The branch tips of this rosemary regularly get snipped for cooking, keeping it low and dense.
In the Garden
Rosemary is a woody-stemmed plant with needle-like leaves that can commonly reach 3 feet in height, eventually stretching to 5 feet in warmer climates unless clipped. In Zone 8 and farther south, rosemary makes a good evergreen hedge, while farther north it becomes less dependable as an evergreen. In zone 6 and colder, grow it in a container to bring inside in cold weather. You can even train rosemary into topiary shapes. Plants are tolerant of salt spray, making them a good choice for pots on the beach.
Rosemary is a large woody shrub that does well in containers because they provide good drainage.
Set out rosemary transplants in spring; you can also plant in fall in Zones 8 and south. Plants are slow growing at first but pick up speed in their second year. While rosemary tolerates partial shade, it prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Add lime if needed, and be sure the plant has good drainage, ideally in a container or raised bed. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil at or before planting, and reapply in the spring.Keep the soil uniformly moist, allowing it to dry out between waterings. Mulch your plants to keep roots moist in summer and insulated in winter, but take care to keep mulch away from the crown of the plant. In the spring, prune dead wood out of the plants.
Rosemary will grow into a lovely large landscape shrub if planted in proper soil with good drainage.
Whiteflies, spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can all bother rosemary, as can powdery mildew and root rot, particularly in humid regions. To prevent mildew and rot, be sure your plants enjoy good drainage and air circulation.In Zone 7, extreme cold will kill the tops of the rosemary plant. In areas where it is likely to be hurt by winter, plant in a protected spot such as near a south-facing masonry wall and away from the prevailing winter wind; also mulch to protect the roots. In Zone 8 and farther south, rosemary needs no winter protection.
When cutting rosemary, cut into the tender stems instead of the woody lower branches.
Cut stems at any time for fresh rosemary. To dry rosemary, harvest the leaves just prior to blooming stage. Stems may be dried on a rack or hung in bunches to dry. Once stems are dry, strip the leaves from them.You can also freeze rosemary sprigs or preserve them in oil or vinegar.
Rosemary, olive oil, and a dash of sea salt make the perfect simple dip for fresh bread.
While rosemary blends well with other herbs, use it lightly on its own in lamb, pork, chicken, and veal dishes, as well as in soups and stews, vegetables, and sauces. Rosemary provides a wonderful flavor in breads and makes a good marinade with olive oil, wine, and garlic.Rosemary’s aromatic qualities also enhance a bath, bouquet, wreath, or sachet.
