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Re: Stevia, orn oregano, and more

Nan:

<I've just bought a Stevia plant, the one that is sweeter than sugar, and I
cant find any info on culture conditions or on how large this plant will
get.  Does anyone know?

Also, I have some ornamental oregano -- the one with pink bracts and it is
looking a bit ratty in the late summer heat -- shall I cut it back?>

I assume Olivenhain is near San Diego, which has one of the most hospitable
climates for these plants. 

The Stevia is a slow grower, is hard to root, and is a bit weedy in habit.
A good garden soil with slow-release fertilizer should be ideal.

If this oregano has really big bracts, it is probably O. rotundifolium cv.
`Kent Beauty'.  However, most bracted oreganos develop the same pink color,
especially in Mediterranean climates.  As far as pruining, do this if there
is sign of budding on the basal growth.  Oreganos and other Lamiaceae with
the same habits will let you know if they are healthy this way.  This is a
sign of what will happen when cooler fall temperatures will come.  If you
don't see this action, trim only that growth that is not actively feeding
the plant.  Removing dead leaves will give the plant air drainage which
these plants always appreciate.

In my subtropical climate, monitoring the health of this type of plant is
essential to their survival.

Rich Dufresne
Greensboro, NC
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