Hopflower Oregano
Origanum libanoticum
Hopflower Oregano (Origanum libanoticum) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18–24 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Arching stems with pendant hop-like papery pink bracts; pollinator favorite.
Plant Select®low water18–24 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
Plan your garden
Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.
Ready to plant this?
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Origanum libanoticum
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 18–24 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Bloom color
- pink, green
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Pollinator value
- high
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
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Hopflower Oregano good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Hopflower Oregano is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Hopflower Oregano?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Hopflower Oregano get?
- It matures to about 18–24 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Hopflower Oregano?
- Space Hopflower Oregano about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Hopflower Oregano hardy on the Front Range?
- Hopflower 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 Hopflower Oregano need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Hopflower Oregano safe for dogs?
- No. Hopflower Oregano is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Hopflower Oregano deer-resistant?
- Hopflower Oregano is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Hopflower Oregano a good firewise plant near the house?
- Hopflower Oregano is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. 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.
- How long does Hopflower Oregano bloom?
- Hopflower 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.
