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Mexican Oregano

In the heat and dryness of this August month, I have been pleasantly surprised at the plants that are in full bloom. In my yard, Pride of Barbados, Thryallis, and Mexican oregano are making a pretty good show. Last week, my partner, Jackie Mattice, wrote about the beauty and success of Pride of Barbados. By the way, two highly visible examples of this plant in bloom are one hanging over the white picket fence at The Chamber of Commerce and another at the Wimberley Veterinary Clinic on RR12 South.

Thryallis is a small shrub with yellow flowers. (Maybe I will write on this plant another time.) In the meantime, I want to highlight the delight that Mexican Oregano has been providing. This lovely, small shrub has been covered in lilac flowers nearly all summer. Admittedly, when the flowers are not in peak bloom, they turn brown and hang on for a good long while. Mine, however, have come back and re-bloomed often enough to provide good color for the past several months.

Mexican Oregano (Poliomintha longiflora), an evergreen perennial, is an herb that is frequently used in Mexican cooking. Mexican Oregano grows quickly from seed, cuttings or crown divisions. It needs moderate watering. I grow it primarily for its abundance of lavender flowers and for its attraction to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

This plant grows in poor soil and needs full sun. If you are looking for a hardy plant with long-lasting color, fragrance, an herbal use and an attraction for some of nature’s most delightful flying critters, consider adding Mexican oregano to your landscape.

Written by Martha Knies

Wimberley View

P.O. Box 49
Wimberley, TX 78676
Phone: 512-847-2202
Fax: 512-847-9054