Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

rosemary, Compass Weed, Dew of the Sea, Incensier, and Mary's Mantle

Rosemary is a small, perennial, evergreen shrub in the mint family with a brittle woody stem and needle-like leaves. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is used in many dishes from the area including pasta sauces and meats.

Rosemary History and Folkore

Etymology Rosemary was, until recently, Rosemarinus officinalis. Its scientific name was recently changed to Salvia rosemarinus. Rosemarinus means “dew of the sea” from Latin ros marinus. It aludes to its habit of growing on coastal areas of the Mediterranean region. Officinalis is an epithet given to plants that are useful to humans in some way; often for healing, but also for cooking, manufacture and various household uses.  The term genus name Salvia indicates rosemary’s close relationship to sage and its healing nature, as salvia derives from the Latin salvus, meaning “healthy, secure”.

 

Rosemary in the Garden

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean area. It has a woody stem, fragrant, needle-like leaves and lavender, blue or white flowers.

Rosemary prefer well-drained and full sun

Rosemary is a Perennial plant that grows best in zones 7 through 12

Rosemary plants are readily available in many stores, but it can also be grown from cuttings gifted from a friend. Start with about three inches of new growth, preferably in the spring or in the summer after flowering is complete. Make sure you cut it cleanly, with clippers or a sharp knife. Strip the bottom inch of leaves and soak in willow water for 24 hours, then place the bottom of the cutting in a mix of well-rotted compost and sand. Set the cutting in a sunny, warm spot and keep the soil moist. Check for roots in 2-3 weeks. Once roots have appeared, transfer your cutting into a pot with well-draining potting soil.

Rosemary needs soil that drains well and at least 6 hours of sun per day. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit so it should be grown in a pot and brought indoors in areas with cold winters. During overwintering, rosemary still needs lots of light and care should be taken not to overwater it. It should then be repotted every spring.

Some varieties of rosemary that have proven to be more cold hardy are ‘Albus’, ‘Bendenen Blue’, ‘Goodwin Creek’, ‘Herb Cottage’, ‘Logee’s Light Blue’, ‘Miss Jessup’s Upright’, ‘Russian River’ and ‘Salem’

Companion Planting for Rosemary

Rosemary isn’t just delicious cooked with other plants, but its fragrance can also help deter pests from other plants and, it is said, may even help enhance their flavor while they are growing. Carrots, cabbages, beans and fruit trees and berry bushes can benefit from the close proximity of rosemary as it can mask their scent from marauding insects and other pests.

Because rosemary enjoys similar conditions to many other perennial and annual herbs, it is a great addition to any herb garden. Sage, thyme, chives, borage and lavender all enjoy similar conditions to rosemary and can live happily side by side.

However, because rosemary does not like wet feet, it won’t be as happy among the potatoes, who like lots of mulch or the cucumbers or squashes who need lots of water.

Rosemary in the Kitchen

Rosmarinus officinalis for Healing

Rosemary Magick

Rosemary corresponds to the element Fire and the Sun

Rosemary is the herb of remembrance and can be used in any spells to stimulate the memory, to make yourself more memorable, to help you remember things, etc. It also helps to clear the mind of distractions and fogginess and stimulate a lethargic brain.

Steep rosemary in water to make a wash, burn it as an incense, use fresh or dried sprigs or essential oil in workings to cleanse people and places of stagnation and emotional fatigue, to clear the air after drama or conflict and to stimulate the mind.

Rosemary is a protective herb when grown near doorways and gates or hung over the door. It guards against thieves and negative energy following people into the house.

Tucked under your pillow it is said to protect from night terrors and to help you remember your dreams. (I find it too stimulating for sleepy purposes, but try it for yourself.)

Add rosemary sprigs to wedding bouquets to encourage loyalty and attraction between the couple.

Wear it on your person to strengthen your memory, willpower, courage and self-confidence.

Scott Cunningham wrote that rosemary could be substituted for just about any plant.(Though I do not subscribe to this idea.)