Rosmarinus officinalis

'Wild Rosemary'

[Ex. Spain] 

COMMING SOON!

Lamiaceae: an aromatic bushy evergreen shrub with a dense, leafy habit, to 2m x 2m but variable in size. Found among dry scrub and rocky places, especially near the sea and hill sides. Flowers usually pale violet-blue and white. Blooming from March – October. Linear dark green aromatic leaves 1.5-5cm long have recurved margins and pale, felty undersides. Native to the Mediterranean.

USES:

The young shoots, leaves and flowers are used raw and cooked. The leaves have a very strong flavour that is bitter and somewhat resinous, the flowers are somewhat milder. They are used in small quantities as a flavouring in soups and stews, with vegetables such as peas and spinach, and with sweet dishes such as biscuits cakes, jams and jellies. A fragrant tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves.

Rosemary is commonly grown in the herb garden as a domestic remedy, used especially as a tonic and pick-me-up when feeling depressed, mentally tired, and nervous. Research has shown that the plant is rich in volatile oils, flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are strongly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. The whole plant has antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, cardiac, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, stimulant, stomachic and tonic properties.

The oil is used in perfumery, and soaps.

GROWING INFORMATION:

These seeds germinate rapidly depending on species and origin. If germination does not occur after 3–4 weeks a cooling period of 2–4 weeks is recommended. Succeeds on a well-drained soil in a hot dry position in full sun. Hardy to between -10 and -15°C. Intolerant of excessive winter wet of the British Isles. Plants can be damaged or killed in severe winters, old plants are the most susceptible. Attracts bees and butterflies, and suitable for dried flower arrangements

HARVESTED: 2022

 

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