Sow
Rosemary is best started in the spring from ready-grown plants. Plant in a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil – plants hate wet roots in winter. Alternatively grow in 30-60cm containers filled with soil-based or multi-purpose compost.
Grow
Plants are fairly drought-tolerant, but water regularly during dry summers, especially if plants are grown in containers. Feed plants in containers with a balanced fertiliser after they have finished flowering.
Protect container-grown plants in hard winters by raising onto pot feet. Apply a thick mulch around plants in the ground. Cover the branches with sheets of horticultural fleece.
To keep plants compact, cut back stems after the blooms start to fade or plants will become leggy.
Common problems
Frost damage: Late frosts can damage growth, leading to it dying or being distorted.
Remedy: Remove any damaged growth and protect the bed with a double layer of horticultural fleece if frost is forecast.
More info on Frost damage
Scale insects: Small yellow hemispherical scales appear on the leaf underside and along the midrib. They suck sap and secrete honeydew which encourages sooty mould.
Remedy: Use biological controls in the greenhouse.
More info on Scale insects
Rosemary beetle: Both the small oval beetle with metallic green and purple stripes, and its greyish white larvae are a problem. The pest can be found in great numbers on plants, where it will quickly strip stems of leaves.
Remedy: Check plants regularly and pick beetles off by hand.
More info on Rosemary beetle
Harvesting
Remove shoots carefully as required, aiming to keep an attractive shape. Leaves can be used fresh or dried.
Varieties
'Lady in White':Pretty white flowers.
Majorca Pink:Tall shrub with columnar habit and pink blooms.
McConnells Blue AGM:Compact habit and blue flowers.
Miss Jessopps Upright AGM:A tall plant with an upright habit and blue flowers.
Prostratus Group:A prostrate form that is ideal in a pot or cascading over a wall.
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