Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen · Public domain
About
This fragrant, evergreen shrub, *Salvia rosmarinus*, is highly valued for its aromatic, needle-like leaves and beautiful purple, white, or blue flowers. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in Mediterranean climates and is widely used in culinary and ornamental applications.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant forms an aromatic evergreen shrub with leaves similar to Tsuga needles, measuring 2–4 cm long and 2–5 mm broad. The leaves are green above and white below, covered in dense, short, woolly hair. Upright forms can reach 1.2–1.8 metres tall, and the flowers appear in groups of 2 to 3 down the branches.
Distribution & habitat
Native to the Mediterranean region, as well as Portugal and northwestern Spain. It is reasonably hardy in cool climates and can withstand droughts.
Cultivation notes
Rosemary is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and for xeriscape landscaping, especially in Mediterranean regions. It is considered easy to grow, pest-resistant, and can be pruned into formal shapes or low hedges. It is also easily grown in pots. To harvest, the bush should be matured 2–3 years, and the amount harvested should not exceed 20% of the growth.
History & etymology
First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as *Rosmarinus officinalis*. In 2017, it was reclassified into *Salvia* based on molecular evidence. The epithet *rosmarinus* is derived from two Latin words, meaning 'Sea-dew,' suggesting the plant thrives near the sea.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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