Rosmarinus officinalis / Rosmarino comune

Origin: Mediterranean.

Botanical characteristics: It is an evergreen shrub, whose scent is deeply aromatic. It has an upright, enlarged growth habit. It is thick and much-branched. Leaves are linear, leathery, up to 5 cm long, dark green and shiny above, lighter and greyish below, which cover completely the branches. In spring it has an abundant bloom of small blue-violet flowers, occurring at the leaf’s axil in groups of 2-3, sought by bees. In autumn it blooms again.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It is typical of the Mediterranean scrub, where it grows in thickets and calcareous cliffs. It is commonly cultivated throughout the territory. It adapts to any soil type, including the dry and calcareous ones. It requires full sun exposure or next to a wall facing south.

Use: It is used as a medicinal, aromatic plant and for condiment. It is cultivated in gardens and vegetable gardens with other herbs. It is suitable for hedges, embankments and pots.