One of the hardiest of plants, rosemary, is not only ornamental in the garden but useful in so many ways.
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) which contains a large number of plants with medicinal and culinary uses including sage, basil, oregano, peppermint, lemon balm and catmint.
So how did this plant get its name?
The Virgin Mary is said to have spread her blue cloak over a white flowering plant when she was resting – and the flowers turned blue.
This plant was then known as the ‘Rose of Mary’, which then became rosemary.
Rosemary has been used and grown for centuries.
Originally used as a culinary herb it’s well known now for its oil.
Rosemary oil is used in aromatherapy to help with mental clarity.
It’s also become a popular ingredient in many skin and hair care products because of its antiseptic properties.
The use of rosemary with roast meats is legendary and one of my favourites is a rosemary and garlic rub made with salt, pepper, freshly chopped rosemary and garlic all mixed in olive oil.
This oil is then rubbed over the roast before cooking.
The rosemary plant is very ornamental, and grown mainly as an upright plant, it’s used for hedging, in rockeries and is great as a container plant.
There’s a prostrate form of rosemary with the botanical name of Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus.
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Irene’ has bright blue flowers and has a mounding habit of growth. ‘Irene’ looks fabulous cascading over rocks in the garden.
A more upright form is the variety ‘Tuscan Blue’ and there is also a pink flowering form available.
Growing rosemary is easy because of this plant’s hardiness.
It likes a hot, dry and sunny position with a well-drained soil.
Once this plant is established it is extremely drought-tolerant.
The flowers are pale blue to deep blue and the foliage consists of small, linear dark green leaves.
Caring for this plant is minimal – a gentle cut back to keep this plant bushy and in shape is all that’s needed.
Make sure you wait until the plant finishes flowering before you prune.
Propagation is by seed or by cuttings taken during the summer.
Rosemary is one plant that every garden needs – if you don’t have one growing now’s a great time to go plant shopping.
Diary
The Friends of the Albury Botanic Gardens plant sale Tuesday and Thursdays 9.30am to noon at the nursery behind curator’s cottage.
