Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Aromatic Evergreen Herb for Kitchen and Garden

Overview

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, evergreen perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. Its needle-like, intensely aromatic leaves are a culinary staple, while its pale blue flowers attract pollinators in spring. In warm climates, it forms a handsome, drought-tolerant shrub; in cold regions, it's grown as a container plant or annual.

Botanical Description

Upright to spreading shrub 0.5–2 m tall. Leaves are linear, 1–3 cm long, dark green above, white-woolly below, revolute margins. Flowers are small, two-lipped, pale blue to white, borne in axillary clusters along the previous year's growth, blooming late winter to spring.

Taxonomy

Family:	Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Rosmarinus (rose-ma-REE-nus)
Species:	officinalis (oh-fiss-ih-NAH-liss)

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy to gritty, alkaline preferred.
• Water: Low; drought-tolerant. Overwatering causes root rot.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 8–10; marginal in zone 7 with protection.

Cultivars

'Arp' (cold-hardy to zone 6), 'Tuscan Blue' (upright, dark flowers), 'Prostratus' (trailing), 'Huntington Carpet' (groundcover), 'Salem' (compact).

Uses

Culinary: Flavors meats, breads, vegetables, oils. Ornamental: Topiary, hedges, rock gardens, containers. Medicinal: Traditional memory and circulation tonic. Essential oil used in aromatherapy.

Propagation

Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer root easily. Seed germination is slow and variable. Layering also works.