Botanical profile

Za'atar 'Cleopatra'

Latin name
Origanum syriacum 'Cleopatra'
Common name
Za'atar 'Cleopatra'
Type
Tender perennial herb
Family
Lamiaceae

‘Cleopatra’ zaatar is a highly decorative aromatic plant, prized for its fragrant foliage and compact habit, ideal for pots, rockeries, edible borders, and herb gardens. Its fragrance recalls a blend of thyme, oregano, and marjoram, with a warm, herbaceous, and slightly spicy flavor. It is perfect for flavoring flatbreads, marinades, grilled vegetables, meats, fish, sauces, dips, infused oils, and recipes inspired by Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine.

Easy to grow, ‘Cleopatra’ zaatar prefers a full-sun, warm, and well-ventilated location in light, poor to moderately fertile, and very well-drained soil. It tolerates dry conditions well once established but does not tolerate excessive water and heavy soils. In containers, it is important to choose a draining potting mix and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Regular harvesting of young shoots helps maintain a dense, branched, and productive plant throughout the season.

Both aromatic, ornamental, and beneficial for pollinators, ‘Cleopatra’ zaatar is an excellent plant for creating a gourmet garden with a Mediterranean style. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried, with a flavor often more concentrated after drying. It is an ideal herb for gardeners looking for a robust, fragrant, heat-resistant plant perfect for adding character to homemade recipes.

Care guide

Care level
Moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Intensely aromatic foliage and decorative pink flowers
Vegetable garden, herbs, container, rock garden, Mediterranean garden, Middle Eastern cuisine
Container growing
Excellent in a container with very good drainage
Seasonal care
Trim lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape; harvest leaves before flowering; protect from waterlogged soil and intense cold
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 7
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; prefers dry, well-drained soils
Fertilization
Light compost in spring; avoid excessive fertilizer
Soil type
Light soil, poor to medium, dry and very well drained
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
-10°C
Propagation method
Sowing, cuttings, or division
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Pale pink to mauve
Fruiting
End-of-season seeds
Foliage color
Grayish green
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen in mild climates
Shape
Compact, semi-woody, bushy habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Width
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Thyme, rosemary, sage, lavender
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to autumn
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.