Origanum dictamnus aka Cretan Dittany

Origanum dictamnus, or dittany of Crete, belongs to the mint family. This small evergreen subshrub comes from Crete in Greece. It grows among rocks on dry mountain slopes. Some wild sites offer shade among high mountain rocks. In gardens, it forms a low, bushy mound with spreading branches. Its scent and small size suit herb gardens and pots.

Plants reach about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] tall. They spread about 1.5–2 feet [0.46–0.61 metres] wide. RHS also gives a broader height band reaching 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Arching stems carry rounded leaves with a thick woolly coat. The leaves look grey-green and may have purple patches. They reach about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. Their scent and mild oregano taste add to their appeal.

Small pink to purple flowers appear from June to August. Each flower has two lips and a funnel-like shape. The blooms hang in dense clusters that look like hops. Greenish bracts surround the flowers, then turn reddish-purple as seeds form. These bracts add colour beyond the small blooms themselves. Flower stems also suit drying. The plant works along borders and as low edging. Its trailing flower clusters suit hanging baskets and window boxes.

Give this plant full sun and soil that drains well. It prefers neutral to alkaline ground and gritty, sandy loam. Poor or moderately fertile soil suits it well. It tolerates some shade, heat, drought, and dry soil. Young plants may benefit from afternoon shade in hot summers. High humidity and wet winter soil can cause trouble. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10. RHS rates it H3, for mild UK sites. In colder places, grow it as an annual or overwinter pots indoors. Sow seed to raise new plants. Remove old flower stems in early spring.

Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon, but wet soil can cause root rot. Aphids, leafhoppers, and glasshouse red spider mites may attack. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Leaves flavour salads and vermouth, while dried flowering tops make tea. PFAF lists no known hazards; this does not establish pet safety. It records past medicinal use for stomach complaints, wounds, rheumatism, and stimulating childbirth. Those uses have largely fallen out of modern herbal practice.