While marjoram, which is closely related to oregano, grows as an annual, oregano, also known as dost, thrives as a perennial perennial. Originally at home in the warm Mediterranean regions, it has meanwhile become native to all of Europe.

What is a perennial plant?

Perennial plants include numerous flowering garden perennials but also shrubs that can live for many hundreds of years. This means that with proper care, you will have some of the herb once planted for years and not have to replenish new oregano plants every spring.

Perennial herbs are survivors

Perennials like oregano form longer roots and in most cases have developed sophisticated strategies to protect themselves from plant diseases and pests. They are therefore often more robust than annual plants and have adapted extremely well to their environment over the course of evolution. They also require fewer nutrients and start after the winter with a major advantage over annual herbs: the rootstock and the body of the plant have overwintered and do not have to be replanted first.

Caring for the perennial oregano

If oregano is in the right place, it is very undemanding. It thrives best on poor, dry soil in a sunny spot in a herb bed or rock garden. Only fertilize the oregano sparingly with commercially available vegetable fertilizer (7.49€) or very mature garden compost.

Oregano is harvested shortly before or during the flowering period, as that is when the aroma is most intense. To prepare for winter, cut the herb about a hand's breadth above the ground. Even though oregano is hardy, you should give it adequate protection from the cold. Cover the herb with brushwood or a suitable fleece. In the spring, cut back the old shoots just above the ground. This encourages the plant to sprout vigorously and bushy again.

Overwinter oregano in the pot

Perennial oregano can be cultivated in a pot on the balcony or terrace during the warm season. 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 fleece or brushwood. In harsh areas you should overwinter the perennial in a cool and frost-free room. Don't forget to water the oregano occasionally, as the plant also evaporates moisture through the leaves during the winter months.

tips and tricks

The perennial shrub can be propagated by division. In spring, carefully dig up the oregano and break up the root ball from top to bottom with a garden fork. Shorten the roots a little and put the sections back in.

Category:

Vegetable garden