This plant is a creeping perennial that reaches 24 inches tall. Dark green leaves have a rich purple tint, and its purplish pink flower clusters appear from late spring through autumn. ‘Herrenhausen’ (Zones 5–8) displays masses of showy pink flowers with maroon bracts on purplish stems. ‘Hopleys’ (Zones 7–10) is taller (up to 36 inches) with large, long-blooming, deep pink flowers, and is a vigorous grower, more tolerant of heat than ‘Herrenhausen’.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsFound growing in rocky terrain in Turkey and Cypress. Excellent in stone walls. Attracts bees and insects. Not good as a culinary herb.
CareNeeds good drainage. Grow in poor to moderately fertile soil.
PropagationDivide in spring or take basal cuttings in late spring.
ProblemsRoot and stem rots. Aphids and spider mites.
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The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
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- Genus : Origanum
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 7, 8, 9
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Fall, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
- Light : Full Sun
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Flower Color : Pink
- Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
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