Salvia rosmarinus var. angustissimus 'Benenden Blue' (Rosemary 'Benenden Blue') Herb Plant

Rosemary 'Benenden Blue' (Salvia rosmarinus 'Benenden Blue') Previously Rosmarinus officinalis var. angustissimus 'Benenden Blue' Herb in 1 Litre Pot

At least one variety of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is absolutely essential in a culinary herb garden. Rosemary 'Benenden 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 'Benenden Blue' is a small growing decorative herb, with very narrow leaf needles, which gives it a more feathery appearance. Rosemary Benenden Blue grows to 30cm tall, and will produce small, sky blue flowers in abundance in late spring, creating a beautiful display. 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.  This variety can also be grown as a formal or informal low hedge, if managed by regular pruning. Could be used as hedging in a vegetable garden to help ward off carrot root fly.  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 'Benenden 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 'Benenden Blue' Online

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