Stachys Byzantina is an easy perennial that grows well in most climates and prefers full sun or part shade. It’s also referred to as ‘Russian oregano’ due to its strong flavor, which resembles the taste of oregano. Russian oregano is great for seasoning meat dishes like lamb, beef, chicken, fish, or pork. You can use it fresh or dried in your favorite recipes.
It’s a beautiful plant
It might come as a surprise, but some people actually grow Russian oregano for its looks. Its small, round leaves are fern-like and have a lovely purple color when they’re exposed to sunlight. In some climates, it can reach up to 24 inches tall, so it can provide you with a delightful splash of color in your garden.
It prefers full sun or part shade
Russian oregano is very adaptable to soil conditions and light levels. That means that you can plant it anywhere in your yard whether it gets full sun, partial shade, or even no direct sunlight at all! You don’t need to worry about changing the lighting conditions before planting because Russian oregano will figure it out on its own.
It’s a great ground cover plant
Russian oregano forms a nice lush mat of foliage around itself so it’s perfect for edging walkways or planting at the front of borders where taller perennials grow. Because it spreads quickly, you can use it as a way to fill open space before planting something else, such as shrubs or trees. This also makes it a great option for landscapers.
It doesn’t need much maintenance
There are very few pest problems that bother Russian oregano, so you don’t need to worry about maintaining it. You can plant it and then leave it alone while it does its thing year after year! Since the leaves have a nice fine texture, they’re not susceptible to leaf spots or powdery mildew either.
It will attract butterflies to your garden
Like bees, butterflies are attracted to plants with strong scents like Russian oregano. If you want more butterflies in your yard, then planting this is definitely one way to make that happen because both adult butterflies and caterpillars enjoy munching on the leaves of this herb.
It tolerates most soil types
Since Russian oregano prefers to grow in well-drained soil, it tolerates most soils. It can adapt to sand or clay soil types and does well even in poor soils where other plants might have a hard time getting established. This means that you can use it as an indicator plant for whether or not your yard needs some serious work!
It makes a good container plant
Russian oregano is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a perennial to place in containers on your deck or porch. Because the leaves stay so compact, they don’t overwhelm smaller containers making them look better with age. You can also bring them indoors during colder months if necessary because Russian oregano only grows to about 24 inches tall which makes it suitable for window boxes too!
It’s a non-invasive plant
Russian oregano can be invasive in some climates but it only spreads underground, not by seed dispersal which means that you can grow it with abandon. Like other plants that spread via their root structure, Russian oregano is easy to divide and transplant if necessary. Simply dig up a clump of the plant and replant it!
You can use it for cooking too
In addition to using Russian oregano as an ornamental plant, you can also eat the leaves! The flavor is zesty and peppery so it will add extra depth to your recipes. You can sprinkle chopped leaves over pizza or mix them into scrambled eggs before serving. If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not a plant is edible, it’s always best to ask an expert so you don’t endanger yourself.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance perennial that will add beauty to your yard and contribute to the overall health of your garden, then Russian oregano is definitely one you want to consider! Whether planting it in the ground or using it as an accent plant in containers, adding Russian oregano to your garden provides many benefits and a few drawbacks.
