Kent Beauty ornamental oregano
Origanum 'Kent Beauty'
Kent Beauty ornamental oregano (Origanum 'Kent Beauty') is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 8–12 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Pink hop-like bracts cascade over walls. Drought-tough, pollinator favorite.
On the CSU listlow to medium water4–8 in tall and 8–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Origanum 'Kent Beauty'
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Kent Beauty'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–8 in tall and 8–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
- Growth habit
- Trailing
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- pink, purple
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Between pavers & flagstones, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Kent Beauty ornamental oregano as a groundcover
Kent Beauty ornamental oregano trails and roots as it goes. It fills in to a moderately dense cover.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer. Mediterranean, needs sharp drainage and supplemental water in our dry Junes.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Kent Beauty ornamental oregano good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Kent Beauty ornamental oregano is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Kent Beauty ornamental oregano?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Kent Beauty ornamental oregano get?
- It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 8–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Kent Beauty ornamental oregano?
- Space Kent Beauty ornamental oregano about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Kent Beauty ornamental oregano hardy on the Front Range?
- Kent Beauty ornamental oregano is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Kent Beauty ornamental oregano need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Kent Beauty ornamental oregano safe for dogs?
- No. Kent Beauty ornamental oregano is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Kent Beauty ornamental oregano deer-resistant?
- Kent Beauty ornamental oregano is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Kent Beauty ornamental oregano a good firewise plant near the house?
- Kent Beauty ornamental oregano is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Kent Beauty ornamental oregano?
- Kent Beauty ornamental oregano isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Will Kent Beauty ornamental oregano spread or stay put?
- Kent Beauty ornamental oregano is trailing. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Kent Beauty ornamental oregano stay green in winter?
- Kent Beauty ornamental oregano keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
- How long does Kent Beauty ornamental oregano bloom?
- Kent Beauty ornamental oregano blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
