Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus 'Severn Sea' (Ro)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Salvia rosmarinus 'Severn Sea,' commonly known as rosemary, is a fragrant evergreen herb notable for its rich green, needle-like leaves, which grow in dense clusters along its woody stems. When touched or brushed against, these leaves release a pleasant, aromatic scent characteristic of the herb. The leaves are quite small and have a slightly leathery texture with a resinous quality, allowing the plant to retain moisture and withstand various weather conditions. The plant bears small flowers, typically in shades of blue to violet, which add a colorful accent against the backdrop of the deep green foliage. These flowers are favored by bees and other pollinators, making the plant a supportive addition to any garden ecosystem. The overall form of the rosemary plant is often bushy, with its branches sometimes arching gracefully, and it can be shaped into various forms when pruned.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae
- Synonyms
  Rosemary, Severn Sea Rosemary
- Common names
  Rosmarinus officinalis 'Severn Sea'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Rosemary, including the 'Severn Sea' cultivar, is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is widely used as a culinary herb. However, consuming large quantities of rosemary leaves or essential oil could potentially lead to gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, or allergic reactions in some individuals. Pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of rosemary due to its potential uterotonic effects.
- To pets
  Rosemary is also generally safe for pets, with many pet foods even containing rosemary extract as an ingredient. However, in very large quantities, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as dogs and cats. As with any plant, it is always best to introduce new items to your pet's diet gradually and in moderation to watch for any signs of intolerance or allergic reactions.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Spread
  4 feet (1.22 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  6
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Culinary Uses: Rosemary is widely used in cooking for flavoring meat, soups, and sauces.
- Aromatic Properties: The plant emits a pleasant fragrance, which makes it a favorite for gardens and aromatic bouquets.
- Landscape Design: Can be used in landscaping as a hedge or accent plant due to its attractive foliage and blue flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Bees and other pollinators are drawn to rosemary's flowers, which support biodiversity.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, rosemary is highly resilient to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: The plant requires minimal pruning and is resistant to many pests and diseases.
- Culinary Preservation: Rosemary can be dried or frozen for culinary use throughout the year.
Medical Properties
- Antioxidant: Rosemary contains compounds that may help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: The herb has potential anti-inflammatory properties, which might be beneficial in reducing inflammation in various conditions.
- Antimicrobial: Rosemary may exert antimicrobial effects, which could be helpful in fighting certain bacteria and fungi.
- Cognitive enhancement: Some studies suggest that rosemary can improve concentration and memory, possibly due to its active components like cineole.
- Stress relief: The aroma of rosemary has been reported to have a calming effect, which might help to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Digestive health: Rosemary is traditionally used to help alleviate digestive problems, such as indigestion and bloating.
For reference, these uses are based on traditional or preliminary scientific findings, and many require further research to fully establish their efficacy and safety.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural dye: Rosemary can be used to produce a range of natural dyes for fabrics, offering shades from sage green to soft blues depending on mordants used.
- In bath products: Fresh or dried rosemary can be added to bath salts or sachets to create fragrant bathing experiences, reputed to help with relaxation and rejuvenation.
- For pet care: Rosemary extracts may be included in pet shampoos as they can act as a natural flea repellant while keeping your pet's fur scented.
- In homemade cleaning products: Rosemary’s strong scent serves as a natural deodorizer and can be included in homemade cleaners for a natural, fragrant touch.
- In aromatherapy: Rosemary essential oil is used for its uplifting scent and to enhance memory and concentration during aromatherapy sessions.
- As a natural preservative: Due to antioxidant properties, rosemary can be used in natural food preservation to extend the shelf life of certain products.
- For craft purposes: Rosemary branches and leaves can be used in wreaths and floral arrangements, bringing both beauty and a pleasant aroma to home decor.
- As an insect repellent: Placing rosemary plants in strategic areas or using extracts can help ward off mosquitoes and other flying insects naturally.
- In hair care: Rosemary can be used in rinses and oils to promote scalp health and potentially improve hair growth when massaged into the scalp.
- For culinary creativity: Beyond standard seasoning, rosemary can be used to infuse oils or vinegars, adding a gourmet touch to cooking.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Rosemary is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Rosemary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Rosemary ('Severn Sea'):
  - Remembrance: Rosemary is traditionally known as a symbol of remembrance and has been used in commemorative events such as weddings and funerals.
  - Loyalty: As a perennial herb that remains green year-round, rosemary represents constancy and loyalty in relationships.
  - Friendship: Sometimes given as a gift to signify friendship, rosemary symbolizes the bond and affection shared between friends.
  - Wisdom: In ancient times, rosemary was associated with wisdom and learning. It was often used to enhance memory.
  - Fidelity: Rosemary's evergreen nature and resilience also make it a symbol for fidelity in marriage.
  - Health: Known for its medicinal properties, rosemary is often used to represent health and well-being.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Rosemary 'Severn Sea' requires consistent watering but be cautious not to overwater. Allow the soil to become slightly dry between watering. Typically, watering once a week with 1-2 gallons of water should suffice, but this can vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter climates, you can water less. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to ensure the plant is not sitting in waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot.
Light
Rosemary 'Severn Sea' thrives in full sun and should be positioned in a spot where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. If possible, place the plant in a south-facing location to ensure it gets plenty of light. This Mediterranean herb can also tolerate partial shade, but its growth might not be as robust and its flavors may be less intense.
Temperature
Rosemary 'Severn Sea' prefers a temperature range of 55°F to 80°F for optimal growth. It can survive temperatures as low as 30°F, but should be protected from frost and extreme cold, as colder temperatures below 30°F can damage or kill the plant. At the higher end, rosemary can tolerate heat well but may need additional watering in temperatures above 80°F to prevent stress.
Pruning
Rosemary 'Severn Sea' should be pruned to encourage healthy growth and maintain its shape. Pruning can be done in spring or early summer, just after new growth appears. Snip off about a third of the plant's length to help stimulate bushy growth and prevent the plant from getting leggy. Regular harvesting of the leaves for culinary use will also naturally help to keep the plant pruned and healthy.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Rosemary 'Severn Sea' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. A mix that works well is one part potting soil, one part coarse sand or perlite, and a handful of peat to slightly increase acidity. Ensure the planting mix allows for quick drainage to prevent root rot.
Repotting
Rosemary 'Severn Sea' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. This will provide fresh nutrients and extra space for continued growth. It is important to use a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid excess moisture retention.
Humidity & Misting
Rosemary 'Severn Sea' prefers a drier environment, typical of Mediterranean climates. It does best in humidity levels between 40%-60%. If the indoor air is too humid, increasing air circulation around the plant can help mitigate any potential issues.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and sparse watering.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water sparingly.
- Hardiness zone
  7-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of Salvia rosmarinus 'Severn Sea', commonly known as 'Severn Sea' rosemary, begins with the germination of seeds, which require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. After sprouting, the seedling stage involves the development of a few pairs of leaves and the establishment of a small root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant's growth accelerates, developing numerous needle-like leaves and woody stems, characteristic of mature rosemary. During the flowering stage, typically in spring or early summer, the plant produces small, pale blue to white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, if conditions allow, the flowers develop into seeds, which complete the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, the 'Severn Sea' rosemary will continue to grow and can be harvested for its aromatic leaves, which are used in culinary and medicinal applications.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- The plant commonly known as Rosemary 'Severn Sea', a cultivar of Salvia rosmarinus, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings to propagate this aromatic herb is late spring through mid-summer, when the plant is actively growing. Take 2 to 4-inch (5 to 10 centimeters) long stem cuttings from new, yet mature, growth that has not flowered. These cuttings should have all but the top few leaves removed. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can increase the chances of successful rooting. Then, plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leafless part of the stem is buried. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and maintain a warm environment to encourage rooting. Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag can help retain humidity, but be sure to provide ventilation to prevent rot. Roots generally form within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new Rosemary plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions if required.