On one of my garden center rounds earlier this spring I picked up a few 4″ pots of plants that were totally new to me.  My usual M.O. would be to at least Google a plant to make sure I have somewhere to plant it with the appropriate sun and soil requirements but on that day I just threw caution to the wind–after all the little 4″ guys are not too costly so I could afford to make a mistake or two.  Upon arriving home I did a bit of research and found a spot for each in the garden.  Over the next few weeks I’ll share with you how these finds have done.

I was immediately drawn to the delicately veined and heart shaped blue green leaves of Origanum rotundifolium ‘Kent Beauty’.

This ornamental oregano is a perennial cousin to the culinary oregano grown in herb gardens.  The pink and chartreuse bracts look a little like hops and tend to nod downward. While I planted mine in the ground I think a better use might be hanging over the sides of containers which are higher off the ground–giving a better view of the bracts.  Full sun and well drained soil are best.  As I am cautious with full sun for anything new in my hot summer garden, mine is sited where it gets a bit of afternoon shade.  Apparently this causes the bracts to color up less so if it makes it through the winter I might relocate it  to a bit more sun next year.

So far I am giving this one an ‘A’.  It has bloomed continuously for about 8 weeks and makes a delicate little filler which doesn’t look as though it will morph into a garden monster while my back is turned!