Oregano, Origanum spp., is not only a perennial herb used for cooking, it is also an excellent ground cover for sun or partial shade and has few pest problems. Oregano grows to a height of  10 to 30 inches and spreads 18 to 30 inches and should be planted 12 to 18 inches apart. Flowers are white to mauvish purple in the summer. Propagation is done from cuttings, seed and division. Greek oregano is my favorite and is easy to grow in well-drained garden soil, baskets, or containers and is winter hardy.

Oregano is used to flavor Greek and Italian food and often called the pizza herb. It is used in tomato dishes and chili powders. Greek and Italian oregano are very similar, but Greek oregano is lower growing and the easiest to grow. Sweet marjoram is very similar. The unrelated plant Mexican oregano is primarily a decorative herb with tube like lavender flowers. Cuban oregano is another striking ornamental plant that should be treated as an annual.

Oregano has several additional uses. It seems to deter insects with its strong odor. I use the foliage as a flavorful addition to my herb tea, and essential oil of oregano is used as a skin antiseptic.