Oregano 'Cuban'

Scientific Name: Coleus amboinicus (syn. Plectranthus amboinicus)

Common Name: Cuban Oregano

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Height: 30–60 cm (12–24 in)

Width: 45–90 cm (18–36 in)

Spacing: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators when in flower

Flavour: Strong, savoury flavour with notes of oregano, thyme, and camphor

Use: Fresh leaves are used to season meats, poultry, soups, stews, curries, vegetables, stuffing, and marinades. It is also commonly grown as an ornamental and fragrant container plant.

Plant Habit: Tender, bushy, spreading herb with thick, succulent, fuzzy leaves and trailing stems

Harvest: Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season. Young leaves offer the best flavour and can be used fresh or dried.

Companion Plants: Basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant

General Information: Cuban Oregano is a tender perennial herb valued for its thick, aromatic foliage and robust flavour. Despite its common name, it is not a true oregano but belongs to the mint family. Its succulent leaves are highly fragrant and are widely used in Caribbean, Indian, Southeast Asian, and Latin American cuisine. This herb thrives in well-drained soil and warm, sunny conditions, requiring moderate watering while allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In Canadian climates, Cuban Oregano is typically grown as an annual or as a houseplant and should be brought indoors before frost. It also makes an attractive addition to patio containers, hanging baskets, and windowsill herb gardens due to its ornamental foliage and easy-care nature.