Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Origanum ‘Bristol Cross’
Bristol Cross Oregano
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 1 to 2 feet
- Width
- 1 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- Pinkish-purple bracts with small, purple tubular flowers
- Foliage color
- Gray-green, aromatic
- Bloom time
- Mid to late summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; drought-tolerant
- Maintenance
- Low; minimal pruning required
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Origanum 'Bristol Cross' produces dangling clusters of rosy pink flowers surrounded by papery pink to mauve bracts from midsummer into early fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Small, rounded gray-green leaves are lightly aromatic and densely arranged along slender stems, forming a tidy mound that provides soft texture throughout the growing season. As the flowers mature, the colorful bracts become the dominant ornamental feature, extending the display and adding graceful movement to the garden and fresh or dried arrangements.
Developed through ornamental breeding from Mediterranean oregano species, this cultivar was selected for its decorative bracts and long-lasting floral display. It is well suited to rock gardens, borders, containers, and cottage gardens, where its cascading flower clusters and aromatic foliage provide texture, color, and seasonal interest.
Works well in
Rock Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Thyme · Rockroses · Salvia · Yarrow · Sedums · Blue oat grass
Design tip
Plant this ornamental oregano where its cascading flower bracts can spill naturally over rocks, walls, or container edges. Combine silver foliage, upright bloom spikes, and fine ornamental grasses to create contrast, movement, and a relaxed Mediterranean-inspired planting.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
