Rosemarinus Common name: Rosemary	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates Water requirement         High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description Rosemary is a salt tolerant and drought resistant medium growing woody shrub (1-2m high). It makes a good hedging plant, and is suitable for topiaries. Small, usually pale-blue flowers appear over a long period in summer. It also comes in a pink variety and is often used as the remembrance plant. The leaves are used for culinary flavouring as a herb. Janine’s Tip Rosemary sprigs kept in the pantry keeps weevils and moths at bay. And a few sprigs in a vase on the window sill will keep flies outside while cooking!
Growing Rosemary likes hot and dry conditions. It grows in full sun to semi shade, in well drained and even quite poor soils. It is a resilient plant that makes excellent windbreaks for herb gardens, even those that are close to the sea. Propagate from seed, cuttings, layers. Division is possible with older plants. The most popular method is that of taking cuttings. Take 15-20cm long cuttings in February and pot them firmly in coarse sand. They will strike readily. When propagating with layers, pull a low branch to the ground, make an incision in the bark and pin it down with a wire hook before covering with soil. Make sure to keep cuttings and layers damp, but not wet. Prune regularly to shape after flowering. Adaptable to all climates but the tropics.   Herb Uses The leaves are used as a herb for their clean, fresh bittersweet flavour and must be dried as soon as possible after harvest. The main kitchen uses include lamb dishes, soups, stews, marinades, poached and boiled fish, seafood and most vegetables. It is also use in bouquet garni and in mixed herbs. Use dried or fresh, but with care, as too much can overpower all other ingredients.