Rosemary Has Many Uses

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31831, 8 November 1968, Page 8

Rosemary Has Many Uses

Rosemary has been In cultivation for well over 500 years and fills a notable place in folk lore. It is believed to have had a stimulating effect on the memory and was known as the herb of memory. There is also an old proverb which states “Where rosemary flourishes, there woman hath sway.” However, I have no figures from the divorce courts or elsewhere to substantiate this clai i.

While It is no longer grown for its mystical properties, it is still grown as a herb and for its ornamental value. It is used in its dried form as an ingredient for pot pourri, and rosemary tea is claimed to be a remedy for headaches. Discerning palates appreciate its flavour in sauces for meat and fish, and it may also be added to fruit cups.

It is also grown on a commercial scale. An oil that is distilled from it is used in medicine, perfume and in hair shampoo. Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is a native of Southern Europe and part of Asia. It is an erect growing shrub of uense evergreen habit, and can attain a height of 6ft The leaves are dark green and aromatic when crushed.

The flowers, which are pro-

duced on growth of the previous year, are generally pale violet in colour and although not produced in profusion nevertheless appear throughout most of the year.

It has various uses in the garden, even that of specimen plant or as a hedge. While rosemary is not fastidious to soil and position, impoverished ground on the alkaline side, well drained and in full sun tends to induce greater production of the fragrant oil.

Where the intention is to dry some of the plant for various purposes cutting should be done in early autumn after completion of growth but before it becomes really “woody.” Seasonal conditions will tend to influence the correct time but some time between the end of February and early March can be taken as a guide. There is also a most useful prostrate form which has been called Rosmarinus officinalis prostratus at times, but is more correctly known as Rosmarinus lavandulaceus, the Rock rosemary. This grows little more than one foot high, but has a very sprawling habit, making it a suitable ground cover plant. It has similar flowering habits to the upright rosemary. Rosmarinus officinalis Tuscan Blue is a selected form of the Rosemary of very stiff upright growth and much deeper blue flowers which makes ft a real standout in summer.