1 / 4Key characteristics
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 12 to 18 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Pale pink to light purple
- Foliage color
- Golden-yellow
- Bloom time
- Summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; trim back after blooming to encourage new growth
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees and butterflies
Groundcovers
Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
Golden Oregano
Origanum vulgare 'Aureum', commonly known as Golden Oregano, is a vivid perennial herb valued for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage. This cultivar retains its rich color throughout the growing season, adding a splash of bright hue to herb gardens and mixed borders. In mid to late summer, it produces small, pale pink to white flowers that attract pollinators and add a delicate touch to the plant's overall appearance.
Works well in
- Cottage Gardens
- Borders
- Pollinator Gardens
- Containers
Companion plants
Thyme · Potentilla · Salvia · Yarrow · Sedums · Blue oat grass
Design tip
Use this golden foliage to brighten sunny borders where it creates vibrant contrast with deeper greens and cool-colored flowers. Repeat bold foliage accents with airy blooms and graceful grasses to unify the planting while adding texture, movement, and seasonal color.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
More groundcovers
Heuchera x 'TNHEUNEA'
Northern Exposure Amber Coral Bells
Blooms white
Partial shade to full sun
Calluna vulgaris 'Firefly'
Firefly Heather
Blooms bright purple-pink
Full sun to part shade
Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’
Angelina Stonecrop
Blooms yellow
Full sun to partial shade
Heuchera x 'Lime Marmalade'
Lime Marmalade Coral Bells
Blooms creamy white
Partial shade to full sun