English Name
Scientific Name
Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub with silvery blue flowers that last from Winter through Spring. This herb is native to the Mediterranean and is used in cookery and also in herbal medicine.
Origin
Height (feet/inches)
Life Cycle
Fragrance
Keep moist, do not overwater the plant.
Feed only if planted in very poor soil.
Take semi-ripe cuttings in Summer.
Rosemary prefers a hot and dry situation. It may be grown from seed. It is not quite so important to remove the flowers as these have no bad effect on the flavour of the leaves. Rosemary is known to repel Mexican bean beetles, cabbage moths and carrot flies.
Trim the bushes to keep them about 60 cms high.
Rosemary has a beneficial effect on the digestive and nervous systems. Drinking a weak infusion of Rosemary may help to relieve digestive upsets, headaches, neuralgia, feverish colds and serves to lower temperatures. It is also used to soothe skin and muscle aches and pains when applied as an oil or liniment. It was thought to improve sight and memory. It also makes good antiseptic gargle.
Rosemary can be planted outside for Summer in sun and well drained soil. In colder areas, the plant must be brought inside for the Winter or choose a sheltered site.
Rosemary is ideal for simple topiaries.
Bamboo is the fastest-growing woody plant in the world; it can grow 35 inches in a single day.