Round leaf oregano, a distinctive and aromatic herb, offers both ornamental appeal and culinary versatility for home gardeners. This plant is valued for its unique appearance and flavor, providing fresh leaves for various dishes.
Identifying and Culinary Uses
Round leaf oregano primarily refers to Origanum rotundifolium, a small, aromatic perennial forming a spreading cushion. Its arching stems are covered with rounded, grey-green leaves that have a slightly succulent texture. The plant produces hanging clusters of small white or pale pink flowers, encased by overlapping pale yellowish-green bracts resembling hops. These hop-like structures emerge during summer and can persist into autumn, adding a unique visual element. Origanum rotundifolium typically reaches 10 to 20 centimeters tall and spreads about 20 to 30 centimeters wide.
Another plant sometimes called “round leaf oregano” is Origanum dictamnus, also known as Dittany of Crete. This subshrub features arching stems adorned with woolly, silvery leaves. Its small pink flowers are surrounded by bracts that can range from green to red-purple, also resembling hops. Origanum dictamnus generally grows between 15 and 30 centimeters tall and spreads 45 to 60 centimeters wide.
From a culinary perspective, Origanum rotundifolium has strongly aromatic leaves suitable for cooking. It enhances the flavor of dishes with gravy, pizzas, and marinades, especially when dried. For optimal flavor, harvest leaves in the morning. Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus) offers a milder oregano flavor. Its leaves can season soups, sauces, salads, stuffings, stews, roasts, and vegetables. Dried leaves of Dittany of Crete are also used in teas, liqueurs, and breads. Both species can be used fresh or dried, with the best flavor often achieved before the plants fully flower.
Growing and Care
Round leaf oregano prefers full sun exposure, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, particularly in very hot climates where afternoon protection can prevent leaf damage. Ideal soil conditions include well-drained, stony, or sandy loam, and the plant prefers neutral to alkaline pH levels. Avoid planting in wet areas, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. These characteristics make it suitable for garden beds, containers, rock gardens, and xeriscapes.
Watering needs are minimal once established, as it is drought-tolerant. It benefits from deep, infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications. During periods without rain, weekly watering can maintain optimal moisture. Avoiding moisture on the leaves during watering helps prevent foliar diseases. Fertilization is generally not a significant requirement for this herb; however, a balanced fertilizer applied every four to six weeks during the growing season can support healthy growth for Dittany of Crete.
Pruning encourages bushier growth and maximizes yield. For Origanum rotundifolium, a cleaning prune in early spring involves removing old, weak, or overly crowded stems to promote air circulation and light. A harder prune after flowering, typically in late summer, helps maintain shape and encourages new growth. Pinching back tips in spring also promotes bushiness, and removing spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming. For Origanum dictamnus, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This involves lightly removing dead, dying, or overly long stems, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the foliage at once.
Propagation can be achieved through seeds and cuttings. Seeds can be sown in autumn in a cold frame or indoors in late winter to early spring, lightly pressed into the soil surface as they require light for germination. Stem cuttings are a common method, using softwood cuttings in spring before blooming or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Cuttings, typically three to four inches long, should be taken just below a leaf node with lower leaves removed, then planted in a well-draining medium and kept moist in shade until roots develop. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can enhance success. Division of established plants is also an option in autumn or spring. Round leaf oregano is generally low maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases. Avoiding overwatering is a primary step in preventing root rot. Occasional sap-sucking insects may appear, which can be managed by hand-picking or using insecticidal soap.