Syn. Majorana syriaca, bible hyssop. This plant may also be called za'atar after it's association with the herb-spice mixture. A bushy perennial shrub with highly aromatic foliage, the leaves are ovate, grey-green and grow in dense clusters on the stems. The flowers are tiny and white, sometimes tinged with pink, and borne in clusters on grey-green bracts in mid-summer. The leaves are best harvested before flowering, or you can cut back the flowers to promote more leaf growth in summer.
It can be a bit tender in frosty conditions, so may need some protection early in the mornings if there's no sun. There are no real problems with pests who don't seem to like the foliage as much as humans do. The main threat to its survival is wet soil conditions. It thrives on poor, stony, free draining ground. Otherwise, it is possible to plant it on a small mound to reduce the wet soil/root zone problem in winter.
More interesting information relating to this plant on Wikkipedia (EN)
We are a plant nursery in the Algarve specialising in dry mediterranean species. We propagate and grow our own stock in conditions they are likely to endure when they are planted out.
We grow plants that are adapted to the dry land conditions in Portugal and southern Spain, both mediterranean perennials and succulents.
We choose plants that require very little water and maintenance. We produce a range of dry land plants that are typical of the worlds mediterranean regions. These are available to order ready for planting in the wetter months of the year. Please order the plants you need and we’ll have them ready at the best time for planting.
To ensure your new plants adapt and establish quickly, we produce them in special anti-spiral root pruning containers and a range of fibre pots (no plastic waste) with our own tried and tested growing media.
Viveiros Jardimseco
Tavira, Algarve
Please note we have no retail outlet or garden centre and are not open to the public. For more information you can contact us here.
Plantas adaptadas à seca - produzimos plantas adaptadas às condições de Portugal e Sul de Espanha, tanto espécies mediterrânicas como suculentas.
Oferecemos uma gama de espécies típicas das zonas climáticas mediterrânicas em todo o mundo.