Origanum dictamnus

Dittany of Crete
Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Annuals, Herbs, Perennials

ORIGANUM

Mint relatives with tight clusters of small flowers. Each blossom has a collar of bracts—large, colorful, and quite decorative in some species—that can overlap to give the inflorescence the look of a small pinecone. Blossoms are especially attractive to bees, butterflies. Many species have aromatic foliage, and the leaves of several have culinary use. Some are good as ground covers, as trailers to cascade over rocks or retaining walls, or in hanging baskets. Those with conspicuous bracts are attractive dried and used in wreaths and arrangements; cut and hang just as first flowers open.

Not fussy about soil type but need good drainage. In milder climates, many species can become woody with age, but wood of previous seasons is seldom as productive as new growth from the base. For best results, cut previous year's stems to ground in winter or early spring. Propagate by division or from cuttings taken before flower buds form. The various species hybridize freely, and seedlings may not resemble the parents. Colored leaf varieties need a half day of direct sun for best color but can burn in afternoon sun in hot-summer areas.

Origanum dictamnus

Native to Crete. Grows 8 in. high, 2 ft. wide, with slender, arching, 1-ft. stems. Thick, roundish, woolly white leaves to 3/4 in. long. Pink to purplish flowers emerge from rose-tinted light green bracts; blooms summer to fall.