Origanum dictamnus, Dittany of Crete
The word Oregano is derived from the Greek oros, meaning ‘mountain’ and ganos, meaning ‘joy’ and ‘beauty’, how right. This is the most wonderful group of plants that not only look stunning at this time of year but are also useful in the kitchen and very beneficial for bees and butterflies.
The leaves of this herb have a wonderful rounded flavour and a tea can be made from the leaves to ease an upset stomach. Sadly this oregano, is now endangered in the wild. To grow it in the UK you must plant it in a very well drained soil as otherwise our wet winters will cause it to rot.
Another wonderful oregano in this group is Origanum ‘Kent Beauty’ much beloved by bees.
Origanum ‘Kent Beuaty’
These amazing bracts which surround the small flowers turn an even deeper shade of pink as the flowers fade.
The bracts dry beautifully making them ideal for dried flower arrangements and a wonderful Christmas presents for friends.
Origanum ‘Jekka’s Beauty’
This oregano I found as a seedling growing along side Origanum dictamnus. I propagated it and found that it ran true from cuttings so named it Origanum ‘Jekka’s Beauty’. The leaves of this oregano are also hairy, just like O. dictamnus, and they also have a good culinary flavour.
With all these special, beautiful, Oregano’s it is essential to cut them back hard after flowering so that they make a new crown of leaves which will then help the plant survive the winter months. You will then be rewarded with a spectacular display in the following summer.
I certainly concur with your comments about bees – I have 5 hives in my garden and the oregano is currently the most popular plant.
Reblogged this on The Botanical Baker and commented:
I started growing oregano a few summers ago and I wish I’d had this article by Jekka’s Herb Farm for reference.
I’ve been using oregano a lot in salads and breads. It’s a great source of Vitamin K which I am deficient in. It’s one of those vitamins that people forget about but is actually essential for good bone health.
As with many herbs, it’s a great source of fibre. The variety I grow is subtle enough to use liberally.
Finally, you may not know that oregano is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Odd eh?
Aside from all of those lovely health benefits, growing oregano and particularly the ‘Kent Beauty’ below, is great for our bees. I know they can be a pain – especially with children around – but think about life without them? No honey for starters!
Thank you for the r-eblog and for your added information. I had no idea about the Omega-3 fatty acids. The wonderful world of herbs one is always learning.
Pleasure. I love the imagery and really look forward to visiting you one day to take my own!
Next year we will be opening our Herboretum . We are going to be planting up our herb collection in raised beds according to plant families and species. So I look forward to showing you around.
Sounds exciting and it’s a date!
Excellent see you in 2013!!
Hi…
I’ve used oil of oregano for any skin conditions. I found that oil of oregano gets rid of ringworm but it also stings. Any suggestions for my baby?
Thank you
Eva Maryam
I would always check the strength of any oil when using it on a babies skin which is so soft and delicate. My favourite oil when my son was a baby was almond oil.
Thanks for the tips on oil of oregano, had never heard of it before.