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Growing Rosemary Plants
as
Cooking Herb
and
Drought Tolerant Flowering Shrub
Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial, evergreen
shrub. Not only are they wonderful cooking herbs, they are also
dependable staples to consider in any drought tolerant landscape.
These plants are native to the Mediterranean region which is known for
mild winters, hot summers and generally low rainfall.
Some common names for rosemary include, Dew of the Sea, Compass Weed
and Elf Leaf. In medieval lore, rosemary was used to promote good
health, healing and protection. Rosemary was hung over doors to
keep thieves away and worn to relieve depression and improve mental
powers. It can be burned as an incense whole and has been used as
a substitute for frankincense. In Victorian times, rosemary was
used as a symbol of remembrance and carried by brides on their wedding
day.
Rosemary has fragrant, sticky, pine needle-like leaves in deep green
which grow on short stems. Mature rosemary branches are brown and
have a thin papery covering that looks like peeling bark.
Rosemary plants are easy to grow in containers and can also be used for
bonsai. Rosemary can be shaped into small cone-shaped trees for
Christmas, or grown inside of mesh cages and shaped into fantastic
topiary creations. Normally rosemary has a draping growth habit
and will be seen hanging over pots, or tumbling down slopes.
Pinch the tips of the branches to encourage shrubbier growth - and use
the fragrant leaves in your dinner.
Rosemary blooms in winter and early spring. Flowers are usually
blue, but white and pink varieties can be found at specialty nurseries
or online seed catalogues. The flowers are small, just under 1/2
across, but they cover the tips of the stems in a way that makes the
entire plant turn blue. For dramatic impact in the landscape
plant a row of rosemary up high in a rock garden, or on the top of a
set of garden steps. A bank of blooming rosemary tumbling over
the edges looks like a wave of blue and green. When rosemary is
brushed it releases a cloud of refreshing fragrance into the air.
Rosemary plants grow slowly to six feet tall, but are generally seen
much smaller when potted in containers. Rosemary likes full sun
but can be grown in light shade. Rosemary can tolerate regular
garden water, but will happily survive in drought conditions.
They will tolerate sea spray, alkaline soil and hot summers.
Rosemary is also subject to root rot, so do not let the plants sit in a
wet pot. In the garden, if your soil is heavy clay, or retains a
lot of water, you should make sure the soil is dry before watering
again. Although, if it has been 120 degrees in your area, you
might want to throw in an extra watering. Giving your plants a
good soaking once a month instead of a few sprinkles every week will
encourage deep root development, which helps them withstand drought.
Rosemary plants are a valuable herb in the kitchen. You can use
it fresh from the garden, just pull the leaves off the woody
stems. Rosemary tastes good with meat, in soups or stews or with
vegetables. Whole branches are great for stuffing into chickens
or turkey. Or put a spring of rosemary in olive oil for dipping
with French bread. Layer slices of bread with fresh rosemary then
warm slightly. The essential oils will seep into the bread and the
springs can be eaten raw.
Today promising research is being done on rosemary's ability to improve
mental capacity and mood. Research on asthma, skin conditions and
scalp issues are also promising.
Rosemary is a good choice for container gardens, herb gardens or desert
gardens.
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