Marjoram for the bees
by Diane - July 18th, 2012.Filed under: Crocus.
They’ll love this! It’s on the RHS list of plants for bees.
Origanum laevigatum ‘Herrenhausen’ (marjoram) £6.99
Position: full sun Soil: poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: June to September Hardiness: fully hardy Small, round, purple-flushed, inedible leaves are topped, from June to September, by dense clusters of tiny pink flowers borne on red-purple stems. As it matures, the foliage turns dark green. Marjoram is a long- flowering perennial that makes a colourful edging plant for a sunny, well- drained border or herb garden. It thrives on alkaline soil, an important consideration when planting a site recently cleared of builders’ rubble. Garden care: Cut back old faded flower-heads and stems in spring.
Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’ (golden wild marjoram) £6.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil Rate of growth: slow to average Flowering period: June to September Hardiness: fully hardy Loose clusters of pale pink flowers appear from mid summer to early autumn among aromatic golden leaves that mature to a deeper green. This golden, wild marjoram makes a pretty edging plant for a sunny herb or gravel garden, where the leaves can be used to make savoury sauces. It thrives on alkaline soil, an important consideration when planting a site recently cleared of builders’ rubble. Garden care: Ensure that plants are well watered during the growing season. Cut back established plants by a two-thirds in late summer to prevent them from becoming too straggly.