Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 1.5m
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 Salem 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 'Salem'

Rosemary ‘Salem’ is an upright growing shrub with a slightly rounded habit, supported by the compact but even branches. It may reach 1.5 meters high by 1 meter wide and has distinctive grey-green foliage. The lanceolate leaves are quite thin and small, with the strong pine like fragrance typical of rosemary, but in a milder form. The dense bunches of flowers are a rich blue colour and appear almost fluorescent at times. They appear from late summer to autumn depending upon regional climates. The best range is from cool temperate areas to the sub-tropics.

This variety comes from New Zealand and is sometimes called the Christmas Herb, due to its pine fragrance. The aroma is quite mild compared to some other varieties, but the oil production is high. It is a prized culinary variety because the flavour is strong, but not overwhelming.

Rosemary ‘Salem’ is more tolerant of wet soil and cooler conditions than other varieties, and is often used in moist soils. However, the preferred conditions are for dry soils, with tolerance for coastal conditions and some frost.

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.