Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus 'Rosea' (Ro)
ABOUT
Salvia rosmarinus 'Rosea', commonly known as rosemary, is a perennial herb characterized by its aromatic, needle-like leaves which bear a deep green color on the top with a paler underside. The foliage is dense and creates a bushy appearance. The most distinctive feature of the 'Rosea' variety is its flowers, which bloom in a charming shade of light pink. These blossoms are small but abundant and can create a striking contrast with the rich green of the leaves when in full bloom. The stems of the rosemary plant are woody at the base and become more herbaceous and flexible closer to the tips, supporting the clusters of flowers and leaves. The overall look of the plant is both lush and rugged, fitting for an herb that is as decorative as it is practical in culinary uses. The leaves also release a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or crushed, which is a signature characteristic of the rosemary plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Pink Rosemary
Common names
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Roseus', Rosmarinus officinalis var. roseus.
ToxicityTo humans
Rosemary is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is commonly used as a culinary herb and is safe for most people when consumed in typical food amounts. However, consuming large quantities of rosemary leaf can potentially cause vomiting, spasms, or pulmonary edema in some individuals due to the volatile oils it contains. Pregnant women should avoid high doses of rosemary as it may affect the fetus and can potentially cause a miscarriage.
To pets
Rosemary is commonly known to be non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. It is often used in natural pet food flavorings and as a preservative. While normal dietary amounts are generally safe, ingestion of large quantities could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the essential oils and other compounds in the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: Rosemary can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, adding a distinctive flavor to meats, breads, and other recipes.
- Aromatic: Rosemary has a strong, pleasant scent that makes it ideal for use in natural fragrances, essential oils, and sachets.
- Garden Aesthetics: Rosemary plants have attractive foliage and can produce beautiful blue to light pink flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerant: Rosemary is highly adaptable to dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Pest Repellent: The plant's strong scent can be effective in repelling certain pests from the garden, such as mosquitoes and other insects.
- Culinary Companion Planting: Rosemary is believed to be a good companion plant for some vegetables and herbs as it may help deter pests and enhance growth.
- Low Maintenance: Rosemary is known for being a hardy plant that requires minimal care, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Erosion Control: Rosemary's root system can help prevent soil erosion, especially in sloped areas of the garden.
- Habitat for Pollinators: Flowering rosemary attracts bees and other pollinators, which are important for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Evergreen: Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, providing year-round greenery and structure in the garden or landscape.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Rosemary contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant is known to have anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antimicrobial: Rosemary exhibits antimicrobial activity which might be beneficial in combating certain bacteria and fungi.
- Cognitive enhancement: Compounds in rosemary, like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, have been associated with improved cognitive function.
- Stress and anxiety relief: Inhalation of rosemary essential oil is sometimes used to alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Improved digestion: Rosemary is traditionally used to help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion.
- Hair growth: Rosemary oil is sometimes used in hair care products with the belief that it can stimulate hair growth.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As an ingredient in homemade shampoos and conditioners: Rosemary promotes scalp health and can add a pleasant fragrance to hair care products.
- As a natural pest deterrent: Rosemary can be planted in gardens to help repel insects and pests that would otherwise attack vegetable plants.
- As a natural wood preservative: The essential oils can be infused into wood polish and help in the protection and conditioning of wooden furniture.
- In potpourris and sachets: Dried rosemary leaves can be included in potpourris or sachets to impart their distinctive scent to linens and clothing.
- As a fabric dye: Rosemary can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, resulting in beautiful and unique shades.
- In aromatherapy diffusers: The essential oil of rosemary can be used in aromatherapy diffusers to create an uplifting environment.
- As a tarnish remover: A rosemary-infused vinegar solution can help in removing tarnish from silverware and jewelry.
- In crafting natural candles: Rosemary oil or dried herbs can be incorporated into homemade candles for fragrance and botanical embellishment.
- As a companion plant in gardens: Rosemary can help protect other plants by attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
- In homemade cleaning products: Infusing vinegar with rosemary can create a natural and effective all-purpose cleaner for the home.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRosemary can be used in Feng Shui to purify and protect a space due to its strong cleansing properties. It is believed to promote clarity and focus, making it beneficial for a study or office area. Place it in the Bagua areas of Knowledge, Health, or Fame to enhance these aspects of your life.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRosemary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Remembrance - Rosemary (Rosea) is traditionally associated with remembrance and memory. This symbolism dates back to ancient times, where it was believed to improve memory.
- Loyalty - In folklore, rosemary represents loyalty and fidelity, often used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize the commitment of partners to each other.
- Friendship - Rosemary is also a symbol of friendship, conveying the message of kinship and the value of deep bonds.
- Purification - This plant is known for its cleansing properties, both in a physical and metaphysical sense, and is often used in rituals to purify and protect.
- Healing - Rosemary is believed to have healing properties, symbolizing physical and emotional rejuvenation.
WaterThe Rosemary 'Rosea' prefers a thorough watering on an occasional basis, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. In general, watering once a week should be sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. A good method is to water deeply, providing about 1-2 gallons per plant, ensuring the water reaches the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as Rosemary 'Rosea' is drought-tolerant and does not like soggy soil. During the hotter, dry months, you may need to increase the frequency slightly, but always check the soil moisture before watering.
LightRosemary 'Rosea' flourishes best in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting Rosemary 'Rosea' is in a location that is bright and receives ample sunshine. If you are growing the plant indoors, place it near a south-facing window to ensure it gets enough light.
TemperatureRosemary 'Rosea' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in an environment between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 30°F and maximum temperatures up to around 90°F, but for optimal growth, try to maintain the temperature around the ideal range. Protect the plant from frost to avoid damage.
PruningPruning Rosemary 'Rosea' encourages healthy growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Prune in the early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or faded stems. Periodic light trimming can also be done throughout the growing season to maintain the plant's shape. The best time to do heavy pruning is just after the last frost in spring but before the plant begins its summer growth spurt.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRosemary 'Rosea' prefers a well-draining soil mix, often a blend of two parts sandy soil to one part peat or compost. The best soil pH for rosemary is between 6.0 and 7.0. Ensuring adequate drainage is crucial to avoid root rot.
RepottingRosemary 'Rosea' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or when it appears to be outgrowing its current pot. This helps to replenish nutrients in the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingRosemary 'Rosea' thrives in environments with low to moderate humidity. It is tolerant of dry air, making it well-suited for typical indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Rosemary 'Rosea' in bright light, water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant Rosemary 'Rosea' in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleRosemary 'Rosea' (Salvia rosmarinus 'Rosea') begins its life as a seed, germinating in warm soil with plenty of sunlight. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling, exhibiting characteristic needle-like leaves. As it grows into a young plant, it develops a woody stem and becomes a bushy perennial, capable of withstanding cooler temperatures. During its mature stage, rosemary 'Rosea' blooms small, light pink to purple flowers, typically in spring or summer, attracting pollinators. The mature plant can then be propagated by cuttings or seeds, ensuring the continuation of the lifecycle. Finally, after a number of years, rosemary plants can become woody and less productive, at which point they may be pruned extensively or replaced.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia rosmarinus 'Rosea', commonly known as Pink Rosemary, is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time for this method is late spring to early summer. To begin, one takes healthy, non-flowering stems of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long from the parent plant. These cuttings should include several sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The treated stem is then planted in a mix of perlite and peat or a well-drained soil mix, ensuring good contact between the stem and the growing medium. The environment around the cutting should be kept humid, often by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and in a warm, indirect light until roots develop, usually in a few weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transferred to larger pots or directly into the garden.
