Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis - €5 per plant 

After numerous failed attempts at overwintering our rosemary plants we have at last found a cultivar that can handle the cold Shipka winters. We have the plants against south facing walls to increase the ambient temperature and mulch them heavily in the autumn.  Just in case, we keep a few plants in barrels and pots and bring them inside, enjoying the fresh herb all year round. Great in cooking for teas and many medicinal properties.   To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: S. Europe- W. Asia
  • native habitat: Dry scrub and rocky places, especially near the sea
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators

  • No experience of any pests or predators 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline  (can grow in very alkaline soils)
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7a - 10b
  • Prefers moist soil 
  • Drought tolerant  
  • Protection needed in winter
  • Succeeds in a hot dry position
  • Intolerant of excessive winter wet

Known hazards 

  • Grows badly with potatoes
  • Products containing rosemary oil may cause erythema (redness) of the skin. Caution needed if allergies. Reportedly used as an abortifacient in large quantities but can lead to deep coma, spasm and vomiting and even death

Overview

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  • Evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m by 1.5 m at a medium rate
  • In leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from March to October, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • Noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
  • Cannot grow in the shade.
  • Prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
  • The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Characteristics

  • form: semi woody evergreen shrub 
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: multi stemed ,vigorous growth 
  • height x width (m): 1.5 x 1.5
  • years to bearing yield: 0 years  
  • productive life span:  

Products 

  • Leaf:A very common herb, the strongly aromatic leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked foods and makes a good tea
  • Medicinal: 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, nervous etc[
  • A good dense ground cover plant for sunny positions
  • The plant can be grown as a hedge

Functions, behaviours

  • wind dispersed seeds
  • easy to propagate from soft wood cuttings
  • The flowers are very attractive to bees amongst other pollinaters 
  • A good companion for most plants, including cabbages, beans, carrots and sage
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project