Rosemary Leaf & Flower
Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae)
Habitat and Appearance:
Native to the Mediterranean coast. This shrubby, aromatic and evergreen perennial reaches 1-2m, more or less depending on the species. With age, the plant becomes woodier. Its leaves are linear, dark green above and pale beneath, while the flowers are pale blue and small, appearing from late spring to early summer.
Garden Suitability:
Rosemary is an old favourite throughout history. It succeeds best in light, slightly dryish soils which should be sheltered and facing south if possible; it is ideal at the base of a wall. Rosemary can be propagated by seeds, cuttings and layerings, but the latter are perhaps the easiest way to produce plants. This is a plant never to be without, even if it means growing it in a pot and bringing it in over winter in colder regions.
