Rosemary Tuscan Blue

Description: Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' is an evergreen shrub with narrow, needle-like leaves that are dark green on top and silvery-white underneath, giving the plant a distinctive two-toned appearance. It produces small, pale blue flowers in spring and summer, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The foliage emits a strong, fragrant aroma when crushed or brushed against, making it a popular choice for culinary use, as well as for aromatherapy and herbal crafts.

Size: This variety of rosemary typically grows to a height and spread of 3 to 6 feet, though it can sometimes reach up to 8 feet under optimal growing conditions. It has an upright, bushy growth habit, with dense foliage that can be pruned and shaped as desired. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact form and encourages fresh growth.

Best Growing Zones: Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' is well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11, although it can also be grown in zone 7 with some winter protection. It thrives in warm, Mediterranean-like climates with mild winters and long, hot summers. In cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter months or treated as an annual.

Cultivation: To grow Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' successfully, plant it in a location with full sun exposure and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. It is tolerant of poor soil conditions and drought once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells, especially in hot weather. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Maintenance: Prune Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' regularly to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. It can be pruned lightly throughout the growing season to harvest fresh foliage for culinary use or more heavily in late winter or early spring to remove dead or woody growth and encourage new shoots. Avoid cutting back into old wood, as this can harm the plant's ability to regenerate.

Uses: Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' is prized for its culinary value, adding flavor and aroma to a wide range of dishes, including meats, vegetables, bread, and soups. It can also be used to make infused oils, herbal teas, and sachets. In the garden, it serves as an attractive and fragrant evergreen shrub, suitable for borders, hedges, containers, and herb gardens. It also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden.