Origanum : The Herb Marjoram and Its Relatives

Herbs have risen in popularity enormously over the last twenty years and Britain has many excellent herb nurseries which sell a wide variety of plants. This interest has led to new cultivars, variegated forms and less common species of herb becoming available and the genus Origanum is one of those that have benefited.

The aim of this booklet written by Susie White, National Plant Collection holder of Origanum, is to describe those species which are particularly garden-worthy, to clear up confusion over naming and to relate the stories behind cultivar names. It is also to be hoped that descriptions of plants that have disappeared from recent cultivation might prompt their being found again. Being a herb of commercial importance, there is space devoted to the many herbal uses of this versatile genus.

There are two National Plant Collections of Origanum, geographically placed one in the north and one in the south of England which allows for comparison of hardiness and climate. Tracy Pearman holds a Collection at Iden Croft Nursery in Kent and Susie White holds the other at Hexham Herbs in Northumberland. Both Collections are in gardens open to the public and plants are sold in the adjoining nurseries. For more information see www.plantheritage.com