Rosemary

             Herb for Remembrance

Rosemary is a woody evergreen shrub, native to the Mediterranean.  It thrives in temperate climates cooled by sea breezes, and derives its name from the Latin Rosmarinus which means “dew of the sea”. This is likely in reference to the herb’s preference for growing along the seashore of its indigenous domain.

Rosemary has quite an interesting and varied history; it was associated with both death and weddings for the same reason – remembrance. It was often entwined into a wreath, dipped in scented water and worn by brides at the altar. The wreath symbolized fidelity, love, abiding friendship and remembrance of the life the woman had led prior to her marriage. Wealthy bridal couples would also present a gilded branch of rosemary to each wedding guest.  In some European countries it is still a custom to carry rosemary in funeral processions and to cast the herb into the grave at the burial ceremony.

Rosemary once had a reputation for strengthening the memory. Greek scholars were known to twine rosemary in their hair when studying for exams in the hope of aiding their memories, and to drink it as an infusion to prevent forgetfulness. While evidence is conflicting, there are some indications that rosemary improves brain function and reduced anxiety when used as part of aromatherapy. Greek tradition says placing a rosemary twig under a pillow can prevent nightmares, and it was burnt at shrines to drive away evil spirits and illnesses.

According to legend, when Joseph and Mary fled into Egypt with the baby Jesus, Mary washed out the infant’s clothes and spread them over a rosemary bush to dry and the plant immediately burst into bloom. On the same trip, she laid her own robe over a rosemary bush while she sat down to rest, and the flowers turned from white to blue. From then on, the bush was called “Rose of Mary”.  People once believed that a rosemary bush would not grow taller than six feet, Christ's height when he was on earth, or live longer than his thirty-three years.

During the Middle Ages rosemary was spread on the floor at midnight on Christmas Eve so as people walked on it the fragrance would fill the air; this in the belief that those who smelled rosemary on Christmas Eve would have a year of health and happiness.  Thus, started the long tradition of rosemary in Christmas wreaths and other holiday decorations.

Rosemary trees shaped into topiaries are a very popular plant during Christmas. When purchased it is usually a large plant in a small container. That means that there is probably a pretty good size root mass with not much soil to hold onto the water. The more soil a container holds the longer the plant can go between watering. For anyone who purchases or receives a rosemary Christmas tree this holiday here are some hints to help your plant survive for years.

Replant your tree into a larger, preferably, clay pot.  Rosemary plants prefer soil that is moist, but not wet. It doesn't like having water around its roots. Add a lightweight, fast-draining potting mix and plant your new plant so that the top of the root ball is at the same level as the surrounding potting mix. Water the plant every week or two and make sure that a clay plate is below to catch the water that drains out. Be sure to empty the saucer plate, so that the pot is not standing in water.  Keep the container near a bright window, and use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.

Rosemary is also a wonderful addition to your landscape beds.  Many hardy perennials do best if planted in the fall so their roots can be established before the stress of summer heat and humidity. Like most Mediterranean plants, rosemary likes to be high and dry, in a well drained, average to dry soil. Getting it off ground level, in a raised bed, will help to reduce humidity and increase drainage. They usually are large plants and need space, which will allow air to move more freely around the plant.  It prefers a sheltered position such as on the south or southwest side of a wall or foundation.  If your soil is rich in organic matter, you should never need to fertilize. When applying mulch around rosemary, it is best to keep away from the base so air circulation is not blocked.

We are fortunate in our zone, 7b – 8a, that many varieties will over-winter well.  The uprights, Tuscan Blue, Blue Spires and Gorizia manage our normal winter temperatures. And the two varieties discovered by renowned herbalist Madelene Hill, Arp and Hill Hardy, are winter hardy to zone 6.  Any frost damage can be lightly pruned in the spring.   Many have had great success also with the prostrate or trailing rosemary.   It is good for cascading over walls and covering slopes, and also works well in large containers.

Rosemary is one of those wonderful herbs that make a beautiful ornamental plant as well as a welcome culinary seasoning.   Give it a try, and you will probably end up loving it as much as the honeybees, which flock to their bright blue blooms.

--Paulette Compton