Rosemary (small plant pot)

The Rosemary plant is a fragrant, evergreen herb widely used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. It is drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and attracts pollinators like bees while repelling pests.

🌿 General Information

• Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Common Name: Rosemary
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
• Native To: Mediterranean region
• Growth Habit: Woody perennial herb with needle-like leaves

🌸 Flowers & Foliage

• Leaves: Dark green, needle-like, aromatic, and rich in essential oils.
• Flowers: Small, blue, purple, pink, or white blooms that appear in spring and summer.
• Scent: Strong, piney, and slightly citrusy.

☀️ Care & Growing Conditions

✅ Light: Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily).
✅ Watering: Drought-tolerant; water when the soil is completely dry. Avoid overwatering!
✅ Soil: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil (slightly alkaline preferred).
✅ Temperature: Prefers warm climates (55–80°F or 13–27°C). Protect from frost.
✅ Humidity: Tolerates dry air well; avoid overly humid environments.
✅ Fertilization: Minimal; feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer in spring.

🌱 Propagation

• Cuttings: The easiest method—take a 4-6 inch cutting, strip lower leaves, and root in soil or water.
• Seeds: Slow and difficult to germinate, but possible with patience.
• Layering: Bend a stem to the soil and let it root before cutting from the main plant.

🏡 Indoor vs. Outdoor Growth

✅ Indoors:

• Needs bright light, preferably a south-facing window.
• Avoid overwatering—let the soil dry between watering.
• Provide good airflow to prevent mold or mildew.

✅ Outdoors:

• Thrives in herb gardens, rock gardens, and containers.
• Can grow 3-5 feet tall if left unpruned.
• Perfect for companion planting—repels pests from vegetables like carrots and cabbage.

🌿 Common Issues & Solutions

• Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
• Leggy Growth: Needs more sunlight; prune regularly for bushier growth.
• Mold/Fungus: Caused by poor airflow or excess moisture—keep the soil dry.
• Pests: Occasionally affected by spider mites or aphids; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

🍽 Uses

✔ Culinary: Fresh or dried, it flavors meats, soups, bread, and oils.
✔ Medicinal: Traditionally used for memory, digestion, and stress relief.
✔ Aromatic: Used in essential oils, sachets, and potpourris.
✔ Ornamental: Beautiful in garden borders, topiary, and hedges.

🌟 Fun Facts!

• Associated with memory and remembrance—used in ancient Greek and Roman rituals.
• Symbol of protection in folklore, often planted near homes.
• Attracts bees and butterflies while repelling mosquitoes and certain pests.