Rosmarinus officinalis

(Rosemary) An evergreen, woody shrub. Linear, glossy, dark green, silver backed, highly aromatic, leaves, surround erect woody, branching stems. Throughout the year tubular, pale blue flowers are produced. Tolerant of most soil, provide good drainage. Makes a dense hedge, to 60cm, if trimmed often. Leaves are used in cooking.

Immortalized in the children's story, Tale of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter. The widowed old mother rabbit earned her living by selling herbs such as rosemary and rosemary tea. Rugged, evergreen, aromatic shrub with linear leaves, glossy green on top and whitish-gray beneath. They range in size from low groundcovers to large 8' shrubs. Showy masses of small, blue to lavender flowers are featured in winter and spring and intermittently throughout the year. Rosemary is multi-faceted, with foliage used for seasoning and flowers that attract bees and birds. An enduring, functional ornamental. Utilize for dry borders, clipped hedges, cascading over walls or as a background screen. Once established it requires little to no water, but does prefer well-drained soils. Rather tough, rosemary will tolerate full sun, coastal conditions, aridity and wind. In our garden, the stand of rosemary near our kitchen supplies the raw material for a favorite recipe, Rosemary Bread. Hardy to 15 °F. Mediterranean.