Contents
Description
Origanum laevigatum, commonly known as smooth oregano or Turkish oregano, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The plant is native to Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus but has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. It grows up to 60 cm tall and has a spreading habit. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and ovate-shaped, measuring 2.5-5 cm in length. The flowers are pink to purple and grow in clusters at the top of the stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Origanum |
Appearance
Smooth oregano is an attractive herb that adds color and texture to any garden. The plant has a dense growth habit and produces an abundance of dark green leaves. The leaves are smooth, glossy, and slightly hairy, giving them a velvety texture. The flowers are small, pink to purple, and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. They bloom from mid-summer to early fall and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
Care Guide
Smooth oregano is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this herb:Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Plant smooth oregano in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.Sunlight: Smooth oregano prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Smooth oregano is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Smooth oregano is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to root rot, especially if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Smooth oregano is native to Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus but has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. It grows in rocky areas, hillsides, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can smooth oregano be used in cooking?A: Yes, smooth oregano is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The leaves have a slightly sweet and spicy flavor and can be used fresh or dried.Q: Can smooth oregano be grown in containers?A: Yes, smooth oregano can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least 12 inches in diameter and has good drainage holes.Q: Is smooth oregano a perennial or annual plant?A: Smooth oregano is a perennial plant that comes back year after year.Q: How do I prune smooth oregano?A: To prune smooth oregano, simply trim back the stems by about one-third in early spring before new growth begins. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to smooth oregano:- Origanum vulgare (common oregano)- Thymus vulgaris (thyme)- Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)- Salvia officinalis (sage)
References
– “Origanum Laevigatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282171.- “Origanum Laevigatum.” Plant Finder, www.hortmag.com/plants/plant-finder/ornamental-oregano-smooth-oregano-origanum-laevigatum.- “Origanum Laevigatum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/190757/Origanum-laevigatum/Details.
