Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is one of those herbs that quietly earns its keep. Hardy, evergreen, beautifully scented and endlessly useful, it’s a staple here on the farm and a firm favourite with gardeners, cooks and home‑makers alike.
Grown well, rosemary will last for years, shrug off wind and cold, feed the bees, scent the air when you brush past it, and give you armfuls of needle‑like leaves to use fresh or dried. No fuss. No drama. Just a solid, hardworking herb.
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is a woody, evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean, but well suited to much of the UK with a little care. It prefers sun, free‑draining soil and a light hand on the watering can.
Traditionally, rosemary has been associated with remembrance, clarity and protection. You’ll find it mentioned in old herbals, cottage gardens, monastery plots and kitchen doorways — planted close so it could be picked year‑round.
Growing Rosemary in the UK
Position
Full sun — at least 6 hours a day. Sheltered from harsh winds if possible
Ideal for pots, raised beds, gravel gardens and sunny borders. Free‑draining soil is essential. Dislikes heavy clay. Improve drainage with grit or sand if needed
Watering
Water young plants until established. Once settled, rosemary prefers drier conditions. Overwatering causes more problems than underwatering
Feeding
Very little feeding required. Too much feed encourages soft growth that struggles in winter
Pruning
Light pruning keeps plants compact. Best done after flowering or in late spring. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems
Winter Care
Hardy varieties cope well in most UK winters. Pot‑grown plants may need shelter in very cold spells. Good drainage matters more than warmth
Harvesting & Drying Rosemary
Pick little and often to encourage fresh growth
Harvest on a dry day once the dew has lifted
For drying, tie small bunches and hang somewhere warm and airy
Store dried leaves in airtight jars away from light
Fresh rosemary has a brighter scent; dried rosemary is deeper and more resinous. Both have their place.
Rosemary for Body Care
Rosemary has a long history of use in traditional body care and household preparations. Today, it’s commonly included in cosmetic products for its scent and general skin‑care properties.
Infuse rosemary in oils (such as olive or sunflower) for use in balms and salves
Often included in foot creams, hand balms and hard‑working skin products
Popular in soaps for its clean, herbal scent
As with all botanical ingredients, rosemary is used in cosmetics for general skin care and wellbeing — not to treat or prevent medical conditions.
Rosemary Around the Home
Natural Home Uses
Add sprigs to simmer pots with lemon peel for a fresh‑smelling kitchen
Use dried rosemary in natural cleaning blends for a clean, herbal scent
Tuck sprigs into drawers or cupboards as a traditional moth deterrent
Seasonal Living
Burn dried rosemary outdoors for a deep, resinous aroma
Add to wreaths and dried arrangements — it holds its scent beautifully
Use as a naturally scented addition to potpourri
Rosemary in the Kitchen
Perfect with roasted vegetables and potatoes
Excellent with lamb, root veg and slow‑cooked dishes
Add whole sprigs to stews and remove before serving
Infuse into oils or vinegars for everyday cooking
Fresh rosemary pairs well with garlic and lemon; dried rosemary suits long, slow cooking.
A Final Word
Rosemary is a true workhorse herb. It doesn’t demand much, it gives generously, and it fits beautifully into a slower, more seasonal way of living — whether that’s growing a few pots by the door or harvesting armfuls from a well‑established bush.
If you’re starting a herb garden, rosemary is one of the best places to begin.
This guide is intended for general information and reflects traditional, non‑medical uses of herbs.
