Rosmarinus officinalis 2ltr

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) is a wonderfully useful evergreen shrub that looks good and earns its keep all year round. With its aromatic, needle-like leaves, it’s perfect for herb gardens, borders, raised beds and patio pots—and of course it’s a favourite in the kitchen for roasting, marinades and flavouring. In spring and early summer it often produces small, nectar-rich flowers (commonly blue to violet, sometimes pale), which are loved by pollinators and help bring extra life to the garden.

Rosemary is also a great choice for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant planting once established, and it works brilliantly in sunny, free-draining spots—ideal if you want something reliable that stays handsome through winter. On the Avon Bulbs & Plants website it’s a perfect “plant it once, enjoy it for years” addition: useful, hardy, and always in season.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring or early autumn while the soil is still warm, so roots can establish well before winter.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Rosemary dislikes sitting in wet ground, especially in winter. Ideal for herb gardens, raised beds, gravel gardens, borders, and pots and containers.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the top of the compost is level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space plants around 45–60 cm apart (more if you want it to grow into a larger shrub).
• Soil Prep: If soil is heavy, improve drainage by mixing in horticultural grit. Avoid over-enriching the soil—rosemary prefers it on the leaner side.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep watering during the first growing season while it establishes. Once established, rosemary is drought tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells (especially in pots).

Aftercare Tips:

• Lightly trim after flowering to keep it bushy and prevent it becoming leggy.
• In pots, ensure excellent drainage and avoid leaving containers sitting in saucers of water.
• Protect from cold, drying winds in very exposed sites—a sheltered spot helps it overwinter well.

Top Tip:
Harvest rosemary regularly (a little and often) to encourage fresh, leafy growth. It pairs beautifully with Lavender, Thyme and other Mediterranean-style plants in a sunny, well-drained border.

Plant Details

Type:

Evergreen shrub / culinary herb

Position:
Full sun (sheltered is best)

Soil:
Well-drained (grit improves heavy soils)

Hardiness:
Hardy in the UK in a sheltered, free-draining spot (best drainage in winter)