Dittany Of Crete, Hop Marjoram
Origanum dictamnus

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink. Main Bloom Time: Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Rounded.

Origanum dictamnus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Shady rocks in dry places in high mountains.

S. Europe - Crete.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The leaves are used for flavouring salads and vermouth. A pleasant aromatic flavour, especially when mixed with parsley, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. The flowering tops are dried and brewed into a herb tea.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The flowering plant has been used as an antirheumatic, oxytocic, stomachic and vulnerary, though these uses appear to be obsolete in modern herbalism..

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container. Requires a rather dry, warm, well-drained soil, but is not fussy as to soil type, thriving on chalk. Prefers slightly alkaline conditions. This species is not fully hardy in Britain according to one report whilst another says that it is hardy to zone 7, which means that it can succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It is, however, very susceptible to winter wet and so is more commonly grown under cover in this country. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Suitable for dried flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse at 10 - 13°c and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring. Division in March or October. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Basal cuttings of young barren shoots in June. Very easy. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Amaracus dictamnus. (L.)Benth.