Origanum rotundifolium 'Goodwin Creek' (Goodwin Creek Oregano)

Origanum ‘Goodwin Creek’ is a distinctive ornamental oregano introduced and named here at Goodwin Creek Gardens. Raised from open-pollinated seed of Origanum rotundifolium, this plant is a natural hybrid, selected for its exceptional bract color, compact habit, and toughness.

This low-growing perennial forms a tidy mound of gray-green foliage, topped in season with long, slender bracts in chartreuse flushed with rose, creating a soft, trailing effect that works beautifully in containers and garden edges. While many ornamental oreganos can be short-lived, ‘Goodwin Creek’ stands out for its remarkable cold hardiness and drought tolerance.

Once established, this plant thrives in lean, well-drained soils, requires little to no supplemental water, and needs virtually no special care. It is well adapted to long, dry summers and cold winters, making it a reliable choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance, high-impact ornamentals.

In addition to its ornamental value, ‘Goodwin Creek’ is highly attractive to pollinators, bringing bees and beneficial insects into the garden during bloom.

Highlights

• Introduced and named by Goodwin Creek Gardens
• Ornamental oregano with chartreuse and rose bracts
• Compact gray-green foliage with tidy growth habit
• Extremely cold hardy and drought tolerant
• Thrives in lean, well-draining soils
• Excellent pollinator plant

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Origanum ‘Goodwin Creek’
• Common name: Goodwin Creek ornamental oregano
• Plant type: Perennial
• Mature height: Up to 10 in.
• Spread: Up to 1 ft.
• Foliage: Gray-green, compact
• Bracts: Chartreuse with rose tones
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Lean, well-draining soil
• Winter hardiness: To 0°F and below
• Drought tolerance: Adapted to 4 months of summer drought
• Care: No special care required; benefits from good drainage

Best Uses

• Ornamental garden beds and borders
• Containers and raised planters
• Pollinator-friendly plantings
• Rock gardens and dry gardens
• Low-maintenance landscapes