Rosmarinus officinalis² P14

Planting Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, now botanically known as Salvia rosmarinus, is an aromatic evergreen shrub valued for its needle-like leaves, fragrant oils and small blue, violet, pink or white flowers. Commonly called rosemary, it is suitable for herb gardens, sunny borders, gravel planting, coastal gardens and containers. Its flowers also provide nectar for bees and other pollinating insects.

• Choose a warm, sheltered position in full sun. At least six hours of direct sunlight encourages compact growth, strongly aromatic foliage and plentiful flowers.

• Select a site with good airflow and protection from severe frost or cold, drying winds.

• Plant in light, moderately fertile and sharply drained soil. Rosemary performs particularly well in sandy, gritty or stony ground.

• Avoid heavy, permanently wet soil. Winter waterlogging is more damaging than temporary summer dryness and can quickly cause root rot.

• Improve clay with horticultural grit and organic matter, or grow the plant in a raised bed or container where drainage can be controlled.

• Water the root ball before planting. Dig a hole slightly wider than the roots and approximately the same depth.

• Position the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill carefully, firm gently and water thoroughly.

• Space plants according to their expected mature size, allowing air to circulate freely between neighbouring shrubs.

• For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost mixed generously with horticultural grit and choose a frost-resistant pot with drainage holes.

Watering, Feeding and Seasonal Care

Rosemary becomes drought tolerant after establishment and generally performs better when kept slightly dry rather than continually moist. Container plants require more attention because their compost dries quickly.

• Water regularly during the first growing season while the roots establish. Allow the soil surface to dry between thorough waterings.

• Water established plants only during prolonged hot or dry periods. Apply water around the root zone rather than repeatedly wetting the foliage.

• Check container-grown rosemary frequently during warm, windy weather, but always confirm that the compost has started drying before watering.

• Water pots thoroughly until excess moisture drains from the bottom. Empty saucers and decorative outer containers promptly.

• Reduce watering considerably during autumn and winter. Cold, saturated compost can cause the roots and lower stems to decay.

• Apply a small amount of balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring if growth appears weak.

• Container plants may receive a diluted liquid feed occasionally during spring and summer.

• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages soft, weak growth with a less concentrated flavour and aroma.

• Use gravel as a surface mulch to keep the crown dry and reflect warmth around the plant.

• Protect container-grown specimens during prolonged severe frost by moving them beside a sheltered wall or into a bright, unheated space.

Pruning, Harvesting and Maintenance

Regular light pruning keeps rosemary compact and prevents it from becoming woody or bare. Mature plants respond poorly to severe cutting into old, leafless stems.

• Trim lightly after the main flowering period or during late spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.

• Shorten young green shoots to maintain the desired size and encourage branching.

• Avoid cutting deeply into old brown wood without visible leaves, as new growth may not develop from these areas.

• Remove dead, damaged, diseased or frost-blackened stems once fresh spring growth shows which sections remain alive.

• Harvest sprigs regularly by cutting healthy shoot tips with clean scissors or secateurs.

• Never remove more than one-third of the living growth at one time, especially from young or stressed plants.

• Use the leaves for cooking only when the plant has been sold for culinary use and has not been treated with unsuitable chemicals.

• Remove faded flowers only if a tidier appearance is required. Leaving them temporarily provides food for pollinating insects.

• Inspect young shoots for aphids and check the foliage for spider mites, scale insects and rosemary beetles.

• Yellowing leaves commonly indicate excessive watering, poor drainage or insufficient light. Check the root conditions before feeding.

• Brown, brittle foliage may result from drought, severe frost, wind scorch or damaged roots.

• Repot container plants when roots become crowded, using fresh gritty compost and a pot only slightly larger than the existing one.

• Replace very old, extensively woody plants if they no longer produce healthy shoots, or take cuttings from vigorous growth before decline begins.

• With full sun, sharp drainage, restrained watering and regular light trimming, Rosmarinus officinalis will provide aromatic evergreen foliage, attractive flowers and valuable garden structure for many years

• Size
  P14

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via DPD Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.