We lean heavily on our own collections of rare and unusual plants for plantings in our gardens, but we happily make exceptions for awesome workhorses such as ‘Amethyst Falls’ ornamental oregano. We had no hesitation in giving pride of place to this perennial above a rock face at the intersection of our crevice and dry gardens.

‘Amethyst Falls’ was selected by Bluebird Wholesale Nursery in Nebraska from seed given by Denver plantsman extraordinaire Panayoti Kelaidis. This obviously is the product of happy bees in the Kelaidis garden, as it embodies all the best of hybrid vigor—tough, hearty, and floriferous

Our four-year-old plant has stems up to 12 inches tall, which bend under the weight of the many flowers so that while it is 30 inches across, it doesn’t really exceed 7 inches tall. The lavender-pink (OK, amethyst) flowers extend from the ranks of overlapping green-turning-pinkish bracts, resembling the flowers on hops (Humulus spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9) or on hornbeam (Carpinus spp. and cvs., Zones 4–8). On our plant, the effect of the flowers is heightened by the sharp downhill drop, which makes it look indeed like an amethyst waterfall.

What else does this essentially Mediterranean plant have going for it beyond the flowers? There’s the strongly scented foliage, which in climates with summers hotter than ours can volatilize aromatic oils that perfume the air. While we miss out on that in our location, we do appreciate the deer- and rabbit-proof qualities these same oils impart. But the summer flowers, which go on for months, are seldom without appreciative bees and other eager pollinators.

‘Amethyst Falls’ is drought tolerant and happy with infrequent watering. However, it does not perform well in the humid Southeast. Annual maintenance needs roughly the time it has taken to compose and write this sentence, as it is just a simple cutting back of the spent stems in winter when the dried flowers have lost their allure. This plant requires very little fertilizer, if any, but it relishes a layer of round or chipped gravel mulch or clean sand at planting time. You can see why we are fond of this plant!

This ornamental oregano is an ideal candidate for a Mediterranean garden or for any rock, gravel, dry, or hellstrip setting if given full sun. If only it had culinary chops, so that we could use it in salsa di pomodora or salsa roja—that would possibly make it the perfect plant.

‘Amethyst Falls’ ornamental oregano

Origanum ‘Amethyst Falls’

Zones: 5–9

Conditions: Full sun; lean, gravelly, well-drained soil

Native range: Mediterranean, southwestern Asia

Kelly Dodson and Sue Milliken grow some of the coolest plants on the planet at Far Reaches Farm Nursery and Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy in Port Townsend, Washington.

Photo: courtesy of Far Reaches Farm

Illustration: Elara Tanguy

Sources

• Far Reaches Farm Port Townsend, WA 360-385-5114 farreachesfarm.com
• Glasshouse Works Stewart, OH 740-662-2142 glasshouseworks.com

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon

National Wildlife Federation®: Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition (Creative Homeowner) 17 Projects & Step-by-Step Instructions to Give Back to Nature

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

From the National Wildlife Federation, the largest U.S. nonprofit conservation organization, with 6 million members and 51 state and territorial affiliated organizations. 17 step-by-step projects that everyone can do together make getting your family back to nature easy, educational, and fun. Over 200 color photos of backyard wildlife habitats and the wide variety of creatures they attract, plus step-by-step photos and illustrations for family projects. Learn wildlife-friendly practices for gardening, landscape design, supplemental feeders, birdbaths, nesting places, and more. Learn how to attract backyard pollinators, from bees and butterflies to beetles, bats, and hummingbirds Get your garden certified by the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife(TM) program by following the included certification application checklist.

Buy at Amazon

The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area.

Buy at Amazon