Oregano vs Marjoram: Hardiness Plus Growth Habit
The oregano vs marjoram question starts with hardiness. NC State Extension describes sweet marjoram as a tender perennial that may not survive winter north of USDA zone 9. Oregano is a hardier perennial. Both plants belong to the genus Origanum plus like full sun with good drainage.
The short answer
Oregano and sweet marjoram are close relatives in the genus Origanum. Oregano is a hardy perennial that can reach 3 feet tall. Sweet marjoram is smaller and is often grown as an annual in cold areas. Both need full sun, well drained soil plus regular trimming before they flower.
Which is more cold hardy?
University of Illinois Extension notes that true oregano is marginally hardy in zone 5. Many desirable types are grown as tender perennials plus may need to move indoors for winter.
NC State Extension notes that sweet marjoram may not survive a winter north of USDA zone 9. Container plants can come indoors before frost, but they usually do not overwinter well.
How do the plants look?
NC State Extension notes that oregano can reach 3 feet tall with a 2 foot spread. Illinois Extension describes a loose, open plant with gray green leaves plus small purple or white flowers.
Sweet marjoram reaches about 2 feet high plus wide. Its fragrant, hairy leaves are oval plus form an upright mound with small white flowers in summer.
| Trait | Oregano | Sweet marjoram |
|---|---|---|
| Life cycle | Hardy perennial | Tender perennial |
| Height | Up to 3 feet | About 2 feet |
| Flowers | Small purple or white | Small white |
Source: NC State Extension plus University of Illinois Extension.
What growing conditions suit each?
NC State Extension advises planting oregano in average soil with good drainage plus full sun. Golden or variegated forms seem to fare better with some shade in the heat of the day.
Sweet marjoram also needs full sun plus well drained soil. Both plants rot in wet, poorly drained soils.
How to: step by step
- Plant in full sun.
- Use average, well drained soil.
- Water once the top of the soil dries.
- Shear stems before flowers form for bushy growth.
- Leave 4 to 6 pairs of leaves when cutting oregano.
- Move marjoram pots indoors before frost in cold areas.
Troubleshooting
Leggy plants: low light. Shift plants to full sun.
Root rot: wet, poorly drained soil. Fix drainage.
Plants stop growing: flowering. Illinois Extension notes that letting oregano flower can slow or stop growth, so trim before buds open.
For related reading see leaf anatomy, bees in outdoor gardens plus companion plants. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Origanum vulgare (oregano), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Origanum majorana (sweet marjoram), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Oregano, University of Illinois Extension
- Oregano, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
FAQ
Is marjoram a perennial?
Sweet marjoram is a tender perennial, according to NC State Extension. It may not survive a winter north of USDA zone 9, where it is usually grown as an annual. Plants in containers can be brought indoors in fall before frost, but they often do not overwinter well inside.
Do both attract pollinators?
Yes. NC State Extension notes that oregano flowers attract a tremendous number of visitors plus pollinators. UF/IFAS adds that oregano has tiny purple flowers that bloom all summer. Sweet marjoram produces small white flowers in summer, though trimming before bloom reduces flowers on both plants.
Can both grow in pots?
Yes. NC State Extension notes that sweet marjoram container plants can be moved indoors before frost. Oregano also suits pots in a sunny spot. Use a well drained mix in either case, since both plants rot in saturated soil plus need full sun to grow well.
Should oregano be grown from seed?
Illinois Extension notes that oregano grown from seed often does not come true. It suggests obtaining plants grown from cuttings of high quality plants. UF/IFAS adds that oregano can be grown from seed, cuttings or division, so cuttings plus division give the most predictable plants.
How can oregano survive winter?
Illinois Extension suggests a winter mulch of evergreen boughs or straw applied in November or December after the soil has frozen. Good drainage is also required for winter survival. Less hardy types may need to be grown as tender perennials plus brought indoors for the winter.
