Greek Oregano Plants

Choosing a Planting Site

• Greek oregano is a perennial plant, and you can count on its fragrant foliage and attractive white flowers gracing your garden for years in USDA hardiness zones 5 and higher. Greek oregano will grow on nearly any site or soil, from sand to clay, and doesn't require a lot of fertility. While you can grow Greek oregano in full sun or dappled shade, avoid deep shade and poorly drained sites.

Planting Greek Oregano

• Start seeds indoors, covering the seed with a thin layer of soil. Allow the seedlings to develop strong root systems, potting up into larger containers as needed, and move into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.

Ornamental Uses

• As a member of the mint family, Greek oregano grows in two distinctive phases. When the weather warms, it begins by growing upward, reaching up to 2 feet tall. It produces abundant white blossoms in July that remain on the plant through September. After flowering, Greek oregano begins to spread outward, sending out new runners to create new plants. Even an oregano plant that is small when you purchase it can spread to fill a space in a few years.

  In addition to its small, white blossoms, Greek oregano has fuzzy, grayish-green leaves in groups of four, typical of the mint family. It is a fragrant plant that attracts butterflies and bees to your garden.

Culinary Uses

• Use Greek oregano freshly cut from your herb garden, or dry the leaves for year-round use. When using fresh, plan to use the leaves soon after cutting them. If you cannot, store the leaves on the stems in a glass of water or keep the leaves in the refrigerator. When using fresh oregano, select dishes that require minimal cooking. To dry Greek oregano, cut the stems, bundle them together and hang them until dry. Store the leaves on the stems in a dark location for best flavor.

Medicinal Uses

• Greek oregano has been used medicinally for thousands of years to treat a range of physical ailments: colds, flu, fever, digestive upset, menstrual pains, respiratory problems, arthritis and muscle aches. Because the plant has sedative properties, teas made from the leaves have a calming effect, according to Plants for a Future. Pregnant women should avoid the large doses of oregano needed for medicinal effect. Consult a health care provider before beginning using an herbal remedy.