Oregano and marjoram are popular culinary herbs that add flavor to a wide range of dishes. Closely related members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), they share many cultural requirements but differ in flavor and winter hardiness. Oregano is a hardy perennial that can survive Iowa winters, while sweet marjoram is a tender perennial typically grown as an annual in Iowa gardens. Both are easy to grow and perform well in herb gardens, vegetable gardens, containers, and landscape plantings.

With adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and modest care, oregano and marjoram are productive herbs for Iowa gardeners. Their attractive foliage, pollinator-friendly flowers, and versatile culinary uses make them valuable additions to home gardens and containers.

Species & Cultivars

Although oregano and marjoram look similar, oregano typically has a stronger, more pungent flavor, while marjoram has a sweeter, more delicate taste.

Oregano

Many plants are sold as oregano (Origanum vulgare), but flavor, winter hardiness, and ornamental value vary among species and cultivars. Different varieties have different flavors and uses. Common oregano types include:

Greek oregano (O. vulgare supsp. hirtum) is considered the best culinary oregano because of its strong aroma and flavor. This is the type that is in your spice rack. 6-9 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. Hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 4.
Russian oregano (O. vulgare supsp. gracile) is native to Western Asia and the Middle East. Used primarily as a culinary herb, plants are also attractive with dark green leaves and white to pink to purple flowers. 12-18 inches tall and wide. Hardy to Zone 4.
Ornamenal oregano (O. laevigatum) is an attractive midsummer bloomer in purple. Well suited for hot, sunny locations with poor soil and a favorite of pollinators. 2 feet tall and wide. Hardy to Zone 5.
'Harrenhausen' is a cultivar of O. laevigatum with attractive aromatic leaves that emerge green to reddish-purple on red stems and develop deeper purple coloration as the season progresses, especially in cooler temperatures. 12-18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Hardy to Zone 5.
'Aureum' is an ornamental cultivar of O. vulgare best in part-sun or with protection from the late-day sun. It features gold leaves and pink to purple flowers. 6-12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Hardy to Zone 4.
'Aureum Crispum' is a gold-leafed cultivar of O. vulgare with crinkled leaves and attractive pink to purple flowers. 6-12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Hardy to Zone 4.
'Bristol Cross' is a hybrid of O. laevigatum and O. rotundifolium grown for its ornamental appeal with cascading stems, fragrant green leaves, and mild oregano flavor that can be used for cooking. Showy rose-tinged chartreuse bracts resemble decorative chains and surround small purple flowers in summer. 6-9 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. Hardy to Zone 5.
'Hot and Spicy' is a vigorous oregano cultivar valued for its intense, spicy flavor with highly aromatic dark green leaves. Small white to pink-purple flowers appear in summer, but the flavorful foliage is its primary garden feature. 12-18 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Hardy to Zone 4.
'Kent Beauty' is an ornamental oregano hybrid between O. rotundifolium and O. scabrum grown for its attractive foliage and flowers rather than culinary use. It forms a trailing mound with small, gray-green leaves and drooping clusters of pink, hop-like bracts from summer into fall. The aromatic foliage has limited culinary value, but the long-lasting flowers are excellent for fresh or dried arrangements and frequently visited by pollinators. 6-9 inches tall and 9-12 inches wide. Hardy to Zone 6.

Marjoram

Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is closely related to oregano but has a milder, sweeter flavor. Its gray-green leaves and compact growth habit make it attractive in herb gardens and containers. It grows 1-2 feet tall and wide and is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 9. While it doesn't survive the winter, it is easily grown as an annual from seed.

The cultivar 'Aurea' is known for its golden leaves and is used as an ornamental rather than for culinary uses (although you could use it in your sauce if you wanted to!).

Growing Conditions

Both oregano and marjoram thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plants perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Like many Mediterranean herbs, they prefer soils with low to moderate fertility and do not tolerate excessively wet conditions. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and reduced vigor.

Oregano is hardy in Iowa and returns year after year when planted in a suitable location. Sweet marjoram is not reliably winter hardy and is generally grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in containers.

Care

Origanum laevigatum 'Harrenhausen' — *Origanum laevigatum* 'Harrenhausen' ⁽⁴⁾

Once established, oregano and marjoram require relatively little maintenance. Water plants during extended dry periods, but allow the soil surface to dry slightly between irrigations. Excessive watering and overfertilization can reduce flavor and encourage weak growth.

Pinching shoot tips when plants are young encourages branching and produces fuller, bushier plants. Removing flower buds or flower stalks can also help maintain leaf production and improve flavor quality. Older oregano plants may become woody and benefit from periodic pruning or division.

In late fall, a light winter mulch can help improve the survival of less hardy oregano selections. Remove mulch as growth resumes in spring. Marjoram can be grown in a container indoors during winter or allowed to die with the first frost.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest oregano and marjoram as needed once plants are well established. The highest concentration of aromatic oils occurs just before flowering, making this the best time for larger harvests. Cut stems several inches above the soil, leaving enough foliage for regrowth.

Fresh leaves can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for several days. For long-term storage, stems can be bundled and dried in a warm, dark, well-ventilated location. Once completely dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers away from heat and light. Properly dried oregano and marjoram retain their flavor for many months.

variegated oregano — Variegated oregano ⁽⁵⁾

Propagation

Oregano and marjoram can both be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division. Seeds may be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost or sown directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Oregano grown from seed may vary in flavor and growth habit, so superior cultivars are often propagated from cuttings or division.

Established oregano plants can be divided every few years in spring to maintain vigor and create additional plants. Softwood stem cuttings root readily and provide a reliable method of preserving desirable cultivars.

Uses

Oregano is a staple ingredient in Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisine. Its bold flavor is commonly used in tomato sauces, pizzas, soups, salads, roasted vegetables, and meat dishes.

Marjoram has a sweeter, more delicate flavor and is frequently used in soups, egg dishes, poultry, sausage, cheeses, and vegetable recipes. Because its flavor is milder than oregano, it is often added toward the end of cooking.

Both herbs can be used fresh or dried and are valuable additions to culinary herb gardens. Their flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.

Potential Problems

Oregano and marjoram typically experience few insect or disease issues when grown in sunny, well-drained locations. Root and stem rots are the most common problems and are usually associated with poorly drained soils or excessive moisture.

Aphids and spider mites occasionally infest plants, particularly during hot, dry weather or when plants are grown indoors. These pests rarely cause significant damage and can often be managed with strong sprays of water.

Older plants may become woody, sparse, and less productive. Regular pruning and periodic division help maintain vigorous growth and high-quality foliage.

More Information

Photo credits: 1: bildlove AdobeStock; 2: olyapon AdobeStock; 3: nahhan AdobeStock; 4: AngieC AdobeStock; 5: Cindy Haynes

Authors:

Aaron Steil

Last reviewed:

July 2026

All About Oregano and Marjoram