Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) Datasheet

1. Common Name: Rosemary

2. Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis)

3. Family: Lamiaceae

4. Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region—Spain, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, etc.

5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10 (perennial); grown as annual or container in colder zones

6. Light Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hrs/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates

7. Water Needs: Low–moderate; drought-tolerant once established; avoid poorly drained soil

8. Soil Preferences: Well-drained loam or sandy soil; pH 6.0–7.8

9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
   • Aquaponics: Compatible
   • Aeroponics: Compatible
   • Hydroponics: Compatible
   • Preferred Method: Media-bed or container with good drainage and air flow

10. Growth Habit: Evergreen, woody perennial shrub; erect or spreading/creeping habit

11. Height & Spread: Upright types 3–6 ft tall; prostrate types spread wider, 1–3 ft tall depending on cultivar

12. Time from Germination to Harvest: ~90–120 days for usable foliage; full maturity in 2–3 years

13. Flowering Time: Spring and summer (pale blue, lavender, pink, or white); occasional blooms year-round in mild climates

14. Edible Parts: Leaves and flowers; aromatic herbal flavor

15. Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used for memory, digestion, circulation, headaches, muscle pain, and respiratory issues; contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

16. Companion Plants: Pairs well with thyme, sage, lavender, marigolds, carrots, cherries, beans; deters pests like bean beetles and carrot flies. Avoid cucumbers, fennel, mint

17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally pest-resistant; watch for root rot in poor drainage and whiteflies; deer-resistant

18. Harvest Time: Trim 2–3″ sprigs year-round; best before flowering; dry or freeze for storage

19. Propagation Methods: Seeds (slow to germinate), cuttings, or division; softwood/semihardwood cuttings root readily

20. Sustainability Features: Perennial, drought-tolerant, supports pollinators, low maintenance; woody stems suitable for biomass or mulch

21. Culinary Uses: Flavoring for meats, soups, breads, oils, teas; sprigs used as skewers or garnish; essential in Mediterranean cooking

22. Fun Fact: Rosemary was historically worn at weddings and funerals as a symbol of remembrance and fidelity; quoted in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “That’s for remembrance.”

Arp (Salvia rosmarinus 'Arp')
Flavor Profile: Strong, piney, lemony.
Culinary Uses: Excellent for roasting meats and vegetables.
Notes: Extremely cold-hardy (down to -10 °F); upright growth habit; gray-green foliage.
Planting Tip: Ideal for Zones 6–10; give full sun and excellent drainage.
Days to Maturity: ~120 days to usable harvest.

Tuscan Blue (Salvia rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue')
Flavor Profile: Rich, resinous, less sharp than common types.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for marinades, oils, and baked dishes.
Notes: Tall (up to 6 ft), upright habit; vivid blue flowers; very ornamental.
Planting Tip: Great for hedges or vertical planting spaces.
Days to Maturity: ~100–120 days.

Prostratus / Creeping Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus 'Prostratus')
Flavor Profile: Mild and aromatic.
Culinary Uses: Light flavor for salads and fish; attractive edible garnish.
Notes: Low-growing, trailing form; excellent groundcover or cascading from walls.
Planting Tip: Ideal for containers or erosion control.
Days to Maturity: ~90–100 days.

Barbecue (Salvia rosmarinus 'Barbeque')
Flavor Profile: Bold, piney, slightly smoky.
Culinary Uses: Hardy stems are perfect as natural skewers for grilling.
Notes: Upright and woody; thick stems support cooking use.
Planting Tip: Requires full sun; best in well-drained sandy soils.
Days to Maturity: ~120 days.

Benenden Blue (Salvia rosmarinus 'Benenden Blue')
Flavor Profile: Mild, aromatic classic rosemary scent.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for garnish, oils, and general cooking.
Notes: Compact upright (~2–3 ft); dark green foliage; RHS Award of Garden Merit 
Planting Tip: Great in containers or small garden beds.
Days to Maturity: ~100–120 days

Gorizia (Salvia rosmarinus 'Gorizia')
Flavor Profile: Rich and aromatic with broad, flavorful leaves.
Culinary Uses: Excellent for grilling, marinades, and roasting.
Notes: Upright (~4–5 ft); foliage twice as wide as standard; striking blue flowers
Planting Tip: Use as specimen or hedge hedging plant.
Days to Maturity: ~120 days

Majorca Pink (Salvia rosmarinus 'Majorca Pink')
Flavor Profile: Similar to classic rosemary but with a light floral hint.
Culinary Uses: Both leaves and blooms are edible—fine in treats and teas.
Notes: Semi-prostrate (~2 ft tall); pink blooms; ornamental and edible
Planting Tip: Perfect in mixed flower beds or rock gardens.
Days to Maturity: ~100 days

Blue Boy (Salvia rosmarinus 'Blue Boy')
Flavor Profile: Delicate, mild rosemary flavor.
Culinary Uses: Great garnish; use fresh due to small leaf size.
Notes: Dwarf (~2 ft), compact; tiny leaves; suitable for herb gardens and containers
Planting Tip: Ideal for raised beds or container herbs collection.
Days to Maturity: ~90–100 days

Golden Rain (Salvia rosmarinus 'Aureus'/'Golden Rain')
Flavor Profile: Mild—less intense than standard rosemary.
Culinary Uses: Leaves can be used; blooms as colorful garnish.
Notes: Upright (~2 ft); golden variegated foliage; blue flowers
Planting Tip: Use for visual contrast in garden designs.
Days to Maturity: ~100 days

🌿 Rosemary Cultivar Comparison