Rosmarinus officinalis 'Arp'

Common name: rosemary
Type:
Herbaceous perennial
USDA hardiness zones:
7-10

Rosemarinus officinalis (see B968 herein) is a generally erect, rounded, evergreen shrub with intensely fragrant foliage. The leaves are commonly used for culinary flavoring, toiletries and sachets. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, Spain and Portugal. Where winter hardy, it will grow as a shrub to 3-6 tall. Tiny, two-lipped, pale blue to white flowers bloom in axillary clusters along the shoots of the prior years growth. Flowers are attractive to bees. Gray-green, linear, needle-like leaves (to 1.5î long) are closely spaced on the stems and are very aromatic. Leaves may be used (fresh... more »

  • Full sun
  • Dry to medium
  • Medium

Winter hardy to USDA Zone 7-10 where it may be grown in light, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but best performance is in full sun. Established plants have good drought tolerance. Performs poorly in heavy clay soils. Wet, poorly-drained soils in winter are usually fatal. If desired, prune plants after bloom to encourage dense foliage growth. Plants may also be pruned to specific shapes. Best propagated by cuttings. ëArpà reportedly has the best winter hardiness of the cultivars currently available in commerce, and is listed by many nurseries as winter hardy to USDA Zone 6. It may be tried in the ground year round in a sheltered location and may survive winter, particularly a mild winter. However, many gardeners in St. Louis prefer to grow rosemary, regardless of cultivar, in containers (clay pots are best) that are overwintered indoors in sunny, humid but cool rooms. Rosemary does not perform well in dry winter heat. Take pots outside in mid spring around the time of last frost.

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