Sweet Marjoram

(Origanum majorana)

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Origanum majorana, commonly known as Sweet Marjoram, is a tender perennial herb or subshrub native to the Mediterranean region, specifically Cyprus, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including rocky hillsides and scrubby areas. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and spreads to a width of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm). Sweet Marjoram has oval, slightly hairy leaves that are highly aromatic, with sweet pine and citrus flavors, and it produces small, white to pale pink flowers in clusters during the summer months. The flowers are somewhat showy and attract pollinators.

Sweet Marjoram is valued for its fragrant leaves, which are used fresh or dried in culinary dishes. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities in herb gardens, borders, and containers. It requires well-drained soil and full sun to flourish and is drought-tolerant once established. While it is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9, it can be grown as an annual in colder climates or overwintered indoors. Sweet Marjoram is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

native to the Mediterranean region, specifically Cyprus, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including rocky hillsides and scrubby areas

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet Marjoram, Pot Marjoram, Majoran, Garten-Majoran, Knotted Marjoram, Mejorana, Marjolaine, Maggiorana, Marjolein, Echte Marjolein

Scientific Names: , Origanum majorana, Majorana hortensis, Origanum dubium, Origanum majoranoides, Origanum confertum, Majorana vulgaris, Origanum majorana var. tenuifolium, Amaracus majorana, Majorana cretica var. hortorum

GBIF Accepted Name: Origanum majorana L.