The many varieties of rosemary and their properties

Rosemary is undoubtedly the king of aromatic plants and the undisputed star of the Mediterranean scrub. It is one of the plants we have been most familiar with since childhood, evoking memories of summers by the sea and the flavors of home-cooked dishes. The long history of Rosmarinus officinalis has always been intertwined with that of the peoples of the Mediterranean, and in particular with our own Italian history, as we have made it a faithful companion in our kitchens.

But did you know that there are many different types of rosemary, each with its own characteristics? Keep reading to discover many fascinating facts about this exceptional plant, as well as plenty of tips for growing it to its best.

Characteristics of Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis (also known as Salvia rosmarinus or, in Tuscany, as ramerino) is an aromatic perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, the same family as sage and basil.

Its name comes from Latin: according to the most widely accepted theory, it derives from ros marinus, literally “dew of the sea”. Other possibilities are rosa maris (“rose of the sea”) or rhus maris (“sea shrub”). Whatever the correct etymology may be, the association between this plant and the sea is undeniable. Indeed, it grows wild throughout the Mediterranean region, establishing itself as a typical plant of our coastal areas.

It is an evergreen shrub easily recognizable by its needle-like foliage in a beautiful blue-green color. These leaves are the most aromatic part of the plant and the one most commonly used in cooking.

Rosemary blooms from March to October, but tends to continue throughout the year in the milder areas of our country. This characteristic gives it additional ornamental appeal, as it is potentially one of the few plants that bloom in winter.

Discovering the different varieties of rosemary

Although we are accustomed to thinking of rosemary as an unchanging plant that we know perfectly, there are actually many different types of rosemary. Although the species is unique, there are many varieties with specific characteristics in terms of growth habit or flower color.

In addition to varieties cultivated by growers and nurseries, there are also ecotypes that have developed particular characteristics based on the geographical area in which they grew wild. Let’s take a look at some of the existing types:

• Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Albus’ is an upright variety that stands out for the particular color of its flowers: it is a white-flowered rosemary, a rare color that stands out against the deep green of the foliage.
• Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Boule’ has beautiful, abundant sky-blue flowers with splashes of mauve. Its main characteristic, however, is its semi-prostrate growth habit, which tends to form the dense sphere that gives this variety its name (the French word boule means sphere or ball). Thanks to its extraordinary compactness, ‘Boule’ is one of the few varieties of rosemary that lend themselves to formal pruning, making it perfect for creating low aromatic hedges. This variety can also be used as a trailing rosemary if planted above a low wall.
• Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Fota Blue’ is also a vigorously growing semi-prostrate variety, but its flowers are a beautiful deep blue with violet highlights.
• Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Gorizia’, on the other hand, is an upright rosemary that produces abundant, very light blue flowers embellished with splashes of mauve. The flowers of this variety tend to be larger than those of classic rosemary.
• As its name suggests, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Pyramidalis’ stands out for its particularly upright growth habit. Its flowers, however, have the sky-blue color typical of classic rosemary.
• One of the varieties with the most distinctive flowers is undoubtedly Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Sappho’: this plant produces large, deep blue flowers enriched with violet streaks. These flower heads tend to lighten gradually before fading, turning a softer shade of light blue. It is a semi-prostrate rosemary that tends to form a sphere.
• Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Spice Islands’ is an upright rosemary with abundant sky-blue flowers. Its needle-like leaves are larger than those of classic rosemary.
• Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Lavandulaceus’ is a highly prized prostrate rosemary that, because of the color and aroma of its flowers, is reminiscent of lavender. It is a variety of excellent ornamental value.
• We conclude our selection with Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Campocane’, a particular ecotype that developed on the border between Tuscany and Lazio. It is a semi-upright rosemary characterized by beautiful light blue flowers.

How to grow and prune rosemary

Rosemary is one of the plants that best symbolizes the dry philosophy: it is a hardy, rustic plant with few demands and a low need for irrigation. This aromatic plant does not require special fertilization and, as it is a perennial, there will be no need to replant it every year.

Pruning rosemary will also be extremely simple, as this plant does not require specific interventions. It will be enough to regularly remove dry parts to keep the plant tidy and to trim it in spring to encourage the growth of new shoots.

As a plant native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary does not fear the heat and loves sunny locations; however, it can also do well in partial shade if necessary. It is hardy enough to withstand temperatures down to -10°C, but prolonged frosts could damage it.

How much water does rosemary need?

Rosemary does not fear drought and can thrive very well in arid soils, making it perfect for any dry garden. The main enemy of this aromatic plant is excessive moisture: make sure to grow it in well-drained soil to help it develop to its best. If your garden has very compact clay soil, work the soil well before planting your rosemary and make sure to add drainage material (such as sand) to improve water absorption and prevent waterlogging.

If grown in the ground, rosemary’s watering needs will be exactly the same as those required for all dry garden plants: irrigation should be regular (but not excessive) only during the plant’s first year of growth. Once this first period has passed, the plant will become almost completely self-sufficient, and supplemental irrigation will only be necessary during periods of severe drought. Even then, large amounts of water will not be needed.

Keep in mind that, like other plants native to very arid areas, rosemary tends to enter a period of vegetative dormancy during the hottest part of summer, known as estivation. During this period, the plant enters a state of vegetative stasis, ceasing to grow to minimize its need for water. In this way, rosemary can withstand long periods of drought unscathed, which is particularly useful for a plant that grows wild in the Mediterranean scrub!

Growing rosemary in a pot

We have seen how Rosmarinus officinalis is very easy to grow. This characteristic also makes it excellent for growing in a pot. It is an excellent solution that allows you to keep this valuable aromatic plant always within easy reach, so you can pick it when needed and use it fresh in cooking. Let’s take a look at some tips that may be useful for growing rosemary on the balcony:

• The size of the pot is not important, but choosing a large pot will mean the plant needs less irrigation and can develop better.
• You can use universal potting soil or peat, but do not forget to add drainage material (sand will be perfect) and to place gravel at the bottom of the pot to ensure optimal water drainage. The icing on the cake would be to add some natural compost, which will provide your rosemary with excellent nutrients.
• As we know, potted plants need more frequent watering than those grown in the ground. Rosemary is no exception, but it remains a plant that should be watered quite rarely: once every 10 or 15 days will be enough, assessing the situation yourself depending on the season and the actual need.
• If possible, it would be better not to use a saucer. If you need to use one, remember to empty it regularly: moisture could form potentially harmful waterlogging for your rosemary, creating an ideal environment for fungal proliferation and root rot.
• Place your pot in a spot with plenty of sun and shelter from cold winds. In case of winter frosts, remember to bring the pot indoors or cover your rosemary with a non-woven fabric sheet.

Harvesting rosemary and using it in cooking

Rosemary is certainly the most commonly used aromatic plant in Mediterranean cuisine. Whether for flavoring meat, preparing delicious roast potatoes, or baking savory focaccia, having a rosemary plant within easy reach is a great asset.

As we know, the leaves are the most fragrant parts of the plant and are the ones most often used in cooking. However, you may not know that rosemary flowers are also edible and can be used to enhance creative dishes (such as risottos or salads) by adding a beautiful and fragrant touch of color.

Rosemary sprigs are also often used to flavor olive oil. This little trick will make your food not only tastier but also easier to digest! This is one of the beneficial properties of this extraordinary plant, which we will explore in detail very soon.

Rosemary is harvested as needed by choosing the tips of the highest branches of the plant. In addition to not damaging the plant, this will also stimulate the growth of new shoots. Rosemary can be harvested all year round, even during flowering: as we have said, the flowers are also edible.

As an evergreen aromatic plant (and therefore available all year round), rosemary is often consumed fresh. However, if you need to preserve it, you should know that it can be dried without any problems. By chopping dried rosemary together with other herbs and salt, you can even make a delicious seasoning for your roasts.

The beneficial properties of rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis, as is clear from its scientific name, is a medicinal plant: its leaves contain valuable essential oils rich in beneficial properties for our bodies. Rosemary is often used to prepare infusions and herbal teas that prove excellent for digestive difficulties.

Since the intake of rosemary through food is minimal, you must use essential oils to benefit from the virtues of this plant. These provide benefits for concentration, memory, digestion, liver function, and blood circulation. For this last reason, before using rosemary essential oil, it is advisable to consult your doctor if you take anticoagulant medication or suffer from high blood pressure. It is also not recommended to use rosemary essential oil if you suffer from epilepsy or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Rosemary is also a honey plant: bees produce valuable rosemary honey from its flowers, a monofloral honey that is excellent for cleansing the liver and improving its function.

Curiosities and legends about Rosmarinus officinalis

The constant proximity between rosemary and the peoples of the Mediterranean has given rise to many rituals, amusing legends, and traditional recipes. Let’s discover some of these curiosities together:

• Rosemary is an important ingredient in the recipe for Four Thieves Vinegar (or Marseille Remedy), an infusion of medicinal plants in vinegar that was believed to have the power to protect against the plague. The legend, set between the 14th and 18th centuries, tells of a group of thieves who roamed around looting the homes of the dead and the sick during a terrible plague epidemic. When they were arrested, they revealed the secret recipe that allowed them to carry out their criminal activities without ever contracting the disease.
• Rosemary was also used to prepare Queen of Hungary Water, a distilled water rich in miraculous effects. According to tradition, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, who was over seventy in 1370, received this miraculous recipe from a hermit. After a year of daily applications, the queen reportedly found an extraordinary effect on the problems she had suffered from for a long time, such as gout and rheumatism. According to her, this miraculous water not only restored her health but also made her more beautiful: dousing herself every day with this scented water gave her skin such a fresh and youthful appearance that it even earned her a prestigious marriage proposal.
• Rosemary is also used in the preparation of St. John’s Water, one of the longest-standing folk traditions in our country. This ritual linked to the summer solstice is still practiced today on the night between June 23 and 24 to obtain health and good luck.
• In Tuscany, rosemary is also used as an ingredient in Pan di ramerino, a sweet bread roll with raisins that is traditionally linked to the Easter period.