| Once thought to stimulate memory, this herb has been used for cooking, medicine and gardening for centuries. Plants make tough, aromatic, drought-tolerant evergreen shrubs. They range from an erosion-controlling ground-hugger to absolutely upright and are used as hedges and borders. Honey bees and some birds are attracted to its small blossoms of white, lavender, pink or blue. Repels garden moths. In cooking, use the pine-like leaves, fresh or dried, with meat and poultry. Good as year-round houseplants, they are also used in small topiary in shapes of globes, wreaths and Christmas trees. Full sun, little if any water and good drainage are essential to this Mediterranean native. Will not tolerate cold winters, humidity or wet soil. Buy in pots, or put cuttings in water until they sprout roots, then plant. Pinch back growing tips while plant is young. Cut back older plants to increase side branching. |
Dozens of sizes and types are available, including a dwarf variety. Not all are good for cooking, so taste a leaf first.
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Attributes - Rosmarinus officinalis
Plant Type: Herb, Shrub
Bloom Season: Early Spring through Late Spring
Flower Color: Blue, Lavender, Pink, White
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. to 6 ft.
Width: 4 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 8, 9, 10
Notes: Thrives in Acid Soil, Alkaline Soil, Dry Climates, Hot Climates. Container Plants, Drought Tolerant, Edible, Fragrant, Long Blooming, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers.
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