We now need rosemary that is about 24 inches and upright to add to our newly reconstructed backyard environment. There are paths around a central circle and interwoven paths throughout the yard. We are are looking for rosemary to use around raised beds and for the central circle. The rosemary in the circle can be taller or shorter depending if it is in the center or closer to the border. Any insight would be appreciated
I have the Well Sweep 2010 catalog in front of me. I do love Well Sweep. I wish I was closer to them. They are a great family owned herb farm. They talk about several rosemaries that made it through the winter of 2001-2002 when the temperature was 7 degrees. 'Dutch Mill' is 14 inches. 'Blue Spears' is 18 inches. 'Blue Gem' and 'Blue Spire' are 20 inches and upright. 'Logee Blue' is 22 inches (in a slightly protected area) and 'Sissinghurst Blue' is closest to what you need at 24 inches. These are also 24 inches, 'Franeaux', 'Hulka', 'Pink' and 'St. Andrew's'. So there are 5 choices that Well Sweep offers in the 24 inch size depending on their stock.
Unfortunately, I don't have experience with any of them. I have grown 'Arp' at 17 inches, 'Golden Rain' at 14 inches, 'Prostrate', 'Salem' is about 18 inches, 'Spice Island' about 12 inches or larger and I think 'Tuscan Blue' at 30 inches. I usually have one upright and one prostrate in the herb garden each year. Both come in in a container for the winter. I have never had a rosemary winter over in my herb garden. The 'Prostrate' has been a container now for two seasons and has done well in our garage that has a southern exposure. The 'Spice Island' was taken in late in 2010 and I think it got over watered. Hopefully it will be alive when spring comes to go back in the garden again.
Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs. I would truthfully like one of each please! I think 'Salem', 'Spice Island' and 'Tuscan Blue' did the best for me. 'Golden Rain' while it was unique was not a very strong plant in my experience.
Taylorsoutback, I do usually have just one prostrate and one upright. Any more than that and I have to bring them all in and then that can lead to problems. 'Arp', 'Salem', 'Spice Island' and 'Tuscan Blue' are all fairly available in local garden centers and are very good for cooking. If it says common on the tag, I would bet that it is an 'Arp'. This is when I wished I lived in the southern part of the country so I could have a rosemary that was as big as a small car! Don't forget to visit one of my favorite herb shops with rosemary, The Rosemary House and their blog, Rosemary's Sampler. The sisters Reppert got me starting blogging and I've never looked back. Well, I hope if you have had questions about rosemary, this has helped you. If you have any lingering questions, please feel free to leave me a comment or e-mail me. I love to do research about my passion, herbs!
Well, got to run. It is still freezing here! Getting ready for the big game! Go Steelers! Talk to you later!
