Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus 'McConnell's Blue' (Ro)
ABOUT
'McConnell's Blue' is a variant of rosemary notable for its striking appearance. The plant is a woody, perennial herb with an evergreen, bushy habit. It boasts needle-like leaves that are highly aromatic when brushed or bruised. The foliage has a deep, rich green color, sometimes with a slightly silver or grayish hue that can be more pronounced on the undersides of the leaves. In addition, as hinted by its name, 'McConnell's Blue' produces flowers that stand out with their blue hue, ranging from a light to more vivid blue tint, which are a magnet for bees and other pollinators when they bloom. The arrangement of the leaves is dense and provides a lush appearance. The stems are sturdy and can become somewhat woody with age, adding to the plant's overall texture. Overall, 'McConnell's Blue' rosemary is an attractive plant that is both visually pleasing and useful for its aromatic leaves, which are commonly used in culinary dishes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Rosemary, McConnell's Blue Rosemary
Common names
Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis subsp. lavandulifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Rosemary, including the variety Salvia rosmarinus 'McConnell's Blue', is not considered toxic to humans when consumed in typical food quantities. However, consuming large amounts of rosemary can lead to potential side effects due to its strong active components. These could include stomach and intestinal irritation, kidney damage, and allergic reactions in some individuals. Pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption of rosemary, as it can potentially cause uterine contractions and miscarriage.
To pets
Rosemary, including the variety Salvia rosmarinus 'McConnell's Blue', is generally considered safe for pets, including dogs and cats, when consumed in small, culinary quantities. However, large amounts of rosemary could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in some pets. Signs of digestive distress might include vomiting or diarrhea. As with any dietary change or introduction of new plants, it is advised to monitor pets and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions manifest.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aromatic foliage: Rosemary, such as 'McConnell's Blue', is well-known for its fragrant leaves which are commonly used to add flavor in cooking and to create scented oils and fragrances.
- Culinary uses: Rosemary leaves are commonly used as a herb in a variety of culinary dishes, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Erosion control: Rosemary can be used in landscaping to help control erosion due to its sturdy root system and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types.
- Drought tolerance: 'McConnell's Blue', like other varieties of rosemary, is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Landscape ornamentation: With its attractive blue flowers and evergreen foliage, this variety of rosemary is often used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator attraction: The flowers of rosemary are a good source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the environment and garden health.
- Low maintenance: Rosemary plants, including 'McConnell's Blue', generally require minimal care once they are established, making them a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Herb garden addition: As a popular herb, 'McConnell's Blue' rosemary is an essential component of any herb garden, providing both visual appeal and practical uses.
- Natural pest repellent: The strong scent of rosemary can help to deter some pests from the garden without the use of chemicals.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Rosemary contains compounds such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory: The herb has been traditionally used to help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for inflammatory conditions.
- Cognitive enhancement: Rosemary is believed to have nootropic effects, potentially improving cognitive function and memory.
- Antimicrobial: It exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activities, making it potentially useful for fighting certain infections.
- Digestive health: Rosemary has been used to help alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion and to stimulate appetite.
- Analgesic properties: The plant may have pain-relieving effects, hence its historical use for headaches and muscle pains.
- Hair health: Sometimes applied topically, rosemary is thought to improve scalp circulation and could promote hair growth.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ingredient in homemade potpourri: Dried rosemary leaves can be combined with other dried flowers and spices to create a fragrant potpourri that freshens up the living space.
- Infused oils: Rosemary can be infused into oil to create flavored cooking oils or for use in skincare and massage oils.
- Natural dye: The leaves of the Rosemary plant can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Moth repellent: Dried rosemary can be used in sachets to repel moths from clothing and linens.
- Memory enhancement: In folklore, rosemary is thought to improve memory; students in ancient Greece would wear rosemary garlands during exams.
- Aromatherapy: Rosemary's strong scent is believed to boost focus, clarity, and memory when used in aromatherapy practices.
- Flavoring for beverages: Fresh or dried rosemary can be used to infuse teas, lemonades, and cocktails with its distinctive flavor.
- Natural wood cleaner: A mixture of rosemary essential oil and vinegar can create a natural cleaning solution for wood surfaces.
- Homemade hair rinses: Rosemary can be boiled in water and the resulting liquid can be used as a hair rinse to add shine and potentially promote hair growth.
- Garden ornamentation: Rosemary, with its appealing structure and foliage, can be used as an ornamental plant in gardens or landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Rosemary is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Rosemary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Remembrance: Rosemary, commonly associated with memory and remembrance, often appears at weddings and funerals, symbolizing that loved ones will not be forgotten.
- Fidelity: In historical context, rosemary has been used as a symbol of loyalty and fidelity between partners.
- Purity: As an evergreen plant, rosemary can symbolize purity and the clearance of negative energies.
- Healing: Known for its medicinal properties, rosemary represents healing and has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments.
- Protection: Folklore suggests that rosemary has properties of protection and can ward off evil spirits when planted near the entrance of a home.
WaterRosemary plants, including the 'McConnell's Blue' variety, prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently. Aim to water the soil around the rosemary when the top inch feels dry, which is typically about once a week, though this can vary with climate conditions. When watering, provide enough water to soak the soil deeply, which encourages a robust root system; this can amount to roughly 1-2 gallons depending on the size of your plant and the dryness of the soil. Make sure to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases and avoid waterlogged soil by ensuring good drainage.
LightRosemary thrives in full sunlight; 'McConnell's Blue' will do best with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun exposure daily. Place the plant in a spot where it can receive ample unobstructed sunlight, such as a south-facing window if grown indoors or an open outdoor area with minimal shade if planted in the garden. Adequate light is essential for the plant's vigorous growth and robust flavor.
TemperatureRosemary, including the 'McConnell's Blue' cultivar, prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 80°F for optimal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 30°F, but frost can be damaging, so protection or moving indoors during frost warnings is advisable. During hot summers, ensure the plant has enough ventilation if temperatures rise above 90°F.
PruningPruning rosemary, such as 'McConnell's Blue', helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth, enhancing the plant's health and aromatic qualities. Trim the tips of the branches in the spring to promote dense foliage and again after flowering to keep the plant compact. Prunes can be taken as needed for culinary use, but avoid heavy pruning late in the season to prevent new growth that won't harden off before winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRosemary 'McConnell's Blue' prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix containing two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal. Add peat to the mix to help with moisture retention.
RepottingRosemary 'McConnell's Blue' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years into a slightly larger pot to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingRosemary 'McConnell's Blue' thrives in moderate to low humidity levels typical of most indoor environments, without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place rosemary 'McConnell's Blue' near a sunny window; water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water moderately.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Salvia rosmarinus 'McConnell's Blue' is Rosemary 'McConnell's Blue'. Rosemary 'McConnell's Blue' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in well-drained soil and exposed to light, germinates to produce small, needle-like seedlings. Once the roots establish, the seedling gradually matures into a bushy, woody perennial herb, with growth accelerating in warmer seasons. It enters the blooming stage where it displays small, pale blue flowers that attract pollinators, typically from late winter to spring. After pollination, the plant may produce tiny, non-viable seeds as rosemary is usually propagated through cuttings, not seeds. As the plant ages, it requires regular pruning to maintain health and shape; rosemary can live for many years, sometimes over a decade, if given proper care in a favorable climate.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Rosemary 'McConnell's Blue' is through stem cuttings. This technique ideally takes place during the plant's active growth season, which is late spring through early summer. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 2 to 4-inch (5 to 10 cm) stem, making sure it has several leaves. Strip the leaves from the bottom inch (2.5 cm) of the stem, and then dip this end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the treated cutting into a pot filled with a mix of sand and peat or a perlite and peat blend, ensuring the leafless part of the stem is beneath the soil surface. The pot should be kept moist but not waterlogged and placed in indirect sunlight. Roots typically form within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new Rosemary plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before permanent planting.
