Rosemarinas officinalis - Rosemary

Rosemarinas officinalis
"Rosemary"
Family: Laminaceae

Well known in Western Europe, rosemary was around from ancient Greco-Roman times. Native to the Mediterranean coast, Rosemarinus means ‘dew of the sea’ in Latin which associates with this coastal habitat and the appearance of the flowers.
As rosemary have an attractive vertical line, it will do well in a decorative garden situation.
Rosemary enjoys a sunny, sheltered position. Some may survive the frost .
Soil type: Sharply drained, stony soils and requires little moisture. PH 5-8. Soil temperature 13-25°C.
Maintenance requirements: Little watering, hard pruning in summer after flowering.

Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: grey-green to green
Surface: short soft fur
Size: 3cm long, 3mm wide
Arrangement:
Cycle: perennial

Flower
Colour/s: lilac to dark blue
Inflorescence: tubular
Scent: same as leaves
Shape: bilobial
Fruit: Produces small black seeds.

Plant Category: Evergreen shrub
Growth characteristics: Up to 2m tall, has woody brances and strongly aromatic needle-like leaves
Potential horticultural use: Textile and scent gardens, culinary and medicinal gardens. Can be trained into a pattern against a wall (Tudor style) or pruned into a hedge or topiary.
Horticultural limitations: Does not enjoy excess moisture and humidity.
Propagation methods: From seed, germination 15-20 days. Easily asexually propagated from soft-tissue cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and layering

Culinary: Classic for roasts, stews and casseroles. Add to marinades, vinegar, oil and dressings. Used sparingly to add spice to cakes, biscuits, sorbets and baked/stewed apples. Advocated by lamb-lovers. Popular Italian flavour.
Farmaceutical: Antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Use for memory improvement, energiser, colds and flu, fatigue and headache. Infusions used for skin and hair care. Essential oils used for massaging rheumatic and muscular pain. *Excess in medicinal dose taken orally during pregnancy may cause abortion.
Aromatic: Dried leaves for potpourri and insect-repellents.
Folklore: Symbol of rememberance, found at weddings, funerals and Christmas decorations. Protection from the evil eye.