The WALA Plant Library
Rosemary

Synonyms for Rosemary: Polar Plant, Compass Plant, Compass Weed
Scientific Name: Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Family: Lamiaceae/Labiatae

Description:

Crickets chirping, the full power of the sun in your face, clear, pungent air. Scents tell stories. Rosemary brings with it pictures of its native Mediterranean home where this shrub covered in bluish-green, needle-like leaves can grow to a height of six feet. From March to May it is adorned with pale blue two-lipped flowers which are arranged at the tops of the branches. This evergreen shrub is a particular lover of dry, hot slopes. The original form is only moderately tolerant of frost. In our part of the world it can therefore only be grown outside throughout the year in sheltered places. Incidentally, there are now winter hardy varieties which can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C.