The blossoms and leaves of these two rosemarys are similar in appearance. Both have the same kind of delicate-blue flowers and long, narrow leaves which are dark green on top and silver-striped underneath. The leaves of upright rosemary grow to over 1 inch (25 mm) long, while those of the low-growing or prostrate rosemary are smaller and narrower. There are several other unusual kinds of rosemary which are not often seen, including a white-flowering variety, one with gold-edged leaves, and a double-flowering type. The growth habit of the two rosemarys mentioned here is entirely different. Upright rosemary has a stiff, bushy habit, making it an ideal subject for hedge-work, while prostrate rosemary is grown more for ornamental purposes, as a ground cover, or to hang decoratively over the edge of retaining walls. It is excellent in rockeries and also in tubs, where it will spill toward the ground in a most attractive way. One landscape gardener told us that she had planted a sweep of prostate rosemary on a sloping bank leading down to a swimming pool, where the blue of the flowers and the blue water seemed to reflect one another. Both varieties start blooming in the autumn (fall) and continue on through the winter until spring.
History and mythology
Rosemary is another aromatic plant which first grew in the warm countries of the Mediterranean region and it seems to be the upright variety which is referred to historically. It has great beneficial properties which are still highly respected today. Of the many legends about rosemary, there is a popular one telling how a rosemary bush will never grow taller than the height of Christ 5-6 feet (1.5 -2 m) when He was a man on earth, and that after 33 years the plant increases in breadth, but not in height. Some stories tell how rosemary was used to try to awaken the Sleeping Beauty. The Sicilians tell their children that young fairies taking the form of snakes lie amongst the branches of rosemary bushes.
Cultivation
To propagate upright rosemary, sow the seed in spring, or in autumn (fall) where the climate is mild, in a prepared seed box. Plant out when the seedlings are 3 inches (8 cm) high, leaving about 2 feet (60 cm) between plants. Six inch (15 cm) long tip cuttings may also be taken in late spring, when the soft spring growth has hardened. The prostrate variety can only be satisfactorily propagated by taking cuttings, using the same method as for upright rosemary, or by layering, which is done by pinning down a stem from the parent plant to the soil, using a piece of U-shaped wire and covering the stem with a little soil. When the layered branch has developed a good root system, cut it away from the parent bush and plant out in a sunny position.
Harvesting and processing
Rosemary can be used fresh at any time, the upright variety being the most suitable for culinary purposes as the flavor is better. For drying, cut the branches before the plant begins flowering (when the flavor is at its best), shaping the bush at the same time. Then hang in bunches in a shady, airy place. When dry, strip the leaves from the stalks, crumbling them into small pieces. When stored in airtight containers, the flavor will remain intact over a long period. For freezing, strip the leaves carefully from their woody stalks and chop finely. Mix with a little water and put them into ice cube trays in the freezer. Sprays of fresh rosemary may be wrapped in foil, sealed, and kept in the deep freeze for some weeks. Rosemary butter may also be frozen. Chop the fresh leaves, incorporate them into softened butter, allow to set in the refrigerator, then cut into squares and seal into small polythene bags or other suitable containers.
Various uses
Culinary
Rosemary is one of the most strongly pungent plants; the taste and scent of the crushed leaves are warmly vital, yet freshly resinous as well. This herb helps the digestion of rich and starchy food. It gives a delicious, savory tang to beef, lamb, veal, pork, rabbit, goose, duck, and sometimes chicken, if it is a highly seasoned dish. Rosemary is used in liver pate, and in spiced sauces for pasta. It goes well with eggplant, zucchini, lima beans, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. It is excellent in herb bread and in biscuits (scones). Try stirring a tablespoon of the finely chopped leaves into your usual plain biscuit (scone) mixture before adding the liquid. The flavor is subtle and piquant, and when freshly buttered and hot from the oven, every morsel quickly disappears. The flowers can be candied.
Rosemary is used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries in several ways, especially when cooking lamb dishes. In Greece it is “thendrolivano,” in Turkey it is “biberiye.”
Medicinal
It was believed since the earliest times, that rosemary stimulated the memory. Students in ancient Greece entwined the green sprigs in their hair while studying for examinations. This is the origin of the saying “rosemary for remembrance.” Herbalists today recommend rosemary tea to strengthen the memory for those who suffer from forgetfulness, and to relieve headaches. In herbal medicine it is used as a nerve tonic and also for the digestion. Rosemary is also reputed to strengthen sight, and there is in old saying that “it comforts the heart and quickens the spirit.” Rosemary wine is a quietening cordial for the nerves and is stimulating for the kidneys.
Cosmetic
Rosemary’s main attribute is its association with all functions of the head. Extract of rosemary in shampoos and hair tonics revitalizes the scalp, prevents dandruff, and encourages new and healthy hair growth with a shining luster. These occurrences have been experienced personally by ourselves and our family. A few sprays of rosemary, or oil of rosemary, in the morning bath makes a bracing start to the day. But do not use it in an evening bath before going to bed; substitute lavender for its sedative qualities. Oil of rosemary also goes into eau-de-Cologne and the leaves and flowers are a fragrant addition to potpourri.
Companion planting
Rosemary and sage are good companion plants, having a stimulating effect upon each other. Rosemary repels carrot fly. Like other aromatic herbs, rosemary is a good influence in the garden. It attracts honey bees when in flower. Honey made from rosemary is delectable, like eating nectar. In the house, dried sprays of rosemary help to repel moths in drawers and cupboards.
