Rosemary, as long as it is pruned regularly, is a bushy, quite tall subshrub. Basically, the heat-loving plant should be cultivated in pots if possible, but under certain conditions it is also possible to plant it in the garden.
How to plant rosemary in the garden?
To plant rosemary in the garden, choose a hardy variety such as Veitshöchheim, Arp, Blue Winter or Hill Hardy. From the second or third year onwards, plant the rosemary in a protected, full-sun location in well-drained, loose and lean soil. Maintain it with little water and occasional fertilization.
Choose hardy varieties
Unfortunately, not every variety of rosemary is suitable for planting in the garden, as most are only winter-hardy, but not winter-hardy. In very cold regions, winter-hardy varieties such as Veitshöchheim, Arp, Blue Winter or Hill Hardy should be used. Some of the newer varieties are also less sensitive to cold temperatures than the traditional varieties. Nevertheless, every rosemary needs appropriate protection in winter, for example by covering it with brushwood, leaves or protective foil. However, high humidity can quickly kill the rosemary, which is why sufficient air circulation must be ensured despite the cover.
Planting rosemary in the garden
Once you have chosen the right variety - you can also grow it yourself - the rosemary can be planted out. But here too there is an important restriction: young plants are still very sensitive and therefore only belong in the bed from the second or third year onwards.
The optimal location
Rosemary needs a protected and, if possible, full sun location. A south-facing spot near a warm house wall is ideal. The soil should be well-drained and as loose and lean as possible - as a typical plant of the Mediterranean maquis, rosemary does not tolerate heavy, clayey and acidic soils. The pH value is ideally in the neutral to alkaline range. If the soil is not very suitable, you can also dig a larger pit and fill it with a specially mixed substrate. A mixture of normal garden soil and sand has proven to be suitable, which can also be enriched with a little lime.
Caring for planted rosemary
Rosemary growing in the garden basically doesn't need much care. Only the freshly planted rosemary should be watered a little to make it easier for them to root. Fertilization is only carried out in spring with a little lime and organic fertilizer such as horn meal (€6.00 on Amazon). Only when the rosemary has been in the same place for several years may more regular fertilization become necessary. Rosemary can also be transplanted, for example because it has become too big or no longer feels comfortable in its location.
Tips & Tricks
Mulching, for example with bark mulch or leaves, is counterproductive for the rosemary, as such a measure stores too much water and the plant is too moist. Instead, you can plant the rosemary in a rock or gravel garden.
