(Salvia rosmarinus 'Rosemary')
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Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub that is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features aromatic, greenish-gray, aromatic leaves, and pale blue to white two lipped flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, repels bean beetles, cabbage moths, and carrot flies, is rabbit safe, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to flavor perfumes, is used to make dyes, essential oils, shampoo, and is both edible and medicinal.Â
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Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Species: rosmarinus
Variety: Rosemary
Also Known As: Romero, Pilgrims Plant, Mary's Mantle, Compass Weed.
Native to: Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Yugoslavia
Introduced into: Azores, Bermuda, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Cape Verde, Great Britain, Kriti, Krym, Madeira, Mexico Central, Mexico Southwest, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity: June to July
Hardiness: Hardy. In zones 8 through 10, where winters are mild and the ground doesn't freeze, Rosemary will grow happily over several years into a big 3 to 4' shrub. In zones 3 through 7 where winters are colder, plant seedlings into large pots to enjoy throughout spring and summer. When weather gets cold and frost threatens, prune plants back heavily and bring pots inside to spend the winter indoors in a cool, well-lit area; water very sparingly while plants are overwintering indoors. In spring, when danger of frost is over and weather is settled, move potted plants back outside to a sunny spot.
Crops: Spring Transplant
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot. Plant rosemary in a sunny spot that has well drained soil that isn't very rich in nutrients. Very drought tolerant once established, water regularly the first year then be careful not to over water. Rosemary thrives in various soil types, but won't survive in extreme cold.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 90°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 45°F. Wait until your soil has warmed up in mid-Spring until you sow Rosemary seeds. Potted plants can be planted anytime.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Full Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot). Rosemary likes a sheltered position with full sun, but will tolerate light shade.
Water: Medium. Rosemary can survive without irrigation for months.
Feeder: Light. Rosemary thrives in soil that is not too rich in nutrients.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, High heat
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. All zones can grow Rosemary in pots, but if you live in zones 3 through 7 where winters are colder, plant seedlings into large pots to enjoy throughout spring and summer. When weather gets cold and frost threatens, prune plants back heavily and bring pots inside to spend the winter indoors in a cool, well-lit area; water very sparingly while plants are overwintering indoors. In spring, when danger of frost is over and weather is settled, move potted plants back outside to a sunny spot. Choose a container that is at least 1' in diameter or 3 gallons.
Maintenance: Medium
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes
Plant Height: 36-48"
Spacing: 18-24"
Sow Depth: Press the seeds lightly into the soil
Produces: stalks with short, needle-like blades and small, abundant purple flowers.
USDA Grow Zone: 6-11
Garden Uses: Where winter hardy, grow in herb gardens, borders or foundations. Ornamental specimen or low hedge. Container plants are attractive additions to patios, decks and other sunny areas around the home.
Genus: Salvia
Species: rosmarinus
Variety: Rosemary
Also Known As: Romero, Pilgrims Plant, Mary's Mantle, Compass Weed.
Native to: Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Yugoslavia
Introduced into: Azores, Bermuda, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Cape Verde, Great Britain, Kriti, Krym, Madeira, Mexico Central, Mexico Southwest, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity: June to July
Hardiness: Hardy. In zones 8 through 10, where winters are mild and the ground doesn't freeze, Rosemary will grow happily over several years into a big 3 to 4' shrub. In zones 3 through 7 where winters are colder, plant seedlings into large pots to enjoy throughout spring and summer. When weather gets cold and frost threatens, prune plants back heavily and bring pots inside to spend the winter indoors in a cool, well-lit area; water very sparingly while plants are overwintering indoors. In spring, when danger of frost is over and weather is settled, move potted plants back outside to a sunny spot.
Crops: Spring Transplant
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot. Plant rosemary in a sunny spot that has well drained soil that isn't very rich in nutrients. Very drought tolerant once established, water regularly the first year then be careful not to over water. Rosemary thrives in various soil types, but won't survive in extreme cold.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 90°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 45°F. Wait until your soil has warmed up in mid-Spring until you sow Rosemary seeds. Potted plants can be planted anytime.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Full Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot). Rosemary likes a sheltered position with full sun, but will tolerate light shade.
Water: Medium. Rosemary can survive without irrigation for months.
Feeder: Light. Rosemary thrives in soil that is not too rich in nutrients.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, High heat
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. All zones can grow Rosemary in pots, but if you live in zones 3 through 7 where winters are colder, plant seedlings into large pots to enjoy throughout spring and summer. When weather gets cold and frost threatens, prune plants back heavily and bring pots inside to spend the winter indoors in a cool, well-lit area; water very sparingly while plants are overwintering indoors. In spring, when danger of frost is over and weather is settled, move potted plants back outside to a sunny spot. Choose a container that is at least 1' in diameter or 3 gallons.
Maintenance: Medium
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes
Plant Height: 36-48"
Spacing: 18-24"
Sow Depth: Press the seeds lightly into the soil
Produces: stalks with short, needle-like blades and small, abundant purple flowers.
USDA Grow Zone: 6-11
Garden Uses: Where winter hardy, grow in herb gardens, borders or foundations. Ornamental specimen or low hedge. Container plants are attractive additions to patios, decks and other sunny areas around the home.
Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 6.0-8.5, Ideal 6.0-7.5. Rosemary prefers well drained, slightly alkaline soil that doesn't need to be very fertile.
Soil pH: 6.0-8.5, Ideal 6.0-7.5. Rosemary prefers well drained, slightly alkaline soil that doesn't need to be very fertile.
Since growing rosemary from seed is a long and difficult process, start the seeds indoors 5-6 months in advance of transplanting. Press the seeds lightly into the soil and place in a sunny spot, since rosemary requires light for germination; keep the temperature at 65-70 degrees F. Keep the soil lightly moist, using a spray bottle or careful watering. Germination will be very slow, up to a month, with a naturally low percentage of the seeds sprouting.
When the plants grow big enough to handle safely and there is no chance of frost, transplant them to light soil and full sun 18-24" apart. Rosemary thrives in dry and stony soils, and can be easily propagated from cuttings; it also makes an excellent container plant, especially in winters that drop below 17 degrees F.
When the plants grow big enough to handle safely and there is no chance of frost, transplant them to light soil and full sun 18-24" apart. Rosemary thrives in dry and stony soils, and can be easily propagated from cuttings; it also makes an excellent container plant, especially in winters that drop below 17 degrees F.
Once rosemary has been established, it will grow quite well on its own without watering or fertilization. If over watered, the plant may suffer from root rot. After flowering, the plant should be pruned to prevent straggly, unhealthy growth.
In the right climate rosemary is a remarkably trouble free plant that requires no care at all.
Water Needs: Low. Rosemary can survive without irrigation for months.
Fertilizer Needs: Light. Rosemary thrives in soil that is not too rich in nutrients.
Watering: Water, 2 cup(s) per plant, every 6 weeks. Well-established Rosemary rarely needs water, even in dry climates.
Water Needs: Low. Rosemary can survive without irrigation for months.
Fertilizer Needs: Light. Rosemary thrives in soil that is not too rich in nutrients.
Watering: Water, 2 cup(s) per plant, every 6 weeks. Well-established Rosemary rarely needs water, even in dry climates.
Harvesting
Once the plant is well established, harvest fresh leaves when needed; the peak flavor is achieved immediately before the plant flowers, but after this point the flavor becomes lost. Fresh rosemary can be dried or frozen for future use. The leaves should be dried quickly to preserve their color and flavor.
Storage
You can gather sprigs of this evergreen any time you need them, even in winter. The flavor of the fresh plants is best, but it can also be dried for later use. Dry in a cool, dark area and store in an airtight container.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 50-70°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 50-70°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
Remove the seed heads individually as soon as they begin to turn brown and dry, and spread them out to finish drying in a protected location out of direct sunlight. Thresh out the seeds by rubbing or shaking the heads, and remove as much chaff as possible. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Germination Percentage: 30%
Seed Viability in Years: 1 year
Germination Percentage: 30%
Seed Viability in Years: 1 year
Culinary
Taste: Pine-like flavor with a delicious aroma.
Culinary Use: Harvest whole stems to flavor meats and soups or crush leaves with root vegetables, breads and many other culinary uses.
Young shoots, leaves and flowers: raw or cooked. The leaves have a very strong flavor that is bitter and somewhat resinous, the flowers are somewhat milder. They are used in small quantities as a flavoring in soups and stews, with vegetables such as peas and spinach, and with sweet dishes such as biscuits cakes, jams and jellies. They can be used fresh or dried.The leaves have a tough texture and so should either be used very finely chopped, or in sprigs that can be removed after cooking. A fragrant tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. It is said to be especially nice when mixed with tansy.
Culinary Use: Harvest whole stems to flavor meats and soups or crush leaves with root vegetables, breads and many other culinary uses.
Young shoots, leaves and flowers: raw or cooked. The leaves have a very strong flavor that is bitter and somewhat resinous, the flowers are somewhat milder. They are used in small quantities as a flavoring in soups and stews, with vegetables such as peas and spinach, and with sweet dishes such as biscuits cakes, jams and jellies. They can be used fresh or dried.The leaves have a tough texture and so should either be used very finely chopped, or in sprigs that can be removed after cooking. A fragrant tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. It is said to be especially nice when mixed with tansy.
Medicinal
Rosemary is commonly grown in the herb garden as a domestic remedy, used especially as a tonic and pick-me-up when feeling depressed, mentally tired, nervous etc. Research has shown that the plant is rich in volatile oils, flavanoids and phenolic acids, which are strongly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Rosmarinic acid has potential in the treatment of toxic shock syndrome, whilst the flavonoid diosmin is reputedly more effective than rutin in reducing capillary fragility. Rosmarol, an extract from the leaves, has shown remarkably high antioxidant activity. The whole plant is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, cardiac, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. An infusion of the flowering stems made in a closed container to prevent the steam from escaping is effective in treating headaches, colic, colds and nervous diseases. A distilled water from the flowers is used as an eyewash. The leaves can be harvested in the spring or summer and used fresh, they can also be dried for later use. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women since in excess it can cause an abortion. An essential oil distilled from the stems and leaves is often used medicinally, that distilled from the flowering tops is superior but not often available. The oil is applied externally as a rubefacient, added to liniments, rubbed into the temples to treat headaches and used internally as a stomachic and nervine. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Stimulant".
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Other Uses
The growing plant is said to repel insects from neighboring plants. Branches or sachets of the leaves are often placed in clothes cupboards to keep moths away. An infusion of the dried plant (both leaves and flowers) is used in shampoos. When combined with borax and used cold, it is one of the best hair washes known and is effective against dandruff. An essential oil is obtained from the leaves and flowering stems. One kilo of oil is obtained from 200 kilos of flowering stems. The oil is used in perfumery, soaps, medicinally etc. It is often added to hair lotions and is said to prevent premature baldness. The leaves are burnt as an incense, fumigant and disinfectant. The cultivar "Prostratus" can be used as a ground cover in a sunny position. This cultivar is the least hardy form of the species. The plant can be grown as a hedge, it is fairly resistant to maritime exposure, though when this is coupled with very cold weather the plants can suffer severely. Any trimming is best carried out after the plant has flowered. The cultivar "Miss Jessopp's Upright" is particularly suitable for hedging. "Fastigiatus" is also very suitable. A yellow-green dye is obtained from the leaves and flowers.
Companion plant to cabbage, beans, carrots and sage. Deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies. Use cuttings to place by the crowns of carrots for carrot flies. Zones 6 and colder can overwinter rosemary as houseplants or take cuttings.
Nutrition
Rosemary is rich in anti-oxidants and has disease preventing properties. The leaves are also high in Vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, calcium, copper and manganese.
The Health Benefits of Rosemary
Memory Booster: One of the earliest reported or documented uses of rosemary for health reasons was as a cognitive stimulant. It was said to improve memory and help to increase intelligence and focus. While many of those claims are still being researched and studied, its effects on the brain do indicate an increase in memory retention, which is never a bad thing; keeping your mind quick will help to keep it young. In that same vein, rosemary has been linked to stimulating cognitive activity in the elderly, as well as those suffering from more acute cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is an exciting alternative or supplement to more modern treatment for these as yet uncured conditions.
Mood and Stress: The aroma of rosemary alone has been linked to improving mood, clearing the mind, and relieving stress in those with chronic anxiety or stress hormone imbalances. When the plant is consumed or applied topically in some sort of salve of the leaves, it can have similar effects. Aromatherapy also uses rosemary essential oil for this purpose, but that concentration of active components isn’t necessary to have positive effects on stress and mood.
Immune System Strength: The active components in rosemary are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic in nature. This represents a three-pronged attack against many different diseases and pathogens that could threaten the immune system or damage the integrity of the body. Antioxidant compounds form a secondary line of defense behind the body’s own immune system, and rosemary contains a significant amount of those powerful compounds, including rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, betulic acid, and carnosol.
Antibacterial Potential: While the general immune boosting qualities of rosemary are impressive enough, it is specifically powerful against bacterial infections, particularly those in the stomach. H. pylori bacteria is a common and very dangerous pathogen that can cause stomach ulcers, but rosemary has been shown to prevent its growth when consumed. Similarly, rosemary is linked to preventing Staph infections, which kill thousands of people each year.
Stomach Soother: Rosemary has traditionally been used by dozens of cultures as a natural remedy for upset stomachs, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and everything in between. Its anti-inflammatory and stimulant effects are largely the cause of these effects, so adding rosemary to your weekly diet can quickly help you regulate your bowel movements and your gastrointestinal system.
Breath Freshener: As a natural antibacterial agent, rosemary works as a wonderful breath freshener that also improves your oral health. Steep rosemary leaves in a glass of hot water and then gargle or swish the water in your mouth to eliminate bacteria and give you naturally fresh and clean breath all night!
Stimulate Blood Flow: Rosemary acts as a stimulant for the body and boosts the production of red blood cells and blood flow. This helps to oxygenate vital organ systems and areas of the body, ensuring that the metabolic activities in those areas are running smoothly, in addition to stimulating the movement of nutrients to cells that require repair.
Pain Relief: As an analgesic substance, rosemary has been topically applied in a paste or salve for hundreds of years to the affected area of the pain. When consumed orally, rosemary acts as a pain reliever for harder to reach spots, such as headaches and pain from a condition. In fact, one of the most popular uses of rosemary is for the treatment of migraines. Applying a decoction to the temples, or simply smelling the aroma of rosemary has been linked to reducing the severity of migraine symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Qualities: Perhaps the most important function of rosemary is as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. Carnosol and Carnosic acid are two powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in rosemary that have been linked to reducing inflammation of muscles, blood vessels, and joints. This makes rosemary an effective treatment for many things, including blood pressure, gout, arthritis, and injuries sustained during physical exertion or surgery. Rosemary is effective in oral or topical form for these anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the reduction in inflammation in the cardiovascular system can help to boost heart health and prevent atherosclerosis from appearing.
Detoxify the Body: Rosemary is slightly diuretic in nature, meaning that it can help flush out toxins more efficiently during urination. Furthermore, by increasing the rate at which water leaves the body, it can also help push out pathogens, salts, toxins, and even excess fat when consumed regularly (or when you’re feeling particularly “toxified”). In terms of the particular organ it benefits, rosemary has been linked to lower levels of cirrhosis and a faster healing time of the liver, which is one of the slowest organs to heal.
Skin Health: The anti-aging properties of rosemary are quite well known. Although more commonly thought of in the essential oil form, the leaves of rosemary can also effect the skin internally or topically, and has been shown to improve the youthful quality of the skin, while also healing blemishes and increasing the natural shine and hydrated appearance of your body’s largest organ.
A Final Word of Warning: The essential oil of rosemary is not to be consumed, but normal rosemary is far less potent, and therefore not dangerous to consume in normal culinary proportions. If you are allergic to other members of the mint family, you may experience discomfort if you consume or apply rosemary, but the reactions are typically mild.
Mood and Stress: The aroma of rosemary alone has been linked to improving mood, clearing the mind, and relieving stress in those with chronic anxiety or stress hormone imbalances. When the plant is consumed or applied topically in some sort of salve of the leaves, it can have similar effects. Aromatherapy also uses rosemary essential oil for this purpose, but that concentration of active components isn’t necessary to have positive effects on stress and mood.
Immune System Strength: The active components in rosemary are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic in nature. This represents a three-pronged attack against many different diseases and pathogens that could threaten the immune system or damage the integrity of the body. Antioxidant compounds form a secondary line of defense behind the body’s own immune system, and rosemary contains a significant amount of those powerful compounds, including rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, betulic acid, and carnosol.
Antibacterial Potential: While the general immune boosting qualities of rosemary are impressive enough, it is specifically powerful against bacterial infections, particularly those in the stomach. H. pylori bacteria is a common and very dangerous pathogen that can cause stomach ulcers, but rosemary has been shown to prevent its growth when consumed. Similarly, rosemary is linked to preventing Staph infections, which kill thousands of people each year.
Stomach Soother: Rosemary has traditionally been used by dozens of cultures as a natural remedy for upset stomachs, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and everything in between. Its anti-inflammatory and stimulant effects are largely the cause of these effects, so adding rosemary to your weekly diet can quickly help you regulate your bowel movements and your gastrointestinal system.
Breath Freshener: As a natural antibacterial agent, rosemary works as a wonderful breath freshener that also improves your oral health. Steep rosemary leaves in a glass of hot water and then gargle or swish the water in your mouth to eliminate bacteria and give you naturally fresh and clean breath all night!
Stimulate Blood Flow: Rosemary acts as a stimulant for the body and boosts the production of red blood cells and blood flow. This helps to oxygenate vital organ systems and areas of the body, ensuring that the metabolic activities in those areas are running smoothly, in addition to stimulating the movement of nutrients to cells that require repair.
Pain Relief: As an analgesic substance, rosemary has been topically applied in a paste or salve for hundreds of years to the affected area of the pain. When consumed orally, rosemary acts as a pain reliever for harder to reach spots, such as headaches and pain from a condition. In fact, one of the most popular uses of rosemary is for the treatment of migraines. Applying a decoction to the temples, or simply smelling the aroma of rosemary has been linked to reducing the severity of migraine symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Qualities: Perhaps the most important function of rosemary is as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. Carnosol and Carnosic acid are two powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in rosemary that have been linked to reducing inflammation of muscles, blood vessels, and joints. This makes rosemary an effective treatment for many things, including blood pressure, gout, arthritis, and injuries sustained during physical exertion or surgery. Rosemary is effective in oral or topical form for these anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the reduction in inflammation in the cardiovascular system can help to boost heart health and prevent atherosclerosis from appearing.
Detoxify the Body: Rosemary is slightly diuretic in nature, meaning that it can help flush out toxins more efficiently during urination. Furthermore, by increasing the rate at which water leaves the body, it can also help push out pathogens, salts, toxins, and even excess fat when consumed regularly (or when you’re feeling particularly “toxified”). In terms of the particular organ it benefits, rosemary has been linked to lower levels of cirrhosis and a faster healing time of the liver, which is one of the slowest organs to heal.
Skin Health: The anti-aging properties of rosemary are quite well known. Although more commonly thought of in the essential oil form, the leaves of rosemary can also effect the skin internally or topically, and has been shown to improve the youthful quality of the skin, while also healing blemishes and increasing the natural shine and hydrated appearance of your body’s largest organ.
A Final Word of Warning: The essential oil of rosemary is not to be consumed, but normal rosemary is far less potent, and therefore not dangerous to consume in normal culinary proportions. If you are allergic to other members of the mint family, you may experience discomfort if you consume or apply rosemary, but the reactions are typically mild.