Origanum Bellissimo is an ornamental Oregano perennial native to the Mediterranean. Plants Nouveau developed this cultivar of the classic Italian herb as a spilling ground cover, well-suited to mixed containers and rock walls. It has a spreading habit of 6-8" tall and 18-24" wide with dark green, aromatic foliage covered in dark pink blooms from summer through early fall. Though this plant doesn't have culinary applications, it is drought tolerant, resists deer, and attracts pollinators. Perennial in zone 6-9, Origanum Bellissimo flourishes in full sun with minimal water, bringing depth and texture to the landscape or xeriscape. For a culinary variety, plant Oregano Greek in the herb garden.
Origanum Bellissimo Selling Tips
Sell Origanum Bellissimo to customers looking for a low-maintenance perennial groundcover or an attractive flowering plant to grow to spill over a rock wall or container. Customers, bees, and butterflies love this ornamental Oregano's aromatic foliage and dark pink blooms. This plant excels in full sun and drought, bringing color and texture to the landscape with almost no maintenance. Perennial in zone 6-9, Bellisimo lives up to its name. Grow this cultivar alongside Sedum in a xeriscape.
Coach Your Customer
1. Space plants 20" apart in well-drained soil in full sun. This plant excels in dry, sunny locations and looks great growing next to a rock wall, in a rock garden, as a groundcover, or in a container where it can spill over the edge.
2. Water occasionally or more often in extreme heat and drought.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Origanum Bellissimo, use one rooted plug per 4-inch container or three per 6-inch or larger container. Use a well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8-6.2, temperatures of 65-70 daytime and 55-60 nighttime, and light feed (150-200 ppm N) with a supplement of Iron to improve foliage color. Pinch once, 5-10 days after transplant. This plant doesn't require PGRs. You may see aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs, and root rot can develop in overly wet conditions.
Flowering
Dark pink flowers bloom from summer to early fall.
Pinching
Pinch once, 5-10 days after transplanting.
Spacing
Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base of each plant. Don't allow foliage to touch. We recommend growing Oregano in 4-inch or larger containers.
Height Control
This plant doesn't require PGRs.
Pests
You may see aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
Disease
This plant isn't prone to disease but root rot may develop in overly wet conditions. Water at the base of each plant in the morning and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Provide good airflow in your greenhouse and space containers so sunlight can penetrate to the soil level of each plant.
Planting Origanum Bellissimo Liners
We recommend planting one rooted plug per 4-inch container or three per 6- or 10-inch container. Use a well-drained soil and evenly space or center the ellepot(s) in the container.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Herb Origanum Bellissimo Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 6 Weeks |
|---|
| 10 Inch crop time | 10 Weeks |
|---|
| Bloom Period | Fall, Summer |
|---|
| Color | Pink |
|---|
| Habit | Spreading |
|---|
| Height | 6-8 Inches |
|---|
| Light | Full Sun |
|---|
| Minimum Temp | 55 |
|---|
| Perennial Zone | 6-9 |
|---|
| Water Needs | Light |
|---|
| Patented Plant | Yes |
|---|
