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 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.

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.

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Hopflower Oregano

Origanum libanoticum

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Hopflower Oregano (Origanum libanoticum) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18 to 24 in tall and 18 to 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 to 24 in tall and 18 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs

Photos

Photo 1: (c) elias ziade, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: Elie plus, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: Elie plus, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: Ghislain118 (AD) http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 18 to 24 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide
Planting spacing: ~17 to 24 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer, early fall
Bloom color: pink, green
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 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 to 24 in tall and 18 to 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
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.