Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus 'Majorca Pink' (Ro)
ABOUT
Majorca Pink, commonly known as rosemary, is a perennial herb that is well-loved for its aromatic leaves and beautiful flower display. This particular variety, 'Majorca Pink', is distinguished by its slender, needle-like leaves that exhibit a rich green hue. The foliage is often used in cooking and is highly fragrant, releasing a distinctive, pungent aroma when brushed against or crushed. The most striking feature of 'Majorca Pink' rosemary is its lovely pink flowers that bloom and adorn the plant. These blossoms are small, yet abundant, creating a delightful contrast with the deep green of the leaves. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's charm and utility in a garden. This rosemary variety typically forms a bushy, evergreen shrub with an upright growth habit. The branches are woody at the base, becoming more flexible and green as they extend outward. The leaves and flowers are densely packed along the stems, creating a lush appearance. Overall, 'Majorca Pink' rosemary is a plant that offers year-round visual interest and practical uses, thriving with fragrant foliage and captivating flowers that bring a dash of Mediterranean appeal to any setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Majorca Pink Rosemary, Balearic Island Rosemary
Common names
Rosmarinus officinalis var. majorcanus, Rosmarinus officinalis 'Majorca Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as rosemary, including the variety 'Majorca Pink', is generally not toxic to humans and is widely used as a culinary herb. However, consuming large quantities of rosemary can potentially lead to gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It's important to adhere to typical dietary quantities to avoid any adverse effects.
To pets
Rosemary, including the 'Majorca Pink' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. It is often used as a natural flea repellent in pet products. However, as with humans, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. Maintaining moderate consumption is key to preventing any negative reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant pink flowers and evergreen foliage.
- Culinary use: The leaves are commonly used in cooking to add flavor to various dishes.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it needs minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Ease of care: Generally low-maintenance, requiring little pruning or special treatment to thrive.
- Pollinator attraction: Flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Fragrance: The leaves emit a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types and climate conditions.
- Hedge and border usage: Functions well as a hedge or border plant due to its bushy growth habit.
- Companion planting: Can be co-planted with other herbs and vegetables to enhance garden productivity.
- Seasonal interest: Retains its leaves throughout the year, providing greenery in all seasons.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Rosemary contains compounds that may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Rosemary has been traditionally used to help reduce inflammation.
- Cognitive enhancement: Rosemary is believed to have neuroprotective effects and may improve memory and concentration.
- Antimicrobial effects: Some of the compounds in rosemary, like rosmarinic acid, have shown antibacterial and antifungal activity.
- Digestive aid: Rosemary has been used to help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion and bloating.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosemary 'Majorca Pink' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a subtle, muted greenish color.
- The plant can be infused in oils or vinegars to create flavor-infused condiments for culinary use.
- Dried sprigs are often used in potpourris and sachets to impart a fresh, pine-like fragrance to linens and drawers.
- When planted along walkways or in areas where people brush past, the foliage releases its aroma, acting as a natural air freshener.
- The aromatic wood can be used to craft small objects or can be burned for its fragrant smoke, in a similar fashion to incense.
- Leaves can be used to create a natural insect repellent by placing bruised leaves in outdoor areas or making a repellent spray.
- Rosemary's dense growth habit makes it suitable for use as a living privacy screen or hedge in landscaping.
- The plant can play a role in companion planting to help deter pests from more vulnerable plants in the garden.
- The blooming 'Majorca Pink' variety can provide visual interest to a garden with its distinctive pink flowers, offering an aesthetic use different from the common blue-flowered rosemary.
- Dried stems can be used as aromatic skewers for grilling, imparting the rosemary flavor directly into meats or vegetables.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiIn Feng Shui, Rosemary is often used for purification and to create a healing environment. It is also believed to enhance mental clarity and memory, which makes it a suitable plant for a home office or study area. Place Rosemary in the Bagua areas associated with Knowledge & Wisdom or Health & Family to foster these energies.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRosemary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Remembrance: Rosemary is traditionally associated with remembrance and memory. It was often used in weddings and funerals as a symbol of remembering loved ones and important events.
- Loyalty: The use of rosemary in ceremonies also signifies loyalty and fidelity, making it a symbol of commitment and steadfast relationships.
- Wisdom: In ancient times, rosemary was thought to improve memory and cognitive function, which has made it a symbol of wisdom and intelligence.
- Purification: With its clean, aromatic scent, rosemary is often used in herbal medicine and healing practices, symbolizing protection and purification from negative influences.
- Healing: Beyond its aromatic qualities, rosemary is also recognized for its health benefits, symbolizing healing and rejuvenation.
WaterRosemary 'Majorca Pink' requires well-drained soil and should not be overwatered. It's best to water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on climate conditions. Rather than a set schedule, monitor soil moisture to determine when to water. When you do water, aim to provide enough water to moisten the soil throughout the root zone. In terms of quantity, for potted plants, use about 8-16 ounces per watering, adjusting for the size of the plant and pot. For plants in the ground, a slow and deep watering with 1-2 gallons every couple of weeks is often sufficient.
LightRosemary 'Majorca Pink' thrives in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant will perform best in a spot that is south-facing, ensuring it gets ample sunlight throughout the day. While rosemary can tolerate partial shade, its growth may not be as robust and its flavor as intense.
TemperatureRosemary 'Majorca Pink' prefers warmer temperatures and responds best in a range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods but is not frost-tolerant. To encourage vigorous growth, ensure rosemary is protected from cold drafts and extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune rosemary 'Majorca Pink' to encourage bushy growth and to maintain its desired shape. The best time for pruning is in early spring or after it blooms. Remove up to one-third of the plant's length, cutting just above a leaf node. Pruning more than once a year is rarely necessary unless you are shaping the plant or it is growing too large for its space.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRosemary 'Majorca Pink' prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal. Adding organic matter like compost can also enhance soil fertility.
RepottingRosemary 'Majorca Pink' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound. The best time to repot is in early spring before the new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingRosemary 'Majorca Pink' thrives in low to moderate humidity levels and is tolerant of dry air, making it well-suited for most indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, away from cold drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleSalvia rosmarinus 'Majorca Pink,' commonly known as Rosemary 'Majorca Pink,' begins its lifecycle as a seed germinating in warm, well-drained soil under full sun. Seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with needle-like foliage, entering a vegetative growth phase. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive pink-blue flowers in spring to summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into tiny, non-distinctive fruits containing seeds, which can disperse and begin the cycle anew. Throughout its life, Rosemary 'Majorca Pink' undergoes periods of active growth in warmer seasons and dormancy during colder months. With proper care, the evergreen subshrub can live for several years, branching out and becoming woodier with age.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating Salvia rosmarinus 'Majorca Pink', commonly known as Rosemary, is by stem cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is selected and cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then stripped off, leaving a few at the top. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and then the cutting is placed in a well-draining soil mix or a mixture of peat and perlite. The soil is kept moist, and the cutting is placed in a warm spot with indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Rosemary plants can be transplanted to their final growing positions.
