While marjoram, which is closely related to oregano, grows as an annual, oregano, also known as dost, thrives as a perennial. Originally at home in the warm Mediterranean regions, it has now become native throughout Europe.
Is oregano perennial or annual?
Oregano is a perennial plant that originally comes from the Mediterranean regions and is now widespread throughout Europe. The robust perennial forms long roots and will survive the winter if cared for properly.
What is a perennial plant?
Perennial plants include numerous flowering garden perennials but also trees that can live for hundreds of years. This means that with proper care, you will have something from the herb once planted for years and you won't have to add new oregano plants every spring.
Perennial herbs are survivors
Perennials like oregano form longer roots and in most cases have developed sophisticated strategies to protect themselves from plant diseases and pests. That is why they are often more robust than annual plants and have adapted excellently to the environment over the course of evolution. They also require fewer nutrients and start after winter with a big advantage over annual herbs: the rootstock and the body of the plant have overwintered and do not need to be replanted.
Caring for perennial oregano
If oregano is in the right place, it is very undemanding. It thrives best on rather poor and dry soil in a sunny location in a herb bed or rock garden. Fertilize the oregano sparingly with commercial vegetable fertilizer or very ripe garden compost.
Oregano is harvested shortly before or during the flowering period, as that is when the aroma is most intense. To prepare for winter, cut the herb about a hand's width above the ground. Even though oregano is hardy, you should give it sufficient protection from the cold. Cover the herb with brushwood or a suitable fleece. In spring, shorten the old shoots close to the ground. This encourages the plant to grow strong and bushy.
Overwintering oregano in a pot
You can cultivate perennial oregano in pots on the balcony or terrace during the warm season. In mild regions it is sufficient to place the plant in a protected corner of the outdoor area during the winter months and protect it from the cold with a fleece or brushwood. In harsh areas, you should overwinter the perennial in a cool, frost-free room. Don't forget to water the oregano occasionally as the plant evaporates moisture through its leaves even in the winter months.
Tips & Tricks
The perennial can be propagated by division. In spring, carefully dig up the oregano and divide the root ball from top to bottom with a garden fork. Shorten the roots slightly and reinsert the sections.