Rosmarinus officinalis (Syn. Salvia rosmarinus)

Nothing evokes dreams of a sun-soaked Mediterranean sojourn like rosemary.

One look at that familiar glaucous pine-needly foliage, one whiff of its inimitable fragrance, and the passerby is transported to southern France or the cliffs of Crete.

It may be that a rose is a rose is a rose, but it’s not so with rosemary. There are subtle and not-so-subtle characteristics to choose from, as you’ll see in our four offerings.

‘Arp’: Named for an agricultural town in Texas, this one was selected for grey-green foliage, persistent blue fall flowers, and somewhat better winter tolerance.

Height 2 - 4’. Hardy in Zones 6-9

‘Barbeque’: Bolt upright habit is ideal for topiaries or as a hedge. Lavender/blue flowers in late summer/fall. Height 3 - 4’. Hardy in Zones 7-9

‘Hill Hardy’: As the name implies, like ‘Arp’, it’s marginally more winter-hardy than most varieties. Dense, dark green and intensely aromatic. Height 4 - 5’. Hardy in Zones 6b-9

‘Tuscan Blue’: Unusually wide blue-green leaves on thick stems for a formal columnar appearance. Height 4 - 7’. Hardy in Zones 7-9

Whether you like Rosmarinus, the long-standing genus name, or rosmarinus, recently reassigned to specific epithet status by taxonomists, it’s Latin for “dew of the sea,” in homage to its coastal origins.

By either name, savvy gardeners know just where to plant rosemary. Like other herbs and shrubs with pleasingly scented foliage, it’s best placed strategically beside a path or walkway, where you’ll brush against it in passing. Accidentally or, more likely, intentionally, the brief contact releases a quick fix of that evocative aroma.

Bring Old World beauty and fragrance to your New World offerings. Try all four! They come to you as sturdy starters from Emerald Coast Growers – the easy choice!

https://ecgrowers.com/plants/perennial-plants/?_bc_fsnf=1&brand=105