Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 60 - 90cm
Position: Full sun
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Golden Rain Rosemary Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis 'Golden Rain'

Rosemary ‘Golden Rain’ is an evergreen perennial with attractive golden yellow leaves that grows to 60-90cm high with a similar width. The aromatic foliage is a golden yellow colour in the cooler seasons of spring and autumn, but darkens to green once the warm days of summer begin. The foliage is not variegated, as it is often described. Rather the whole leaf changes slowly with the temperature and for a time there may be both golden and green leaves on the plant. The flowers are a pale blue colour, although they may appear to be quite rich against the yellow toned leaves.

‘Golden Rain’ is one of the most compact rosemary varieties among the upright growers. Many expert gardeners suggest that this variety is a synonym for Rosemary ‘Joyce De Baggio’ from the De Baggio Herb Farm in the United States. Thomas De Baggio discovered an unusual branch on a Common Rosemary bush and developed this variety, naming it for his wife. They list ‘Golden Rain’ and ‘Joyce De Baggio’ as the same plant. Despite this, many authorities say they are different varieties and ‘Joyce De Baggio’ is often described as having variegation. Certainly plant descriptions can sometimes be open to interpretation without full botanical examination. This serves as a reminder to check all the details if you are seeking a specific plant for your garden.

This rosemary is hardy and vigorous, prefers full sun and well drained soils. It is suitable for use in any recipe calling for the use of rosemary.

Rosemary General

Rosemary is an evergreen, woody shrub native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. It belongs to the Lamiaceae or mint family, with the botanical name Rosmarinus officinalis. This name is from the Latin words ‘ros’ meaning dew and ‘marinus’ from the word for sea. Together they refer to the ‘dew of the sea’, because these plants grow in near coastal areas. There are many varieties, distinguished by being upright or prostrate, ranging in size from low ground covers to large shrubs reaching 1.5-2 meters high. The leaves are small and often needle like, ranging from green to grey-green with a pine like aroma produced by the essential oils in the foliage. The small flowers are bee attractants and range from pale pink, purple, white, and include a range of distinctive blues. They usually bloom from early spring to summer, sometimes with a new flush in autumn.

Rosemary is a hardy plant that needs little attention once established. Soil should be well drained and slightly alkaline, the aspect should have full sun or partial shade and plants require occasional watering. Rosemary is tolerant of dry periods, coastal conditions, poor soil, hot and windy aspects and even has moderate frost tolerance. Humid conditions, wet soil or excessive frost will cause problems for the roots and foliage. Plants may be pruned to shape, with larger varieties being suitable for hedging. Propagation from cuttings is easy for most home gardeners.

Most people know rosemary as a culinary herb, especially in Italian cuisine. However, this herb also has a history of medicinal use, including being reputed to improve memory. Of course, many gardeners grow Rosemary ornamentally or just for the lovely fragrance it imparts to the garden.

For more information on history, growth conditions, culinary and medicinal use please see our Common Rosemary listing and other varieties such as Tuscan Blue

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.