Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a versatile, aromatic herb cherished in New Zealand gardens for its culinary uses and ornamental appeal. This guide provides comprehensive information on selecting the right rosemary varieties, planting techniques, care routines, and propagation methods tailored to New Zealand's diverse climates.
This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Rosemary Flowers, such as how can they be used, and more!
Rosemary leaves and flowers can be eaten, even when the plant is flowering. The flowers are often used a delightful addition to culinary dishes. The flowers are perfectly safe to eat and can add a touch of colour and flavour to your food. They have a similar flavour profile to the leaves, but are generally milder and slightly sweeter.
The flowering duration of Rosemary can vary depending on factors like climate, plant age, and specific variety. Nonetheless, they typically flower in spring and summer. In warm climates, flowering might start earlier in spring and extend into early autumn. The flowers themselves can last for several weeks on the plant.
Rosemary flowers offer more than just a beautiful addition to your garden. They have various uses:
When your Rosemary plant flowers, it's a sign the plant is both happy and healthy!
Providing the best fertiliser for Rosemary is important to ensure the plants thrive. The correct fertiliser depends on whether the plant is grown in a pot or in soil, and getting this wrong can be disastrous for your plants. Our articles provide the best advice about fertiliser for Rosemary so you can achieve the amazing results you are after.
Rosemary grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertilisers to use are either the container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertiliser can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.
Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time, but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.
Rosemary grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertilisers to use are either the container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertiliser can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.
Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time, but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.
Caring for Rosemary plants is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than putting the effort into planting for them to fail. Therefore, follow our advice and give yourself the best chance of success!
The most important part to Rosemary care starts with planting, and our article, How To Plant Rosemary, provides sound advice on how to do this properly. So, let’s now assume your plant is growing well and you want to keep it that way!
Winter is the perfect time for mulching your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with mulch. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both of these break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company does not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter such as compost is quite okay.
Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our shrub fertiliser will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is our organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but they will require a secondary application in autumn.
Summer is when the plants need regular watering and this should be undertaken every second day on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet.
Caring for Rosemary in autumn is about keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.
Winter is generally the time for undertaking any pruning. Light trimming can be undertaken any time, but The Plant Company recommends late winter for any harder trimming.
There can be many reasons why a Rosemary looks sick or is dying and it is often an iterative process to determine why. The most common reasons are presented below and organised from most likely to least likely based on The Plant Company's experience.
Planting Rosemary and getting it to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to give you the greatest chance of success when growing Rosemary.
While mint and rosemary both have wonderful qualities, planting them together in the same pot may not be the best idea. This is because mint thrives in moist soil, while rosemary prefers drier soil. More importantly, mint is a vigorous spreader will easily outcompete rosemary for space, nutrients, and sunlight. Rosemary is a slower grower and may not grow well in this instance.
If the intention is to plant them in a garden side by side, then absolutely that is fine. Just be aware of the spreading nature of the mint and keep them separated accordingly.
Choose a full sun or partial position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Rosemary plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A good planting spade makes this job a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.
Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant. Our article, Managing Rootbound Plants explains this in more detail.
Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is sitting above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure from your fingers as you go. Scatter shrub fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering. If the plant is taller than 30 cm you might want to consider staking it to give it a bit of extra support and use tree ties for secure and appropriate holding.
The best time to plant rosemary is anytime from autumn until spring. The soil is moist and the cooler temperature help reduce stress on the new plant.
Rosemary is easy to grow with the right conditions. They can be grown outdoors in a garden or in a large pot. Where ever they are grown, there are a few fundamentals to ensure success:
The best place to plant Rosemary is in a well-drained spot with a soil that is rich in fertility and slightly acidic. They can tolerate a variety of climates, but they prefer a full sun position that is sheltered from wind.
Propagating Rosemary plants is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are easily rooted, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.
Rosemary do not root well in just water and are more likely to rot. There might be the odd success (10%), but The Plant Company says, “don’t waste your time!” You are far better to insert cuttings in growing media with bottom heat and mist to give you a lot better chance of success!
Rosemary are propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 8-10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with a few leaves at the top and just below a node. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of four weeks as a general rule.
This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Rosemary Leaves, such as how can they be used, and more!
The research on Rosemary and hair growth is ongoing, and the current evidence is inconclusive. Some studies suggest that rosemary oil, when applied topically, might be as effective as minoxidil (a well-known hair loss treatment) for promoting hair growth. These studies involved applying rosemary oil to the scalp for several months. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and fully understand how it might influence hair growth.
Eating fresh Rosemary leaves is generally safe for most people in moderation. Rosemary leaves are a common and safe culinary herb. They add a fragrant, slightly bitter, and somewhat peppery flavour to various dishes. However, moderate consumption is key. Excessive consumption, which is unlikely in culinary use, can potentially cause side effects like stomach upset, vomiting, or kidney irritation.
Rosemary leaves are valued for both their culinary and non-culinary properties:
Culinary Uses:
Potential Health Benefits:
Traditional Uses (limited scientific evidence):
Other Uses
This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Rosemary, such as how big they grow, their hardiness, and more!
While Rosemary isn't a true tree, you can grow it to have a tree-like appearance with a single main trunk and a bushy top. The key to achieving a rosemary "tree" lies in selective pruning. This involves encouraging the growth of a single main stem while removing competing shoots. Regularly prune away any lateral shoots that emerge from the base of the plant or along the chosen trunk. This allows the chosen stem to grow taller and become the main trunk. Once the desired height for the trunk is reached, you can start shaping the top. Prune the uppermost branches to encourage bushier growth, creating a leafy crown.
Rosemary is a perennial herb, meaning it will come back every year if it is properly cared for. Be sure to plant it in a sunny spot so it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Water it regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. It will benefit from being fertilised with shrub fertiliser in spring. Pruning Rosemary will help to keep it healthy and promote new growth. Finally, in climates with severe frost, consider frost protection.
Rosemary is a woody perennial herb that can live for many years, typically up to 10 to 30 years with proper care. However, the lifespan of rosemary can vary depending on several factors, including the variety of rosemary, growing conditions, and climate. In ideal conditions, such as warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil, rosemary plants can thrive for decades. However, in colder climates or with poor growing conditions, rosemary plants may only live for a few years.
Rosemary plants are not toxic to cats according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). In fact, it is considered safe for them to be around and even ingest in small amounts. While rosemary is not poisonous, large quantities can upset your cat's stomach and cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
Rosemary plants are not toxic to dogs according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). In fact, there might even be some health benefits for your pet. However, moderation is important. While rosemary is not poisonous, large quantities can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhoea in dogs.
Rosemary is a beautiful and fragrant shrub with needle-like leaves. It a woody, perennial herb that typically grows into a bushy shrub. Upright rosemary bushes can grow to be 1.5 m (5 feet tall), while trailing varieties tend to grow lower and spread out along the ground.
The most recognisable feature of rosemary are its needle-like leaves. These leaves are dark green on top with a lighter, often silver-green underside. The edges of the leaves curl downwards slightly, and the undersides have a fuzzy feel. The leaves grow densely along the woody stems. Rosemary plants produce small, light blue flowers in clusters along the stems. These flowers attract to bees and other pollinators in spring and summer.
Many plants can grow well alongside rosemary, but some are better companions than others:
Rosemary is a versatile herb that is good for culinary and non-culinary uses:
Culinary Uses:
Non-Culinary Uses (more research needed):
Choosing a Rosemary variety that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the varieties, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.
The list of Rosemary plants that The Plant Company has worked on, propagated, and marketed is extensive. Our database of Rosemary varieties is listed below:
Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as Rosemary, is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint family). It is native to the Mediterranean region, including Portugal and northwestern Spain. Some of its key characteristics include:
Overall, Rosmarinus officinalis is a versatile and fragrant herb that can be enjoyed in many ways. With its beautiful appearance, culinary uses, and ease of care, it's a wonderful addition to any garden.
Rosmarinus prostrato, also known as creeping rosemary or trailing rosemary, is a popular variety due to its low-growing and spreading growth habit. Some of its key characteristics and information:
Overall, Rosmarinus prostrato, is a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that offers a beautiful cascading form, fragrant foliage, and the culinary benefits of rosemary.
Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue', commonly known as ‘Tuscan Blue’ Rosemary is an upright rosemary variety that grows as a bushy shrub. It's known for its fast-growing habit and clusters of beautiful, sky-blue flowers along its stems. The flowers during spring and sometimes into summer add a lovely pop of colour to the fragrant foliage. The leaves of Tuscan Blue Rosemary are dark green with a silver-green underside. Further information includes:
Overall, Tuscan Blue Rosemary is a versatile and attractive variety that offers the classic rosemary experience with beautiful flowers, fragrant foliage, and culinary value.
There are many different varieties of Rosemary, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:
Growing a Rosemary hedge takes some thought and planning to ensure you get what you are after. Factors such as the hedge spacing, desired height, and trimming are all important considerations. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for trimming a Rosemary hedge and pruning individual bushes so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.
Pruning Rosemary encourages growth in several ways:
Rosemary make amazing hedges (both formal and informal) and to create an outstanding formal hedge The Plant Company recommends spacing them 50 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted is the general rule. With this planting regime they will close in quickly and also push each other upwards as they compete for light. The result is a fabulous hedge every time.
You can go out to 75 cm if the budget is tight but that will often result in a gap at the bottom between plants which is hard to fill. The gap results from the natural vase shape with which these plants grow. In this situation opt for smaller grade sizes and plant more of them rather than going with bigger plants as this will make the money go further and produce a better result in the longer term.
If 25L grades (or bigger) are purchased which are 1m tall and lush, you can space these 75 cm apart without issue. These grades have generally been manicured to ensure they are bushy to the base and will therefore branch and fill in more easily.
Rosemary make amazing formal hedges (i.e., trimmed) and to create an outstanding hedge, space plants 50-70 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted. Similarly, space plants closely if you want a dense hedge quickly (i.e., 50 cm apart).
It is important to understand that the hedge is generally pruned in winter with about 10-15% of the exterior vegetation removed. The amount removed depends on how much you need to contain the hedge. The best Rosemary hedges are trimmed again during summer. The notion being that the trimming is little and often to keep the plants dense and lush. That said, they still look good with once-a-year trimming.
The hedge width can be anywhere from 50 cm to 1.5m for Rosemary. Narrower hedges will take more regular trimming than wider ones, however. Work out the maximum width you want the hedge to grow to before trimming as you plan the planting. Trimming is generally 5-10 cm back from that outer width and allowing for a centre of at least 30 cm.
Rosemary make amazing informal hedges (i.e., minimally trimmed) and to create an outstanding hedge, space plants 75-100 cm apart. The faster you want the hedge to fill in, the closer they should be planted. Similarly, space plants closely if you want a dense hedge quickly (75 cm apart).
The hedge can be trimmed as little or as much as you want given it is the informality you are wanting. Sometimes, however, it is the natural shape of the plants that clients are after but still with the hedge closing in to a large extent. In these situations, The Plant Company recommends spacing plants 1.5 m apart, though they will take longer to close together in this situation.
A Rosemary plant can be made more bushy by continually trimming it. Each time the end of a stem is cut off, more buds from lower down the stem will shoot away. The trick to getting a bushy plant is trimming little and often. The Plant Company recommends that no more than one-third of the vegetation be removed during any trimming exercise.
Rosemary are trimmed each winter to contain growth and encourage fresh, new growth. The Plant Company recommends they are lightly trimmed each year to the size you are after and allowing for 50 cm of extension growth. You can be as aggressive as you want as the plants will sprout new buds from healthy stumps. Any dead stems should also be removed at this time, along with stems that show disease.
A mistake often made is to not prune the plants hard enough. This error generally results in a woodier plant and a much larger plant that can be difficult to contain. Rosemary are very forgiving plants and even if you get the trimming wrong, they will recover!
Rosemary can be trimmed at any time of the year, though winter is the time recommended by The Plant Company. It is the new growth and flowers that makes the plants look amazing, so cutting out the older growth to make way for the new growth in spring is the goal. All you need is a good pair of secateurs and you can be as aggressive as you want. The plants will sprout new buds from stumps as long as they are not diseased. When Rosemary are grown in pots they are often clipped every 2-3 months. This keeps them dense and helps make them shapelier.
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