Oregano vulg. 'County Cream'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: ‘County Cream’ oregano thrives in full sun, which helps bring out the strongest flavour and healthiest growth.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers well-drained soil—sandy or loamy is ideal. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils unless improved with grit.

• pH Range: Grows well in slightly acidic to alkaline soils (pH 6.0–8.0).

• Moisture Needs: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring after the last frost. Can be grown from seed, cuttings, or purchased young plants.

• Spacing: Allow 30–40 cm between plants to ensure good airflow and prevent fungal issues.

• Container Growing: Performs well in pots and window boxes—ideal for patios and balconies. Use a free-draining compost mix and position in full sun.

• Positioning Tips: Perfect for herb gardens, raised beds, rockeries, or as a decorative edging plant.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering: Water sparingly once plants are established, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can reduce flavour and lead to root rot.

• Feeding: ‘County Cream’ oregano doesn’t need heavy feeding. Apply a light organic fertilizer or seaweed feed in spring to boost growth. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which produce lush but less flavourful leaves.

• Pruning:

  • Pinch out tips regularly to encourage bushy growth.

  • Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh foliage.

• Harvesting: Pick leaves as needed once plants are established. For best flavour, harvest just before flowering when essential oils are at their peak.

• Flowering Control: Remove flowers if you want to maximise leaf production, or allow them to bloom for ornamental value and pollinator support.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free. Occasionally, aphids or spider mites may appear—treat early with organic controls.

• Winter Care: Hardy perennial in most regions (UK H5). In colder climates, mulch lightly in late autumn or bring container plants into a sheltered location.

• Propagation: Divide clumps every 2–3 years in spring or take cuttings in summer to refresh plants and maintain vigour.

Flavour, Uses, and Garden Value

• Flavour Profile: ‘County Cream’ oregano has a milder, sweeter flavour than common oregano, with a pleasant herbal aroma. The cream-edged variegated leaves add visual appeal as well as taste.

• Culinary Uses:

  • Ideal in Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek dishes.

  • Excellent for pizzas, pasta sauces, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables.

  • Can be dried for winter use—dry quickly in a warm, airy place to preserve flavour.

• Herbal Uses: Contains natural antioxidants and is used in herbal remedies for digestive and respiratory support.

• Ornamental Value: Variegated cream-and-green leaves add colour contrast in the garden, making it both a culinary and ornamental plant.

• Pollinator Friendly: Summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

• Companion Planting: Deters certain pests when planted near cabbage family crops, peppers, and beans.

• Design Uses:

  • Excellent as a low-maintenance edging plant along sunny paths or beds.

  • Fits well in herb spirals, cottage gardens, and Mediterranean-style plantings.

  • Combines beautifully with lavender, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic border.

• Yield and Longevity: Reliable perennial that produces for many years with minimal care.

• Size
  9cm

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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