Growing Rosemary Herb

Growing Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis

In grouping together dominate garden colors, groups of the lovely rosemary blossom in shades of pale to deep blue. The gray-green foliage attracts honeybees.

Rosemary History

For more than 3,000 years, the rosemary plant has been used in a myriad of ways for its lovely aroma, which invokes thoughts of romance.

The herb has also been seen down through the ages as legendary symbol. The ancient Egyptians and Arabs planted rosemary as a border plant in exotic gardens.

The rosemary plant was one of the herbs often cultivated in medieval monastery gardens. The plant was taken to England by the Romans, where growing Rosemary has flourished ever since.

Many lyrics have been written to describe the sweetness of the rosemary herb, which is a symbol of love and remembrance. The wistful lines of a haunting Slovenian folk song read:Rosemary, how dear to me thou art;

Though thy leaves haven fallen one by one,The pale blue bud he picked for me,Will bloom forever in my heart.

Plant Lore

There is a legend that the beautiful shade of the soft blue flowers of the rosemary herb turned into this incredibly delicate color after the blossoms had been touched by the blue cape the Virgin Mary wore as she passed over them lightly on her journeys of mercy.

As early as the 15th century, English brides wore sprigs of rosemary in their hair and carried the sweet herb in their bridal bouquets.

Growing Rosemary Characteristics

The rosemary plant is an erect perennial evergreen that will often reach five feet in height. Its very narrow leaves are slightly bent with the topside a bright shiny green and the underside a downy gray.

The herb develops into a shrubby bush and in warmer climates makes a good hedge. It blossoms during April and May. The blossoms range from a pale blue to a deeper purplish-blue.

Cultivating Rosemary

Rosemary is usually propagated by cuttings and divisions. It grows readily in poor, dry, limy soil. It may be grown from seed. Start seeds indoors early in the spring. Transplant when about one inch high.

Place the herb near the outer edge of the garden where there is plenty of sun and the growing rosemary will not shade the other plants.

In some gardens, rosemary is planted as a hedge. By the end of the second year of growing rosemary, the plant will make a dense shrub about two feet in diameter.

Unless the plants are well protected, they should be brought indoors during the winter. When new cuttings are desired, simply break off a sprig of rosemary. Allow the cutting to stand in wet sand until it becomes rooted.

Rosemary Uses

The fresh or dried leaves give an exciting flavor to many appetizers, eggs, fish, meats, poultry, soups, and vegetables. The dried leaves are also used in sachets. Rosemary oil is added in perfumes and toiletries.

Harvesting Rosemary

For culinary purposes, one plant of growing rosemary is usually sufficient to supply the average sized family. The leaves may be harvested as soon as they are fully-grown. Fresh leaves have a warm, pungent taste that is a bit bitter.

The plants may be trimmed back two or three times during the season. Place the tender leaves and stems on a screen to dry in a shady location. The entire dried herb is then crushed and stored in airtight containers.

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