Salvia rosmarinus 'Fota Blue' (Rosemary 'Fota Blue') Herb Plant

Rosemary 'Fota Blue' (Salvia rosmarinus 'Fota Blue') Previously Rosmarinus officinalis 'Fota Blue' Herb in 9cm Pot

At least one variety of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is absolutely essential in a culinary herb garden. Rosemary 'Fota Blue' is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and as such, prefers a light, sandy soil, which will fully satisfy its meagre feeding needs. Having said that, rosemary is tolerant of most soil conditions as long as they are not water-logged. True to its origins, Rosemary prefers sunny and sheltered conditions. It will stand frosts if conditions are not windy and wet as well. 

Rosemary 'Fota Blue' is a frost hardy, evergreen perennial that will grow to 40cm, and has striking small dark purple-blue flowers with a white throat in spring. Short dark green needle-shaped aromatic leaves appear on arching prostrate stems, so it is very compact  and ideal for a smaller garden where one of the larger varieties is not possible or just to make a change from the usual more upright varieties. It's strong growth of dark green leaves give off a powerful scent especially when planted in full sun where this Mediterranean plant is happiest.   Rosemary is very attractive to bees and other pollinating insects too.

If left unpruned Rosemary can become straggly and untidy so should be pruned after flowering to keep it compact. As a guide, prune after the first main flush of flowers. Regular picking of the leaves especially the tips of the branches for cooking acts as an ongoing pruning regime and helps keep the plant bushy and compact.

Herb Usage

The leaves of  Rosemary 'Fota Blue' are extremely aromatic, and can be finely chopped and used to flavour a variety of dishes, especially stuffing. Many cooks simply cut sprigs of rosemary and place with roasted meats, especially lamb, pork, chicken and turkey.  Beautiful when chopped and added to roasting potatoes, and great in tomato based sauces. The leaves can also be made into a tea to aid digestion. The leaves can be dried to add to dishes too. you can use the leaves in an infusion for bath water too to aid relaxation of muscles whilst stimulating the mind. It is, of course, distilled into an essential oil too and added to many cosmetic products. The Rosemary herb plant is said to help memory and indeed in the language of flowers it is used to denote remembrance. It is said also to prolong life!

Buy  Rosemary 'Fota Blue' Online

Our potted  Rosemary 'Fota Blue' herb plants are generally available to buy online all year round.