Herb · Lamiaceae family
oregano
Origanum vulgare
In short a 10-second read
Oregano (herb) grows to 0.3–0.6 m tall and 0.3–0.8 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in July–September; the flowers are pink or purple. Plant out in March–April, September–October. Hardy to −32 °C.
× spread 0.3–0.8 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −32 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: sandy, loamy, gravelly
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–September · pink or purple
Pruning
cut back by a third (March–April)
Planting out
division: March–April, September–October
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −32 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −32 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include oregano
Sage, thyme, oregano and savory — fragrant herbs for a sunny, drier…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does oregano flower?
In July–September; the flowers are pink or purple.
Does oregano tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does oregano need?
At maturity 0.3–0.8 m wide and 0.3–0.6 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Does oregano survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −32 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
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