The herb Rosemary is one of the most loved and recognisable plants in the garden – a fragrant, hardy evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and tiny blue flowers that bees absolutely adore. Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary has been grown for thousands of years, not only as a culinary herb but also for its symbolism of remembrance, protection, and friendship.

Rosemary leaves are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and manganese. They also contain potent antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which support brain function, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health. While the leaves are the part we commonly use in cooking, the flowers are also edible and make a delicate garnish for salads, cakes, and herbal teas.

Rosemary is an essential herb in the kitchen – its earthy, pine-like flavour pairs beautifully with roast meats, vegetables, breads, and sauces. Beyond cooking, rosemary is widely used in teas, tinctures, essential oils, and even in natural beauty products for its stimulating and cleansing qualities. The plant has also been valued in traditional medicine for aiding digestion, improving circulation, and boosting memory.

Rosemary is a perennial shrub that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can grow anywhere from 60 cm to 2 metres tall, depending on the variety and conditions. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, hardy, and long-lived – the perfect low-maintenance addition to herb gardens, borders, or pots. It flowers mainly in spring and summer, and regular picking or trimming keeps the plant neat and encourages new growth.

How to Grow From Seed:
Rosemary seeds can be slow to germinate, but patience pays off. Sow seeds in spring or early summer in a tray filled with well-draining seed-raising mix.

Scatter seeds on the surface and lightly cover with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. Keep them warm and moist – germination may take 2–4 weeks or longer.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them into small containers and grow them on until strong.

Transplant into the garden or larger pots in a sunny, sheltered position with free-draining soil. Alternatively, rosemary can also be easily grown from cuttings if you’d like a faster start.

Harvest sprigs as needed – the more you pick, the bushier and more productive your plant will become. With care, rosemary will reward you with beauty, fragrance, and flavour for many years.

Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons