Salvia rosmarinus

A perennial shrub of the Lamiaceae family, long classified under the name Rosmarinus officinalis before being integrated into the genus Salvia based on recent phylogenetic studies, rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region, where it colonizes scrublands, maquis, coastal cliffs, and well-exposed rocky calcareous slopes, from sea level up to about 1,500 meters in altitude.

It forms dense, branched bushes, generally reaching 60 to 150 cm in height depending on conditions and cultural form. The leaves are evergreen, very narrow, linear, dark green and shiny on the upper side, whitish and finely tomentose underneath, emitting a powerful and characteristic resinous and camphoraceous aroma.

The bilabiate flowers, ranging from pale blue to blue-lilac, sometimes almost white depending on the individuals, are arranged in small axillary groups along the branches of the previous year. In its natural habitat, its flowering mainly extends from February to April, but floral resurgences are frequent in autumn. In cultivation under temperate climates, flowering generally occurs from March to May.

It requires a perfectly drained soil, poor to ordinary, preferably calcareous, in full sun exposure. It withstands severe summer drought but fears heavy and damp soils in winter. Its hardiness varies according to provenance, generally around -10 to -12 °C in well-drained soil. An aromatic and culinary plant among the most used in the Mediterranean basin, it is also melliferous and highly appreciated by bees from the first fine days.