Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Blue Boy'
Plant Common Name
Blue Boy Rosemary, Dwarf Rosemary, Rosemary
General Description
Noted as being the most compact of the cultivated rosemaries, 'Blue Boy' is very small and has tiny evergreen leaves of green to grey-green and pale lavender-blue flowers that bloom early in the season. It is a slow-growing, more cold-tender selection well-suited to small rock gardens and container plantings.
An old European herb most commonly associated with Mediterranean cooking, rosemary is one of the great culinary plants for the garden. It also doubles as an ornamental with its needle-like foliage, ridged stems, and pale lavender flowers that appear in late winter or spring. Technically a medium-sized woody shrub, it's native to the chaparral lands of southern Europe and North Africa where growing conditions are somewhat arid and the ground porous and well-drained. It’s also adapted to the seaside where it withstands high wind and salt spray.
Throughout the year dark to gray green needle-like leaves densely line the woody stems of rosemary. Plants grown in moister climates have flatter broader greener leaves, and those grown in more arid climates have grayer, more slender leaves that curl under giving them a needle-like appearance. They are potently fragrant from afar offering a piney, minty scent. In mid-spring to early summer, small but appealing edible two-lipped flowers of lavender blue or white appear. These attract bees and small inconspicuous nutlet fruits follow.
Rosemary will prosper in locations with full sun and sharply drained average to poor soil. Established plants are quite drought tolerant, but newly planted specimens require average water until they set roots. Rosemary leaves and stems can be harvested any time of year. Refrain from hard pruning in spring until new growth appears. The leaves are traditionally used to flavor vegetables, pasta sauces and meat, particularly pork, lamb and chicken.
The small and appealing 'Blue Boy' is as drought tolerant as it is versatile. Plant it in sunny spots along walkways or in any small space with good drainage. Plants may develop root and stem rot if grown in poorly drained soil or areas with consistently humid summers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Herb
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Width
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Winter
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Native To
Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Blue, Lavender
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Tan, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Container, Edging, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
