Culture
Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates gritty, sandy loams. Superior soil drainage is the key to growing this plant well. Good heat and drought tolerance. Generally considered to be winter hardy to the St. Louis area, but winter survival may be enhanced by siting this plant in a protected location with a winter mulch. May also be grown as a flowering annual in containers, hanging baskets and window boxes.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Origanum libanoticum is native to Lebanon. It is a species of oregano that is grown ornamentally for its attractive flowers and foliage and not for culinary purposes. It is sometimes commonly called ornamental oregano. It typically grows 10-15” high and to 18” or more wide. Overlapping pale green bracts flushed with pink droop from the ends of wiry stems. The bracts are the main attraction, with additional interest from the tiny rose-pink flowers poking out from under the bracts. Flowers bloom summer to fall. Flowered bracts are hop-like in appearance, hence the sometimes used common name of hopflower oregano for this species. Ovate, obtuse leaves to 1/2”. Although the foliage is aromatic, it is not of the pungency and quality expected for culinary oreganos.
Genus name probably comes from the Greek words oros meaning "mountain" and gamos meaning "beauty" in reference to the physical appearance of this plant which is sometimes native of mountain areas where it is appropriately referred to as "beauty of the mountain".
Specific epithet means of Mount Lebanon, Lebanon.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in wet, poorly drained soils. Watch for aphids and spider mites.
Uses
Border fronts or rock gardens. Edger. Effective when grown as an annual in window boxes, hanging baskets or containers. Bracted flowers are prized for dried arrangements.