbs not look like the images on our website as they are trimmed back judiciously as required to prevent them from becoming leggy and untidy.

Herbs, as well as being beautiful sensory plants, are useful for home remedies and cooking. They smell lovely, look wonderful and you can use them—what could be better? There are two main ways of growing herbs, in containers or in the garden.

Planting and Conditions

The conditions required for planting varies between different herbs.

Basil, Bay, Caraway, Chives, Dill, Marjoram, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme all prefer well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Rosemary in particular will not survive being frozen during the winter months.

Chervil, Coriander, Mint and French Tarragon all prefer partial sun or shade, and like well-drained to dry soil.

Herbs would also benefit greatly from being planted in raised beds, which usually offer the perfect conditions for growth, as they have well-drained soil and are more likely to catch the rays of sun needed for most herb varieties.

Aftercare and Pruning

There is no need to prune your herbs excessively, because you are likely to be using them regularly after they have established anyway. If any dead foliage is found, just remove it to encourage future growth.

Water your herbs at regular intervals, especially if they are being kept indoors. Bear in mind that the majority of herbs prefer well-drained, dryer soil, so resist the urge to overwater them.

Some herbs die back in winter. These will look after themselves. Some more tender herbs can only be grown if brought inside during the cooler months.

Potential Issues

Specific to rosemary and sage, the beautiful but destructive rosemary beetle feeds on the foliage and flowers of host plants. Simply picking them off can be effective, otherwise the use of pesticides should be employed if the case is severe. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regards to pesticides and herbs for culinary purposes.

Slugs and snails are prominent pests on herbs. Simply picking them off or using a beer trap is an effective way of dealing with the problem should it become a prominent issue.

Slug pellets should only be used as a last resort to avoid harming birds and other wildlife.

Grey mould may also occur on some herbs. While there are no approved fungicides for use against grey mould, some products containing plant and fish oil blends can be used. They are unlikely to have much impact, and simply removing affected parts of the plant can be effective.

Code: 14963

Marjoram-Origanum majorana

£4.99

9cm pot

Origanum majorana is a mat-forming, woody-based perennial with oval-shaped, aromatic dark green deciduous leaves. Wiry flowers spikes of tiny, tubular,...