If you’re looking for a versatile and resilient plant for your garden, look no further than Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary. This evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean is not only beautiful, but it also offers a range of practical benefits. From its aromatic foliage to its stunning blue flowers, rosemary is a must-have for any garden.
Understanding Rosemary
Rosemary is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various conditions. Its care requirements are minimal, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Once established, rosemary only needs occasional deep watering and light pruning to maintain its shape. It can withstand drought, heat, wind, and even salt spray. Plus, its aromatic oils naturally repel insects, while deer and rabbits tend to avoid it.
However, it’s important to note that rosemary does have a few weaknesses. In colder regions, some varieties may experience damage when temperatures drop below freezing. Additionally, poor drainage and overwatering can lead to root rot. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure proper soil conditions and watering practices to keep your rosemary healthy.
Choosing the Right Variety
As you explore the world of rosemary, you’ll discover that there are numerous varieties to choose from. While they may all look similar in nursery containers, their characteristics and growth habits can differ significantly. To help you navigate through the confusion, we’ve gathered recommendations from expert growers.
Upright Shrubs
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‘Tuscan Blue’: This variety can reach heights of 6 to 7 feet and boasts wider leaves with a strong, aromatic scent. Its dark blue flowers make it a versatile shrub suitable for various garden situations.
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‘Blue Spires’: With a height of 5 to 6 feet and a width of 4 to 6 feet, this rosemary has a vertical growth habit reminiscent of miniature Italian cypress trees. Its clear blue flowers make it an ideal choice for those seeking a formal look in their garden.
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‘Miss Jessup’s Upright’: Standing at 4 to 6 feet tall and slightly narrower, this rosemary variety is perfect for formal herb gardens or confined spaces. Its slender branches and pale blue flowers add an elegant touch to any landscape.
Semi-Upright Shrubs
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‘Collingwood Ingram’: Also known as ‘Ingramii’ or ‘Benenden Blue’, this rosemary variety reaches heights of 2 to 2 1/2 feet and spreads up to 4 feet wide. Its continuous side growth makes it suitable for slopes and pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant shrubs.
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‘Ken Taylor’: Similar to ‘Collingwood Ingram’, this slightly shorter and trailing variety features showy dark blue flowers. It thrives on slopes but may be sensitive to root rot.
Ground Covers
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‘Prostratus’: Reaching 2 feet in height and spreading 4 to 8 feet wide, this rosemary is commonly used for cascading down walls. Its pale blue flowers create a stunning visual effect, especially when paired with other plants. However, keep in mind that it’s less tolerant of frost.
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‘Irene’: Standing at 1 1/2 feet tall, this rosemary spreads 2 to 3 feet per year and has a hummocky form. Its showy violet blue flowers make it an excellent choice for draping slopes or walls. It’s hardier than most trailing types and can withstand temperatures as low as 15°.
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‘Huntington Carpet’: About half the size of ‘Prostratus’, this ground cover has a denser appearance due to its closer leaf nodes. Its pale blue flowers make it an excellent choice for covering slopes or trailing down walls.
Best Kinds for Specific Climates
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‘Arp’: This rosemary variety reaches a height and width of 4 feet. It has a rather open habit but can be kept denser with regular pruning. It features gray-green leaves and bright blue flowers. ‘Arp’ is hardy enough to withstand temperatures as low as -10°.
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‘Hill Hardy’: With a height of 3 to 5 feet and similar width, this rosemary has denser and brighter green foliage than ‘Arp’. It can survive temperatures as low as 0° without issues.
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‘Salem’: Standing at 2 feet tall and wide, this rosemary variety is fairly tolerant of wet soil. It’s a popular choice, particularly in the moist regions of the Pacific Northwest.
Culinary Delights
All varieties of R. officinalis can be used for cooking, but upright varieties with broader leaves tend to contain more aromatic oil. ‘Tuscan Blue’, ‘Blue Spires’, ‘Miss Jessup’s Upright’, and ‘Spice Island’ are all excellent choices for culinary purposes. ‘Spice Island’, often found in the herb section, grows into an upright 4- to 5-foot-tall shrub that adds flavor to your meals.
With the help of these recommendations, you can find the perfect rosemary variety for your garden. Whether you’re looking for an impressive shrub, a beautiful ground cover, or a hardy option for your specific climate, rosemary offers a wealth of possibilities. So go ahead, add this versatile herb to your garden and enjoy the beauty and fragrance it brings!
SOURCES: Garden centers and nurseries, Forestfarm, Goodwin Creek Gardens, Mountain Valley Growers, Territorial Seed Company.
