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 Herb Cottage 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

Rosemary ‘Herb Cottage’ is an upright growing, evergreen shrub reaching up to 1.5 meters high and 1 meter wide under good conditions. However, 60-90cm high would be in the lower height range. The leaves are grey-green and held on tall stems, giving a smooth elegant appearance. The vivid blue–violet flowers appear in summer and may continue into autumn.

Like most varieties, Rosemary ‘Herb Cottage’ requires good air circulation to prevent fungal growths and does best with part to full sun and good soil drainage. The best climate range is cool temperate to sub-tropical with good tolerance for drought, coastal conditions and frost. Due to its smaller size, this rosemary is an ideal specimen for containers, small hedges or even topiary.

Rosemary ‘Herb Cottage’ originated from the Cathedral Herb Garden in Washington D.C. It may also be called Foresteri Rosemary and is considered to be quite rare. It has a true rosemary fragrance and excellent oil production.

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.