Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) — Bushy

Overview

Rosmarinus officinalis is a bushy shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rosmarinus officinalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include herb garden, borders and containers. It is native to Portugal Continental.

About

Salvia rosmarinus, synonym Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and purple or sometimes white, pink, or blue flowers. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rosemary

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Rosmarinus officinalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: shrub
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: herb garden, borders, containers
Native to: Portugal Continental
Fragrance: aromatic, pine-like

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Rosmarinus officinalis

Cultivation: plant in well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, prefers warm climates
Pruning: light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
Propagation: cuttings
Pest resistance: Rosemary beetle, Cuckoo spit, Sage leafhopper, Tortrix moth, Scale insects
Disease resistance: Honey fungus, Powdery mildews, Verticillium wilt, Foot and root rots