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Rosemary Officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis

£15.99

Size:

2 Litre pot 5 Litre pot 10 Litre pot

Code: 38052

Availability: 7 item(s)

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At a Glance

Variety: Rosemary
Size: 5 Litre pot
Mature Height (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Height

You can expect the height to reach somewhere within this estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the height in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this height.

1.0-1.5m
Mature Spread (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Spread

You can expect the plant to spread somewhere within this range estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the spread in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this.

1.0-1.5m
Flower Colour (?):

What does this mean?

Flower Colour

Flowers come in a vast variety of colours from pure white to almost black. Colour can be affected by a number of factors including environment and diet. Use the photographs as a guide and expect variations.

Blue, Purple
Flowering Time (?):

What does this mean?

Flowering Time

A plants development is synchronised with the changing seasons and flowering is one of several changes that occur at the appropriate time of year dependent on the specific plant. While our meteorological seasons are defined by specific dates; there can be two or the weeks difference in the start and end of the horticultural 'season' between the north and south of the UK.

Spring - Summer
Foliage (?):

What does this mean?

Evergreen

Plants that have leaves all year round are classified as evergreen. They can however lose leaves sporadically throughout the year.

Deciduous

Deciduous plants drop their leaves in autumn, look bare in winter and put out new leaves again in spring. Some plants such a Beech retain their dead leaves until the new spring growth.

Semi-evergreen

There are exceptions, some plant drop their leaves in cold winters but keep them if it is mild. These are classified as Semi-evergreen.

Evergreen
Fragrant (?):

What does this mean?
Fragrant
For plants that are fragrant the level of fragrance may vary, results may improve by planting in larger blocks. The fragrance may come from flowers or foliage.

Yes
Growth Rate (?):

What does this mean?

Growth rate of a plant will determine how fast the plant reaches it ultimate height and is affected by four main factors: temperature, nutrients, light, and water.

Average
Hardiness (?):

What does this mean?

Fully Hardy

Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (to -15)

Half Hardy

Hardy throughout most of the UK (to -10)

Frost Hardy

Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of UK (to -5)

Frost Hardy
Position (?):

What does this mean?

Full Sun

Six or more full hours of direct sunlight but don't forget to water.

Partial Shade

Two or three hours either in early morning or late evening sun. Very limited exposure to midday sun.

Dense Shade

Usually no more than two hours direct sunlight. Usually under dense trees, shurbs or in shade cast by buildings/fences etc.

Full sun
Soil Moisture (?):

What does this mean?

Well Drained

Well-drained soil allows water to percolate through reasonably quickly without pooling. Well drained soil can often be dry and lack nutrients.

Poorly Drained

Poorly Drained soil is usually saturated periodically during the growing season and remains wet for several days at a time. Saturated soil can deprive roots of oxygen.

Moist Well Drained

A moist well drained soil is the best of both worlds by combining high permeability with the ability to retain moisture. Adding well rotted organic matter to dry or wet soil will help improve both these characteristics.

Moist Well-drained, Well-drained
Soil PH (?):

What does this mean?

Acid

Soil with a pH between 1 and 7 is classed as acid, ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons need acid soil.

Neutral

A neutral pH which is around 7, will be suitable for most plants. Clay soils tend to be neutral.

Alkaline

Soil with a pH between 7 and 14 are refereed to as Alkaline. Chalky soil is usually Alkaline.

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type (?):

What does this mean?

Chalk

Chalky or lime-rich soils may be light or heavy, largely made up of calcium carbonate and are very alkaline.

Clay

Clay soils are potentially fertile and hold a high proportion of water. They drain slowly and take longer to warm up in spring.

Loam

Loam soils are s mixture of clay, sand and silt that avoid the extremes of clay or sandy soils. Fertile, well-drained and easily worked.

Sand

Sandy soils have a low clay content, drain quickly, easy to cultivate and work. They can dry out quickly and are low in plant nutrients. Often very acidic.

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Rosemary Officinalis

Common Rosemary

Overview

Rosemary Officinalis is a beloved Mediterranean herb that brings both culinary excellence and aromatic beauty to any garden. This evergreen perennial shrub is prized for its needle-like leaves, distinctive pine-like fragrance, and delicate blue flowers. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your herb collection, rosemary is an essential addition that rewards minimal care with abundant harvests.

Plant Characteristics

Appearance

Height: Typically grows 60-120cm (2-4 feet) tall, though can reach up to 180cm (6 feet) in ideal conditions
Spread: 60-90cm (2-3 feet) wide
Foliage: Narrow, needle-like leaves that are dark green on top with silvery undersides
Flowers: Small, tubular blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, or occasionally white
Growth habit: Upright, bushy shrub with woody stems that become more pronounced with age

Flowering Period

Rosemary typically flowers from late spring through early autumn, with peak blooming occurring in summer. In milder climates, it may produce flowers sporadically throughout the year.

Growing Requirements

Climate and Hardiness

Hardiness zones: 7-10 (can survive temperatures down to -12°C/10°F)
Climate preference: Mediterranean-type climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters
Frost tolerance: Established plants can tolerate light frosts, but young plants need protection

Soil Conditions

Soil type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH range: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage: Essential - rosemary cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions
Fertility: Thrives in poor to moderately fertile soil; overly rich soil can reduce flavour intensity

Light Requirements

Sun exposure: Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Partial shade: Can tolerate light shade but may become leggy and less aromatic

Watering Needs

Established plants: Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply but infrequently
Young plants: Regular watering until established (first 6-12 months)
Overwatering: Avoid - this is the most common cause of rosemary plant failure

Planting and Care

Planting

Best time: Plant in spring after the last frost, or early autumn in milder climates
Spacing: Allow 60-90cm (2-3 feet) between plants
Container growing: Excellent for pots; use well-draining potting mix and ensure adequate drainage holes

Maintenance

Pruning: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape; avoid cutting into old wood
Fertilising: Generally unnecessary; light application of balanced fertiliser in spring if desired
Mulching: Apply gravel or bark mulch around the base to improve drainage and suppress weeds

Culinary Uses

Rosemary's robust, pine-like flavour makes it indispensable in the kitchen. The aromatic leaves complement roasted meats, particularly lamb and chicken, Mediterranean vegetables, potatoes, and bread. Fresh sprigs can be used as aromatic skewers for grilling, whilst dried leaves provide year-round seasoning. The flowers are also edible and make an attractive garnish for salads and desserts.

Additional Benefits

Aromatic Properties

The essential oils in rosemary leaves release a wonderful fragrance when brushed against or crushed, making it an excellent choice for sensory gardens or pathways.

Wildlife Value

Rosemary flowers are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, making it valuable for supporting local ecosystems.

Companion Planting

Rosemary pairs well with other Mediterranean herbs such as thyme, oregano, and sage. It's also said to deter certain pests when planted near vegetables like carrots and beans.

Winter Care

In colder regions, protect plants with fleece or move containers to sheltered locations. Reduce watering significantly during winter months.

Why Choose Rosemary Officinalis?

Rosemary Officinalis is the perfect herb for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant that delivers exceptional culinary value. Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-wise gardening, whilst its evergreen nature provides year-round structure and harvest opportunities. With proper planting and minimal care, a single rosemary plant can provide decades of aromatic leaves for cooking, natural fragrance for the garden, and nectar for beneficial insects.

Herb Notes
Herb Guide & Care
Herb Essentials
Companions

Buying Herbs from Jacksons Nurseries

At Jacksons Nurseries our herbs are sold to plant out and grow on rather than instant culinary use. Unlike many supermarkets we grow them to help create a hardly plant with a good healthy root system that will grow to provide a good ‘clump’ producing to come.

Depending on the time of year you make your purchase herbs not look like the images on our website as they are trimmed back judiciously as required to prevent them from becoming leggy and untidy.

Herbs, as well as being beautiful sensory plants, are useful for home remedies and cooking. They smell lovely, look wonderful and you can use them—what could be better? There are two main ways of growing herbs, in containers or in the garden.

Planting and Conditions

The conditions required for planting varies between different herbs.

Basil, Bay, Caraway, Chives, Dill, Marjoram, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme all prefer well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Rosemary in particular will not survive being frozen during the winter months.

Chervil, Coriander, Mint and French Tarragon all prefer partial sun or shade, and like well-drained to dry soil.

Herbs would also benefit greatly from being planted in raised beds, which usually offer the perfect conditions for growth, as they have well-drained soil and are more likely to catch the rays of sun needed for most herb varieties.

Aftercare and Pruning

There is no need to prune your herbs excessively, because you are likely to be using them regularly after they have established anyway. If any dead foliage is found, just remove it to encourage future growth.

Water your herbs at regular intervals, especially if they are being kept indoors. Bear in mind that the majority of herbs prefer well-drained, dryer soil, so resist the urge to overwater them.

Some herbs die back in winter. These will look after themselves. Some more tender herbs can only be grown if brought inside during the cooler months.

Potential Issues

Specific to rosemary and sage, the beautiful but destructive rosemary beetle feeds on the foliage and flowers of host plants. Simply picking them off can be effective, otherwise the use of pesticides should be employed if the case is severe. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regards to pesticides and herbs for culinary purposes.

Slugs and snails are prominent pests on herbs. Simply picking them off or using a beer trap is an effective way of dealing with the problem should it become a prominent issue.

Slug pellets should only be used as a last resort to avoid harming birds and other wildlife.

Grey mould may also occur on some herbs. While there are no approved fungicides for use against grey mould, some products containing plant and fish oil blends can be used. They are unlikely to have much impact, and simply removing affected parts of the plant can be effective.

Code: 6193

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