Growing Rosemary Is a Fantastic Addition to Any Garden
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen perennial herb that has white and pink flowers and originated from the Mediterranean. There is a suggestion that the ancient Greeks used Rosemary to help their memory. Today it is used for culinary purposes as well as a symbol of remembrance, particularly by the ANZACS.
When growing rosemary, select a sunny position as it thrives in hot arid conditions, and doesn’t like frost. It will thrive in most climates providing the conditions aren’t too humid, wet and cold.
Soil
Well drained soil that is slightly alkaline is suitable for growing rosemary. The addition of lime once a year will improve the plants ph level. Rosemary can be grown in a pot but it must be planted in good quality potting mix that will drain freely.
Water
Rosemary doesn’t like to be kept too wet so water it sparingly. If growing in a pot, water when the soil feels dry.
Fertilizer
This plant responds well to be fed organic food such as blood and bone, or if you are lucky to obtain some cow manure it will love you for it. A slow release organic fertilizer is also suitable. Fertilizing is usually beneficial in spring.
Look after your Rosemary
Spring is also the time to remove any dead wood from the plant. Trim the plant after flowering and this will encourage the plant to become bushier.
Hedges
There are some areas in the world that use rosemary as a hedging plant. If growing rosemary for this use in warmer climates, it is best to plant them at least 3 feet apart to allow them to thicken up and form a hedge. There is also a trailing variety of rosemary that is used as a trailing plant in rock gardens.
Companion Planting
Growing rosemary is excellent as a companion plant as it deters parasites, particularly when beans are planted near it. It is also an excellent companion plant for cabbages, carrots and sage.
Propagate
Rosemary is easy to propagate. Snip off a few inches from the tip of a stem and remove the leaves about an inch from the base. Dip in some rooting powder and plant in a rooting mixture that has some peat moss added to it. Within three to four weeks you will see some roots forming, it’s then time to transplant it to a larger pot.
Growing rosemary in a pot and giving it to a friend is an ideal gift.
Diseases
Rosemary can be affected by leaf spot and aerial blight. If growing rosemary indoors be on the lookout for powdery mildew. It won’t kill your plant but it will weaken it. Try to have it in sunlight for some of the day. Ideally rosemary likes at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Varieties
There are several varieties of rosemary. If growing rosemary in pot select “Blue Boy” which is a small bush with leaves that grow in clusters. Another variety is “Golden rain” which is small and compact.
Using Rosemary
Not only does growing rosemary provide companion to other plants, it is very fragrant, and it’s delicious to eat, as both the leaves and the flowers are edible. It is particularly delicious with lamb.
Category: Herb Gardens
