Rosmarinus officinalis

1. Brief Description

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a Mediterranean-origin, evergreen shrub with woody stems. Its needle-like, aromatic leaves and typically blue-purple flowers make it valuable for both culinary uses and landscaping applications.

The plant exhibits relatively high tolerance to drought and sunny, arid conditions, making it a resilient choice for Mediterranean-style gardens.

2. Botanical Information

• Taxonomy: Family Lamiaceae (mint family)

• Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis L. (some sources post-2017 classify it as Salvia rosmarinus)

• Native range: Mediterranean region, including dry and rocky coastal areas

• Morphology: Typically grows as a 0.5–2 m shrub; leaves are narrow, needle-like, green on the upper surface, and generally lighter and hairy beneath

• Flowers: Usually mauve-blue, white, or pink; blooms from spring to mid-summer

• Chemical composition: Leaves contain essential oils, resins, flavonoids, and tannins, supporting both aromatic qualities and medicinal potential

3. Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun; performance may decline in shade

• Soil: Well-drained, light sandy-loam or rocky soils preferred; heavy, waterlogged soils should be avoided

• Water: Low irrigation requirement once established; increased watering may be needed after planting. Avoid consistently wet soils

• Climate: Suited to Mediterranean climates; sensitive to frost and extreme cold

• pH & Drainage: Broad pH tolerance; well-drained soils are essential

4. Care Guidelines

• Pruning: Light pruning after flowering maintains density and form, especially in shrub forms

• Drainage: Critical for root aeration and to prevent water accumulation; avoid poorly drained sites

• Watering: Reduce frequency for established plants; regular watering is required during establishment

• Frost Protection: In cold climates or frost-prone areas, winter protection or microclimate selection is recommended

• Propagation & Renewal: Can be propagated by cuttings, seeds, or shoots; soil conditions and annual renewal should be monitored

• Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy; excessive moisture, shade, or poor air circulation may encourage disease development

5. Landscape Use

• Hedges / Borders: Dense branching and evergreen habit make it suitable for low- to medium-height boundaries

• Aromatic / Kitchen Gardens: Leaves can be harvested for culinary use, integrating functional and decorative purposes

• Drought-Tolerant Gardens (Xeriscape): Low water requirements make it ideal for arid, sunny areas

• Rock Gardens / Slopes: Tolerates well-drained, rocky soils, making it effective on slopes or rockeries

• Small Green Axes or Container Plantings: Works well in sunny terrace or garden settings, or along streets, as an elegant accent