Origanum 'Kent Beauty'

Hybrid Round-leaved Oregano

Origanum ‘Kent Beauty’
Kent Beauty Ornamental Oregano

Origanum ‘Kent Beauty’ is a low-growing ornamental oregano grown mostly for its showy, hop-like flower bracts rather than for culinary use. This semi-evergreen perennial or small subshrub forms trailing to mounding stems with small, rounded, aromatic blue-green to silvery-green leaves. In summer, pendant clusters of papery bracts open in soft shades of pale green, cream, and pink, with small tubular pink flowers tucked among the bracts. It is especially attractive spilling over containers, rock walls, troughs, and sunny border edges.

Type: Semi-evergreen perennial / ornamental herb
Mature Size: 9–12 in. wide × 6–9 in. tall
USDA Zones: 6a–9b; often grown as an annual in colder or wet-winter areas
Form: Low, mounding to trailing; cascading stems
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Well-drained, dry to medium soil; drought tolerant once established; dislikes heavy, wet soil
Bloom Time / Length: June–September; long summer bloom, often into early fall
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and butterflies; deer and rabbit resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for containers, hanging baskets, rock gardens, walls, edging, troughs, and dry sunny borders. The dangling pink-and-green bracts give it a soft, cascading look, making it one of the most ornamental oreganos. It is also useful as a dried flower because the papery bracts hold their form well.

Care:
Plant in full sun with sharp drainage. Avoid overwatering and avoid rich, soggy soils, especially in winter. Trim back old stems in spring once new growth begins. Pinch lightly after bloom if needed to keep the plant compact. In colder zones, grow in a container and overwinter in a protected, cool, bright location.

Plant type

Herb, Perennial

Height

6"-9"

Width

9"-12"

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Fall, Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Pink, White

Leaf color

Dark Spring Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Average, Dry Area, Well Drained

Shape

Low Mounding, Spreading

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No