Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary, Common rosemary
Also known as Salvia rosmarinus
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This plant has narrow grey-green leaves on long rather floppy stems. In the spring it is clothed with tiny lilac flowers. It can be damaged in really cold weather. Rosemary is best left to go its own way which is often rather untidy and sprawling, but with masses of natural charm. If you must prune it, dry the twigs and preserve them so you can toss them onto your fire or barbecue and further enjoy the aromas. In days gone by it was said to stimulate the memory and to ease gout. The plant was once used in a complex ceremony to divine a girl's future partner.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, herbal-balm
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Wall cover, Hedge, Structural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin allergen
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for dividing hedges
This plant is small and can be used to make a defining edge rather than a small hedge.
Found in
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