Round-leaved oregano

Description

Origanum rotundifolium, the round-leaved oregano, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Turkey, Armenia and Georgia. It is a small woody-based perennial or subshrub growing to 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, with strongly aromatic leaves, and loose clusters of pink flowers with hop-like pale green bracts, throughout the summer. The specific epithet rotundifolium means "round-leaved". This plant is used as a culinary herb, as an ornamental plant in herb gardens and as groundcover in sunny, well-drained situations. It prefers alkaline soil, and dislikes winter wetness. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.