Content
- The perennial oregano is a permanent guest in the herb bed
- What is a perennial plant?
- Perennial herbs are survivalists
- Cultivate perennial oregano
- Oregano in the pot over winter
- Tips & Tricks
The perennial oregano is a permanent guest in the herb bed
While the marjoram, which is closely related to the oregano, grows once a year, the oregano, also known as the Dost, grows as a perennial shrub. Originally in the warm Mediterranean regions at home, he has meanwhile become native throughout Europe.
What is a perennial plant?
The perennial plants include numerous flowering perennials but also shrubs that can be many hundreds of years old. This means that with proper care you will have some of the herb once used for years and not have to replant new oregano plants every spring.
Perennial herbs are survivalists
Perennial perennials such as oregano form longer roots and in most cases have developed sophisticated strategies to protect against plant diseases and pests. Therefore, they are often more robust than annual plants and have adapted to the environment in the course of evolution. They also require less nutrients and start after the winter with a big advantage over the one-year-old herbs: The rootstock and the body of the plant have wintered and need not be newly created.
Cultivate perennial oregano
If Oregano is in the right place, he is very undemanding. It thrives best on rather lean and dry soils in a sunny spot in the herb bed or rock garden. Fertilize the oregano only sparingly with commercial vegetable fertilizer or very mature garden compost.
Oregano is harvested shortly before or during the flowering season, when the aroma is most intense. To prepare for the winter, cut the herb about a hand's breadth above the ground. Although oregano is hardy, you should give it a sufficient protection against cold. Cover the herb with brushwood or a suitable fleece. In spring, cut the old shoots close to the ground. This stimulates the plant to expel vigorous and bushy new.
Oregano in the pot over winter
Perennial oregano you can cultivate in the pot during the warm season on the balcony or terrace. In mild regions, it is sufficient to place the plant in a sheltered corner of the patio during the winter months and to protect it from the cold with a fleece or brushwood. In harsh areas, you should overwinter the perennial in a cool and frost-free room. Do not forget to water the oregano occasionally as the plant evaporates moisture over the leaves during the winter months.
Tips & Tricks
The perennial can be multiplied by division. Carefully dig up the oregano in spring and cut the root ball from top to bottom with a garden fork. Shorten the roots slightly and put the pieces back in place.