ROSEMARY

[digitS']

Last spring, I bought "named" rosemary seeds: Oasis. This is somewhat new for me and I only hope that the plants are good, culinary-wise. Years ago I tried one from seed.

No, rosemary plants don't survive outdoors here. For 2 winters, I placed the Rex rosemary plants I propagated from one I bought on the floor of my basement. The late afternoon sun will track across the floor but the room is really too warm. Another room is cooler but there is no light in there. The second year, I might have had 7 or 8 plants and I remember thinking that 50% of them died. No more of that!

My unheated greenhouse has big Rex plants and quite a few little Oasis plants. If overnight temperatures are approaching single digitS', they get an extra layer of plastic. Below zero, a tarp goes over them, also. I can tell that they don't like any of it! However, it's been about 6 years and I haven't lost a rosemary plant.

This year, the Oasis should be large enough to try in the kitchen. I also have some Rosey rosemary seed. Thanks to @ninnymary .

Steve

 

[aftermidnight]

Steve, have you ever tried the variety 'Arp' it's very cold hardy, here in zone 7b it survives freezing temps, even below 0ºF with no ill effects. I've had my plant, actually a shrub now for many years and every couple of years I take the hedge trimmer to it to keep it in a more compact form. Before it got it's haircut last year, you can't see the obelisk it's growing on but this is my guide as to how far back I can shear.

I imagine you are a lot colder then me but it just might survive outside for you with a bit of winter protection like covering with remay cloth or such, worth a try, it's a great culinary variety.

Annette

 

[Ridgerunner]

A few years back I got 4 ARP starts. if I remember right, Steve recommended them. Two never came back after the first winter, one died two summers later. I still have one alive and it is coming back this spring, I looked yesterday. It's never gotten big enough I harvest anything from it. I've read that it needs to be in well-drained soil so I put them in the best drained area I have. I'm hoping it gets well enough established I can eventually feel comfortable cutting it back and using some of it.

I saw some huge rosemary bushes on a garden tour I took a few years back so they can do well in this area. One of those was in a well shaded area on a hillside, the other in an open field. Both times the gardener said they didn't do anything to help it, they just let it go. I did not ask variety.

 

[digitS']

I mentioned Arp a little up-thread but no, it wasn't me to recommend it, @Ridgerunner .

I haven't tried growing it. I shouldn't question a "Texas variety" for hardiness but I'm surprised that @aftermidnight has it north of the border!

It sure wouldn't have to survive in much below 0°f these last few years here. But, I see that Vancouver Island has several zones. The Canadian government politely shows its nation with 2 zone maps and one reflect the US dept of ag -- they even say so on their Environment Canada website ! Victoria and Vancouver Island's "Harbour City" may not quite share hardiness zones ... and, why isn't that "Harbor City?"

Ha! KIDDING! Steve

 

[jackb]

We keep a pot of rosemary on hand at all times. It came through the winter indoors just fine. We have an early warm spell for the next several days so I put it in the greenhouse to enjoy the heat, 86 degrees. The smell of rosemary also fills the greenhouse and is very pleasant.

 

[Gardening with Rabbits]

I have not seen my Rosemary plant since about November. It is still buried under the snow.

 

[Nyboy]

Last night I watched the movie Practical magic. Sandra Bullock plays a good witch. One of her advice was always throw salt over your left shoulder, always plant rosemary next to garden gate and plant lavender for luck.

 

[chefsdreams]

You must have it next to the house. Both Philly and Central IL are too far north for perennial rosemary. (Btw, born in Philly, and lived on "I" Street before moving to Phoenixville Pike in West Chester.)

I have been delinquent with my response. please forgive.
you are correct! that little rosemary bush is right next to the house. how did you know? are you the one that's been wandering through my backyard? . . .
Philly? Once again i am stunned by people who have come into my life and how closely our paths have almost crossed. do you ever feel that?

 

[chefsdreams]

Last night I watched the movie Practical magic. Sandra Bullock plays a good witch. One of her advice was always throw salt over your left shoulder, always plant rosemary next to garden gate and plant lavender for luck.

i got it wrong again! i've planted the lavender by the gate. and rosemary has been my lucky herb. woe is me...

 

[chefsdreams]

Steve, have you ever tried the variety 'Arp' it's very cold hardy, here in zone 7b it survives freezing temps, even below 0ºF with no ill effects. I've had my plant, actually a shrub now for many years and every couple of years I take the hedge trimmer to it to keep it in a more compact form. Before it got it's haircut last year, you can't see the obelisk it's growing on but this is my guide as to how far back I can shear.
View attachment 18489
I imagine you are a lot colder then me but it just might survive outside for you with a bit of winter protection like covering with remay cloth or such, worth a try, it's a great culinary variety.

Annette

those flowers look beautiful! my hummingbirds would love that!