Description
Description: Height, spread, bloom
The shrub grows from 4 to 5 feet tall and is generally erect and rounded. The aromatic, needle-like leaves are green on the upper surface, and the undersides are white and woolly. The flowers are tiny, blue, lavender, or white whorled around the stem.
Propagation
Rosemary plants are difficult to grow from seed, and gardeners might find more success propagating from stem cuttings, layering, or division of established plants.Cuttings grow quickly in good conditions and should be ready for outdoor planting in about 8 weeks.
Season for planting
Plant in spring or summer. It is easily transplanted and rooted. For a head start, plant the cuttings indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.
Requirements: location, soil, light, water, frost, warnings
It tolerates drought, partial shade, salt, heavy pruning, and most soil types except clay. However, it has a low tolerance for wet, humid environments. It grows best in at least six hours daily of sunlight in well-drained soil in a garden bed or large pot. It’s a perennial herb and quite hardy. It is somewhat drought-resistant and can also withstand fairly cold conditions.
Blooming season
Flowering usually begins in the spring and into summer sometimes all year round
Diseases and other problems
Rosemary is generally pest and disease free. Aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites, may occur, particularly if indoors. Poor circulation and high humidity can cause powdery mildew. Root rot and botrytis are common diseases. Overwatering is the common cause of plant decline or death. Rosemary can be difficult to overwinter indoors.
Maintenance
Once the bloom has passed, severe pruning is an option to encourage dense foliage growth.Be careful not to overwater. Rosemary doesn’t often need fertilizer, but if the plant looks small or growth seems slow, fertilize with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears. Prune when the plant gets too lanky.
Benefits for bees
Rosemary blooms are favourite flowers for bees. As Rosemary blooms early in the spring, itis one of few nectar sources for newly emerging bees. They collect nectar and also take the pollen. Rosemary also supplies a source of nectar in the winter.
