Oregano For Zone 5A
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Shelley
Posted on: May 21, 2010

I have just read an article about using Oregano for a ground cover. I see where you carry Origanum vulgare aureum- but it’s only hardy in zones 6 and above. We are classified zone 5A. What do you think our chances are of survival for this plant would be? I am anticipating companion plantings with the thymes that we recently purchased from you.

It will survive mild winters, but when the inevitable cold winter comes it will die. I know this from personal experience in my own Zone 5A garden. You might consider sinking the plant pot and all into the spot where you want its lovely colour and then lifting it in the fall and over-wintering it in a cool unused bedroom....

The article also mentioned two other varieties of a creeping Oregano, Origanum vulgare humile and Origanum marjorana ‘Betty Rollins’- do you carry either of these plants or do you offer something similar that might survive in our zone.

I am sorry but we do not carry them. Our hardiest culinary oreganos are Greek oregano, Herrenhausen oregano and Zorba Red oregano. They will be fine in ordinary zone 5 winters, but will have trouble with cold ones. The Zorba Red variety is closest to a creeping variety. The wild oregano, or common marjoram (Origanum vulgare) is very hardy (Zone 4). But it is about 50-100cm (2-3 feet) tall- but responds well to mowing.

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