An aromatic, evergreen herb with upright stems and beautifully fragrant, needle-like foliage, Rosemary ‘Tuscan Blue’ is a wonderful addition to herb gardens, wildlife-friendly borders and sunny patios. This vigorous variety produces masses of pale blue flowers from late winter into spring, bringing colour and early nectar to the garden when little else is in bloom.
As well as being highly ornamental, rosemary is a much-loved culinary herb. The strongly scented leaves can be harvested throughout the year and are perfect for adding flavour to roasted vegetables, breads, potatoes and Mediterranean dishes. Drought tolerant once established and easy to grow, it’s a fantastic choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
Annual or Perennial: Evergreen perennial shrub
Type: Culinary herb, evergreen shrub
Style: Mediterranean, cottage garden, wildlife garden, kitchen garden, container planting
Months of Interest: January – December (flowers typically February – May)
Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus ‘Tuscan Blue’ (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Tuscan Blue’)
Common Name: Rosemary ‘Tuscan Blue’
Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region.
Light: Prefers a sunny, sheltered position and thrives in full sun.
Water: Water regularly during its first growing season. Once established, rosemary is drought tolerant and only requires occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Plants grown in containers may need watering more frequently.
Soil: Best grown in free-draining soil. Add horticultural grit to heavier soils or use a peat-free compost mixed with grit when planting in containers.
Feed: Generally requires very little feeding. A light application of a balanced fertiliser in spring is sufficient for container-grown plants.
Pruning Tips: Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a neat, bushy shape and prevent the plant from becoming woody. Avoid cutting back into old, leafless stems as rosemary does not always regenerate well from hard pruning.
Wildlife Value: The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees and other early pollinators, making it an excellent plant for supporting garden wildlife.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in most parts of the UK, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -10°C once established.
Sprouts Top Tip: Plant near a doorway, path or seating area so you can enjoy the wonderful fragrance of the foliage whenever you brush past it.
Did You Know? The name rosemary comes from the Latin ros marinus, meaning “dew of the sea”, as it naturally grows on sunny coastal hillsides around the Mediterranean.
