Rosemary 'Benenden Blue' Salvia rosmarinus (Angustifolia Group) 'Benenden Blue' (Ro)
ABOUT
'Benenden Blue' is a bushy aromatic evergreen shrub with narrow, dark green leaves and bright blue, two-lipped flowers in late spring and early summer, sometimes also in autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Rosemary, Benenden Blue Rosemary
Common names
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Benenden Blue', Salvia rosmarinus 'Benenden Blue'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: The leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis 'Benenden Blue' can be used to flavor various dishes, including meats, soups, and sauces.
- Aromatic: This variety of rosemary emits a pleasant fragrance, which can enhance the sensory appeal of gardens and can be used in potpourris.
- Ornamental Value: With its striking blue flowers and needle-like foliage, it provides visual interest to garden beds, borders, and container plantings.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Benenden Blue' is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blue flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the garden's ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, with little need for fertilization or pruning.
- Cultural Significance: Rosemary is often associated with remembrance and has been used in cultural ceremonies and traditions throughout history.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant: Rich in phenolic compounds that may help protect cells from damage by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce inflammation and could be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis.
- Cognitive enhancement: Sometimes associated with improving memory and concentration.
- Digestive aid: Traditionally used to alleviate digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Rosemary leaves have been traditionally used as a source of natural dye for fabrics, providing hues ranging from shades of green to soft blue, depending on the mordant used.
- In aromatherapy: Rosemary essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its crisp and refreshing fragrance, which can help to improve focus and alleviate mental fatigue.
- As a wood preservative: The aromatic oils in rosemary can be used to protect wooden furniture and objects as it repels certain insects and prevents wood rot.
- In homemade cleaning products: Rosemary's antiseptic properties make it a useful ingredient in homemade natural cleaning solutions to disinfect surfaces.
- As a metal tarnish remover: A rosemary-infused vinegar solution can help to remove tarnish from metal surfaces, especially on copper and brass items.
- In gardening as a companion plant: Growing rosemary in the garden can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects, thus protecting other plants.
- For flavoring homemade soaps: Rosemary can be added to homemade soap recipes for its fragrance and mild antiseptic properties.
- In potpourris and sachets: Dried rosemary leaves can be added to potpourris and sachets to create a refreshing and long-lasting aroma in drawers and closets.
- For crafting homemade candles: Rosemary essential oil is often used in the making of scented candles, providing a natural and uplifting fragrance when burned.
- As a firewood: Rosemary wood can be used as fragrant kindling or firewood in small quantities, imparting a pleasant aroma when burned.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRosemary is commonly used in Feng Shui to purify and uplift energy, often associated with the Wood element due to its green color and growth patterns. It can be placed in the wealth corner of a home or business (southeast) to attract financial prosperity or grown in the front yard to invite positive energy into the home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRosemary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Remembrance and Memory: Rosemary has long been associated with remembrance, which is why it is often used in ceremonies that honor the memory of loved ones, such as weddings and funerals.
- Loyalty and Fidelity: In folklore, rosemary is thought to symbolize loyalty and fidelity, making it a popular choice in wedding bouquets and as gifts between partners.
- Purification and Healing: With its aromatic properties, rosemary is believed to cleanse the air and promote physical and emotional healing.
- Protection: Historically, rosemary was used to ward off evil spirits and was commonly planted near homes for protection.
- Intellectual Clarity: Due to its refreshing scent, rosemary is associated with clear thinking and is often utilized to improve focus and concentration.
WaterRosemary, including the 'Benenden Blue' cultivar, prefers well-drained soil and should not be overwatered. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the water to penetrate several inches into the soil. During hotter, drier periods, watering frequency may increase to twice per week, ensuring you provide approximately one gallon of water per session. In cooler or rainy weather, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering again, as rosemary is drought-tolerant and too much moisture can lead to root rot.
LightRosemary 'Benenden Blue' thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. Place the plant in a location where it receives plenty of morning sunlight and some partial shade in the afternoon to protect it from scorching in the intense summer heat. The ideal spot is south-facing if planted indoors near a window, or in a clear, unobstructed area when grown outdoors.
TemperatureRosemary 'Benenden Blue' grows well in a wide range of temperatures, but it flourishes when the temperature is between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures below this can be damaging, especially if prolonged. Rosemary prefers consistent temperatures and might be at risk if exposed to extreme fluctuations.
PruningPrune rosemary 'Benenden Blue' regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. The best time to prune is in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering. Remove up to one-third of the plant's length, cutting just above a leaf node to promote new growth. Annual or biannual pruning can also help to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRosemary 'Benenden Blue' thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A recommended soil mix could include equal parts of sand, potting soil, and peat, or use a commercial cactus mix. Ensure the mixture allows for quick drainage to prevent root rot, which this plant is prone to in overly moist conditions.
RepottingRosemary 'Benenden Blue' should generally be repotted every 1 to 2 years to prevent becoming root-bound and to refresh the nutrient content of the soil. Spring is the best time for repotting. If growth is vigorous, annual repotting may be necessary.
Humidity & MistingRosemary 'Benenden Blue' prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate dry air. Aim for a humidity level between 40-65%, which is often the range found in typical home environments. Avoid very high humidity as this could encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Rosemary 'Benenden Blue' in bright, direct sunlight and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water when soil is dry to touch.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleRosemary (Salvia rosmarinus 'Benenden Blue') begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires well-drained soil and warm temperatures. Once the seedling emerges and develops true leaves, it enters the vegetative stage where it focuses on root and foliage growth. During this period, it establishes a sturdy root system and woody stems. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically producing small, blue flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into tiny, non-viable seeds as Rosemary 'Benenden Blue' is often propagated through cuttings rather than seeds. Eventually, as the plant ages, it may become woody and less vigorous, at which point it can be pruned to rejuvenate growth or propagated through cuttings to start new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method for propagating Rosemary, specifically the Salvia rosmarinus (Angustifolia Group) 'Benenden Blue' variety, is by stem cuttings. To do this effectively, you should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 2 to 3 inch (5 to 7.5 cm) length from the plant. Strip the leaves from the bottom inch (2.5 cm) of the stem. The cutting can then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It's essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. With proper care, roots will develop within a few weeks, after which the new rosemary plants can be transplanted to their final location. This method can be performed in late spring through early summer.
