Origanum ‘Bellissimo’

Common Name:
Bellissimo Ornamental Oregano

Description:
Origanum 'Bellissimo' is a compact, mounding ornamental oregano grown for its cascading flower bracts, aromatic foliage and long-lasting seasonal display. Slender stems carry clusters of attractive hop-like bracts in shades of soft green, pink and mauve-purple, with small flowers emerging amongst the colourful bracts. Its neat, trailing habit makes it particularly effective in pots, hanging baskets, raised beds, rockeries and along retaining walls, where the flowering stems can spill gracefully over edges. In Melbourne, the main display occurs from late spring through summer and can extend into autumn under favourable conditions. 'Bellissimo' performs best in full sun with excellent drainage and is well suited to Mediterranean and water-wise gardens. Once established, it tolerates heat and periods of dry weather and generally requires little maintenance. Avoid waterlogged soil, particularly through Melbourne's wetter winter months, and trim spent flowering stems to maintain a compact habit and encourage fresh growth.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
• Ground Cover

Mature Size:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Width: 30–50 cm

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• Mauve
• Pink
• Purple

Key Attributes:

• Aromatic Foliage
• Bee Attracting
• Drought Tolerant
• Heat Tolerant
• Perennial
• Suitable for Pots

Toxicity:
Origanum is generally considered low risk to humans when grown as an ornamental plant. Ingestion of substantial quantities may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets, particularly dogs and cats. Ornamental cultivars such as 'Bellissimo' should not be assumed to be suitable for culinary use unless specifically sold for that purpose.

Companion Plants:

• Dianthus
• Helianthemum
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Salvia
• Santolina
• Sedum
• Thyme

Plant Growers Australia (PGA) is an innovative wholesale production nursery based in Melbourne, renowned for superior quality garden plants and pioneering breeding programs.
PGA do not sell direct to the public, but their website has detailed information on this species that is available for everyone to access. 
Visit www.pga.com.au for further details and photos of this plant.