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Rosmarinus officinalis (now classified as Salvia rosmarinus) is a fragrant, evergreen herb prized for its needle-like leaves and small, pale blue to purple flowers. Known for both culinary and ornamental uses, rosemary is a hardy shrub that attracts pollinators while also serving as a drought-tolerant landscape plant.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows 2-6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide, depending on variety and pruning.
- Sun Exposure: Requires full sun.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; drought-tolerant once established.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 7-10; can be grown in colder climates as a container plant and brought indoors for winter.
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early summer, with sporadic flowering throughout the year in mild climates.
- Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth; remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
How to Plant:
- Location: Best in herb gardens, Mediterranean-style landscapes, or containers with excellent drainage.
- Soil Preparation: Amend heavy soils with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
- Planting: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container, ensuring good air circulation.
- Spacing: Space plants 2-4 feet apart, depending on the variety.
- Watering: Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Fun Fact:
Rosemary has been used for centuries in herbal medicine and folklore, often symbolizing memory and remembrance—it was even used in ancient Greece to improve focus and concentration!