Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Rosmarinus officinalis133095382 by THOR (CC BY 2.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H4
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2.5m | Max | 2.5m |
1.5m | Min | 1.5m |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Rosemary
Rosemary Overview
Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is a bushy evergreen shrub, and one of the world's best-loved herbs. Commonly called Rosemary, it is known as the plant of remembrance and friendship. It is covered in dense, aromatic foliage comprising dark green leaves which reduce to thin, needle-like protrusions. These curve at the edges and have paler-coloured, felted texture on the undersides. Flowers are small and delicate, typically appearing throughout the year from spring onwards. Flower colour ranges from dark to light shades of purple, blue, pink and white. Many cultivars have been developed for garden use. Growth habit varies from upright to ground-hugging and can be used in sunny borders, rock gardens and for low-growing hedging. Rosemary is used for flavouring food and as an antiseptic herb. It is drought-resistant and attractive to bees and butterflies.
Common problems with Rosemary
Rosemary Companion Plants
beans, broccoli, cabbage and hot peppers to flourish. The only herb we found that would benefit from rosemary companion planting was sage.
How to harvest Rosemary
Harvest leaves and flowers as needed. Cut stems rather than harvesting leaves, to encourage new growth. To dry, hang bunches of herbs upside down in a dry ventilated area.
How to propagate Rosemary
Cuttings
Take cuttings and place in a sandy potting mix. Use rooting hormone powder for semi-hardwood cuttings and water well. Cuttings from stem tips will root if placed in water.
Seed
Special features of Rosemary
Repels harmful insects
Repels cabbage whites, snails and carrot flies. Stems buried in the ground around seedlings will keep cutworms away!
Drought resistant
Once established, it is a very hardy plant.
Hedge plant
Clipped to formal hedges or left untrained and pick as needed, it makes an excellent border for vegetable beds.
Attractive flowers
Attracts bees
Attracts butterflies
Other uses of Rosemary
Culinary, border, fragrance, medicinal, foliage, banks, hedging, specimen, conservatory. Spring/Summer interest. Suitable for coastal conditions.
Medicinal
Used from ancient times and popular today in aromatherapy and cooking. It has anti-bacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Use as balm, oil, tea or in cooking.
Edible
Hard stems often used as sosatie/kebab sticks. The leaves are used fresh or dried especially with lamb, eggs, cheeses and vegetables.
Plants for Summer Cuttings
Some of the many plants which you can take semi-ripe cuttings from in summer.
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Edibles to Sow Under Cover in March.
Get an early start on the growing year, try these on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator
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