Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Family: LAMIACEAE
Common names: “Rosemary” “old man” “rose of the sea” “southernwood”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 8-10
Light: Full sun
Exposure: Sheltered from winds but takes seaside
Soil: Less fertile soil, no fertilizer
Moisture: Well drained, dry – drought
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: 5′ H & W
Leaf and Stem shape:Linear dark green leaves have recurved margins and pale, felty undersides
Flower: Pale violet-blue and white flowers in spring but is often repeated at differing times of year
Pruning: Just prune out the young tips, no thinning cuts to old wood, prune to shape
Maintenance: Low
Landscape use: Mediterranean garden, herb garden, hot dry locations
Propagate: By cuttings
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
*Deer resistant
Comments: Excellent culinary herb
Cultivars: ~AGM winners: R. o. ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’ , R. o. ‘Sissinghurst Blue’ , R. o. ‘Severn Sea’ , R. o. var. angustissimus ‘Benenden Blue’ , R. o. ‘McConnell’s Blue’
other: R. o. ‘Arp’ – very hardy & upright, used as hedge
