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Rosemary
Q. I just cut back some creeping rosemary
and would like to use the cuttings in another
area as a ground cover. In the new spot
they would get full Houston sun most of
the day.
Can you tell me how to start them? I have branches up to 2' long. Should I put them right out in their new spot
or keep them kind of shaded for a while? And start in water or soil? A. Rosemary is best propagated by the young newest growth
not the woody part. Two-foot long pieces will have about 6" at the end which is young and that is what will root the easiest. You can try 1' long ones
but I have found the shorter ones more reliable. The roots grow out from the young tissue better than through the mass of older [partially dead] stem tissue. The core is softer too. Moisten a flat of light garden soil with some sterilized sand added
and a little perlite and vermiculite. Stick the send cuts into Rootone hormone powder and sink 1" down. Press each slightly to secure from toppling over. Place the flat or tray in a lightly sunny location with no direct light until the stems are firmly attached to the medium and the buds are growing. Then increase the light and give half strength fertilizer to the cuttings. Keep evenly moist from the very start
but not soggy. Make sure it is well-drained and they should root in 2-3 weeks.
Q. Can you tell me more about that dwarf
creeping rosemary? Is it a possibility for
my sunny area. And the Latin name or whatever
so I can mail-order it if necessary?
A. I love this creeping version of a favorite herb
Rosemary. It is Mediterranean so loves hot and dry locations. Evergreen in mild climates
it bears beautiful pale lavender-blue flowers heavily in the late spring and then throughout the summer. Great for cooking too! Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' [syn. R. lavendulaceus] (Creeping Rosemary) STRONGLY SCENTED GROUND COVER
Plant it where you can brush against it or walk lightly on it to release the fragrance. Ideal for steps
walls dry banks
rock gardens pathway edges. Light blue flowers intermittently throughout the year. Zones 6-11. COOKING
Has a milder flavor than upright Rosemary but is still used in food. CLASSIC FOOD PARTNERS
Lamb
Pork Chicken
Tomatoes Scones
Bread Damper
Barbecued Meats. CULTIVATION
Trailing shrub to 25 cm high.
There are many varieties of rosemary from
which to choose but let's first look at
two basic types. Rosmarinus officinalis
commonly refers to the upright varieties
of rosemary. These usually grow 18-24 inches
high. While they may get bushy their main
direction of growth is vertical.
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