Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) — an evergreen Mediterranean shrub with fragrant, needle-like leaves and a robust savoury flavour. Drought-tolerant and long-lived.
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    Organic rosemary seeds for classic herb gardens rosemary seeds are a popular choice for gardeners who want a reliable, aromatic evergreen shrub with year-round structure and a distinctly Mediterranean look. This organic herb variety develops...
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    Rosemary Common Seeds Rosmarinus Officinalis Perennial Herb
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    Rosemary seeds for aromatic evergreen garden herbs Rosemary seeds are a classic choice for gardeners who want an aromatic, evergreen herb with a neat, shrubby habit. This perennial herb is valued for its narrow, needle-like...
  • Rosemary seeds (Rosmarinus officinalis) – perennial herb Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – perennial herb seeds from SeedsChoice
    Rosemary Seeds Rosmarinus Officinalis Perennial Herb
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    Rosemary seeds for aromatic garden and kitchen Rosemary seeds are ideal for gardeners who want to raise a classic, aromatic herb plant with year-round structure. This perennial herb seed develops into a compact, woody shrub...
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Rosmarinus officinalis — rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis, the classic rosemary, is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub whose needle-like leaves release a powerful, pine-and-resin fragrance and a robust savoury flavour. Aromatic, drought-loving and long-lived, it is the botanical heart of our rosemary range within the culinary herb collection.

History & origin

Rosemary is native to the rocky, sun-baked coasts of the Mediterranean, and has been entwined with human culture for millennia. The Greeks and Romans associated it with memory and fidelity — students wore sprigs while studying — and it has long featured at weddings and remembrances alike as a symbol that “rosemary is for remembrance.”

Its name evokes that seaside home: it is usually traced to the Latin ros marinus, meaning “dew of the sea,” a poetic description of a shrub that thrives on salt-sprayed Mediterranean cliffs.

Botanical characteristics

Rosemary forms a woody, upright evergreen shrub that can reach 1–1.5 m, with narrow, leathery, dark green needle-like leaves and small pale blue flowers that appear from late winter and are adored by early bees. The whole plant is intensely aromatic, the leaves holding their flavour superbly when dried. Tough and woody, it sits among our perennial herbs and our drought-tolerant herbs.

Growing Rosmarinus officinalis from seed

Rosemary is slow and sometimes erratic from seed, so patience is the key. Sow in spring in gritty, free-draining compost, barely cover the seed, and keep it warm and bright — germination can take several weeks. Give young plants full sun and sharp drainage, and avoid wet, heavy soil. Once established it is exceptionally tough, drought-tolerant and long-lived, thriving in borders, gravel gardens and large pots. Our herb growing guide and herb sowing calendar cover timing and care in full.

Ready to grow rosemary? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Rosemary · Culinary Herbs · Perennial Herbs · Drought-Tolerant Herbs · All Herb Seeds

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What is Rosmarinus officinalis?
It is the botanical name for rosemary, an aromatic evergreen Mediterranean shrub with needle-like leaves and a robust, resinous savoury flavour. Is rosemary easy to grow from seed?
It takes patience. Rosemary is slow and sometimes erratic to germinate, so sow in gritty compost, barely cover the seed, keep it warm and allow several weeks. What conditions does rosemary need?
Full sun and sharp drainage. It dislikes wet, heavy soil and is very drought-tolerant once established, doing well in pots and gravel gardens. When does rosemary flower?
Its small pale blue flowers can appear from late winter into spring, providing a valuable early nectar source for bees.