Also known as oregano, the name marjoram covers a range of different wild plants. Some of these can be grown as perennials outdoors (plants that last for several years or more) whereas some may not survive our cold winters and need different treatment. Wild marjoram, also called oregano (Origanum vulgare) is hardy with strongly-flavoured leaves and is very attractive to butterflies.

However, it self seeds rampantly and can take over the garden so it is best avoided unless you have a wild, informal area or are happy to keep on top of the weeding. Pot marjoram (Origanum onites) or French marjoram (Origanum x onites) is a better bet for a formal herb garden, they are both popular herbs for Mediterranean dishes. All three reach a height and spread of around 45cm and have clusters of small pinkish flowers in summer.

However, pot and French marjoram are less hardy than the wild type and may die out in winter without the protection of a greenhouse or a cloche.
If you would prefer a gold-leaved variety to enliven your borders, there are plenty to choose from. Options include the attractive golden marjoram (Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' reaching a height and spread of about 60cm) and golden curly oregano (Origanum vulgare "Aureum Crispum", height and spread about 30cm) which, as its name suggests, has crinkled yellow leaves. As well as being edible, dwarf marjoram (Origanum vulgare "Compactum") is an excellent edging plant, try growing it at the front of the border or along a path.

Probably the very best for culinary flavour is sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana). This is a smaller plant reaching about 30cm tall, with tiny white flowers. However, it is not hardy and is often grown as an annual (raised from seed each year) or it should be taken into the greenhouse in winter. A more unusual type is Oreganum Hot And Spicy which grows to 60cm tall and has a strong and spicy flavour.

Planting
You can plant pot grown plants into borders or larger containers (which can then be carried indoors in winter for less hardy types). Alternatively, sow seeds into containers in autumn or in spring and keep at about 10-13°C (in a cold greenhouse, sheltered porch or cold frame).

Soil and position
Another Mediterranean herb, marjoram likes full sun and well-drained and preferably alkaline soil. However, the gold types can scorch in full sun so are best planted in partial shade

Care
Cut back the old flower stalks in early spring. If plants have spread too much or died out in places, lift and divide them in spring, replanting the split clumps where desired.