Origanum (/oʊˈrɪɡənəm/ oh-RIG-ə-nəm[3]) is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae.

They are native to Europe, North Africa, and much of temperate Asia, where they are found in open or mountainous habitats.

[2][4][5][6] The plants have strongly aromatic leaves and abundant tubular flowers with long-lasting coloured bracts.

[7][8] With their decorative bracts, Origanum species and cultivars are used as ornamental plants in the garden.

The cultivars 'Kent Beauty'[9] and 'Rosenkuppel'[10] have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.