Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus 'Roman Beauty' (PBR) (Ro)

Names

• Family

  Lamiaceae

• Synonyms

  Roman Beauty Rosemary, Prostratus Rosemary, Creeping Rosemary

• Common names

  Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus, Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus', Rosmarinus prostratus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Rosemary, including the variety Salvia rosmarinus 'Roman Beauty', is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is widely used as a culinary herb. If consumed in extremely large quantities, it could potentially cause some side effects due to its volatile oils and other compounds. These side effects might include gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions in some very rare cases. However, under normal circumstances, when used in cooking or as a seasoning, rosemary is safe and not associated with toxicity.

• To pets

  Rosemary, known scientifically as Salvia rosmarinus and specifically the 'Roman Beauty' variety, is considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. It is commonly used in foods and can occasionally be found as an ingredient in pet foods or treats. Therefore, consuming rosemary in typical household quantities is generally seen as safe for pets and does not result in poisoning. If a pet were to ingest an unusually large amount, it might experience mild digestive upset, but this is not common.

Characteristics

• Life 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

General Benefits

• Culinary Uses: Widely used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes, from meats and poultry to soups and breads.
• Aromatic Foliage: Releases a pleasant, pine-like fragrance when touched, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
• Landscape Ornamentation: Offers aesthetic benefits with its attractive needle-like leaves and blue to purplish flowers.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid environments.
• Herb Garden Staple: An essential component of a classic herb garden, complementing other herbs both visually and in culinary use.
• Wildlife Attraction: Flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees, promoting pollination in the garden.
• Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection without additional cost.
• Compact Growth: 'Roman Beauty' has a compact and trailing growth habit, which makes it suitable for containers and small spaces.

Medical Properties

• Improves digestion: Rosemary has traditionally been used to help alleviate digestive problems.
• Antioxidant effects: Contains compounds that can neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: May help to reduce inflammation in the body.
• Enhances memory and concentration: Sometimes used in aromatherapy to boost cognitive functions.
• Antimicrobial activity: Can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
• Analgesic effects: May provide pain relief for headaches and muscle pains.
• Respiratory health: Inhaled rosemary oil is sometimes used for respiratory issues.
• Stress relief: The scent of rosemary is believed to have a calming effect, which could help to lower stress levels.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• As a natural dye: The leaves of Rosemary can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, typically resulting in shades of green and yellow depending on the mordant used.
• In potpourris and sachets: Dried rosemary leaves are often included in potpourris and sachets for their aroma and natural moth-repellent properties.
• As a flavoring for homemade soaps and candles: Rosemary essential oil is commonly used to scent homemade soaps and candles.
• In companion planting: Rosemary can be planted alongside vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower to help repel insect pests.
• As a natural wood preservative: Rosemary oil can be used to treat wood surfaces as it has natural antiseptic properties, which may help to prolong the life of the wood.
• To create flavored oils and vinegars: Fresh rosemary sprigs are steeped in oils or vinegars to infuse them with flavor for culinary use.
• As incense: Dried rosemary sprigs can be burned as a fragrant incense to freshen the air in a house.
• In pet care products: Rosemary extract is often found in natural pet shampoos and conditioners, helping to repel fleas and improve skin health.
• As a hair rinse: A rinse made from rosemary leaves can add shine and potentially darken hair over time.
• For homemade cleaning products: Rosemary’s antiseptic properties make it a good ingredient for natural homemade cleaning solutions.

Feng Shui

Rosemary is associated with purification and protection in Feng Shui. It is believed to have the ability to cleanse the air of negative energies and protect the home from bad influences. Place rosemary near the entrances to your home or in the kitchen to promote a clear, healthy environment and to attract positive energy.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Rosemary is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Memory - Rosemary, including the cultivar 'Roman Beauty', is often associated with remembrance and memory, a tradition that dates back to ancient times.
• Fidelity - Rosemary is sometimes used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize the loyalty and faithfulness between partners.
• Friendship - Presented as a gift, rosemary can symbolize the bonds of friendship and the desire to remember good times shared.
• Healing - Historically, rosemary has been connected to healing processes due to its medicinal properties.
• Protection - In folklore, rosemary is thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, offering protection to those who keep it nearby.
• Love - Some traditions hold rosemary as a symbol of love, possibly because of its aromatic qualities that could be linked to the essence of love's allure.