Wild Oregano - Origanum vulgare

Wild Oregano – ancient rarity with versatile aroma. 

This wild plant is a traditional, perennial spice, tea, oil, and medicinal plant with a spicy-aromatic flavor, intense aroma, and abundant essential oils. It grows robustly and is ideally suited for cultivation in open ground, greenhouses, or pots. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and perfect for self-sufficiency and natural gardening.

  Origin & History

Wild oregano (Origanum vulgare, also called common marjoram) originally comes from the Mediterranean regions of Europe and is today also widespread in North America, Asia, and North Africa. It is one of the oldest spice and medicinal plants of international importance.

Already in the 1st century AD, the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides described oregano in his famous medical work De materia medica. Hippocrates also used it to promote digestion and for women’s ailments. In the Middle Ages, oregano (wild marjoram) was cultivated in monastery and castle gardens because of its valuable ingredients.

The name “Oregano” comes from the Greek “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy) – meaning “joy of the mountain.” In addition to its culinary significance, it also carried cultural symbolism: in Greece, oregano was considered a symbol of happiness and joy and was traditionally used at weddings.

It often grows wild in dry locations such as forest edges, slopes, and meadows. To this day, it is the versatile seasoning for pizza, soups, pasta, and tomato sauces, and a valued cultural asset in international organic horticulture.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant is perennial and forms compact, bushy shrubs with small, aromatic leaves and pink to purple flowers that attract numerous insects. Its shallow root system makes it ideal for pot cultivation, rock gardens, and rooftop plantings.

Plant details:

• Height: Compact, approx. 30-80 cm

• Form: Bushy, branched

• Leaves: Small, oval, dark green

• Flowers: Pink to purple, arranged in panicles.

• Flavor: Spicy-aromatic, intense – retains its aroma even when heated.

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

‘Wild Oregano’ is a versatile spice for pizza, pasta sauces, soups, as well as meat and sausage dishes, and also finds its place in Mediterranean and Cajun recipes. The leaves can be used to prepare an aromatic herbal tea, while the essential oil is applied in natural medicine and cosmetics – it promotes digestion, has antibacterial effects, and relaxes the muscles. Traditionally, it has been used as a natural antibiotic and to relieve cold symptoms and skin problems. The decorative flowers are also a valuable source of nectar for bees and attract numerous butterflies.

The variety grows reliably in open ground, greenhouses, and pots. It is hardy down to –23 °C and highly drought-tolerant. As a typical Mediterranean herb, it is perfectly suited for rock gardens, wall crowns, or sites near houses. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth. After 4–5 years, replanting is recommended, as the content of active substances decreases over time. In addition, the variety is slug-resistant and therefore particularly easy to care for.

Compared to other oregano varieties, ‘Wild Oregano’ is especially versatile, robust, and historically significant – ideal for garden lovers who appreciate perennial wild herbs with Mediterranean aroma.