Rosmarinus officinalis

Evergreen woody rounded shrub that grows to 1.5m tall and wide.

Pale blue two-lipped flowers are produced throughout summer along stems carrying strongly aromatic needle-like green foliage.

Prefers a sunny position and light soil that doesn't become waterlogged. It is used to long hot summers in its natural home so established plants can withstand periods of drought. Performs poorly in heavy clay soils.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. After flowering plants can be pruned into desired shapes.

Attracts butterflies and bees to the garden.

Ensure plants are well space for sufficient air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Thrips spider mites and whitefly can pose a problem. Diseases include root rot and it is susceptible to powdery mildew particularly when air circulation is poor. Botrytis can also be a problem.

Herb Garden

Culinary herb medicinal symbol of remembrance ornamental. The genus name Rosmarinus derives from the Latin words ros and marinus which together translate to dew of the sea. Rosemary has been used since the time of the early Greeks and Romans. Greek scholars often wore a garland of the herb on their heads to help their memory during examinations. In the ninth century, Charlemagne insisted that the herb be grown in his royal gardens. The Eau de Cologne that Napoleon Bonaparte used was made with rosemary. The herb was also the subject of many poems and was mentioned in five of Shakespeare's plays. A sprig of rosemary was often placed in the hands of the deceased at a funeral because it is a symbol of remembrance. Brides often wore rosemary at their weddings because it was also a symbol of happiness, loyalty and love.

The flowers are hermaphrodite, have both male and female organs. Rosemary is used as an aromatic herb to add flavour when smoking meats. Rosemary's reputation for medicinal uses meant that it was planted in many old herbal gardens. It was a symbol for remembrance and was even given a mention in Shakespeare's Hamlet: "There's rosemary that's for remembrance".