Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is an aromatic, hardy, evergreen shrub with intensely fragrant foliage. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family, also known as the mint family. The name Rosmarinus is derived from the Latin word ros, meaning ‘dew’ and marinus meaning ‘sea’ (dew sea) referring to the plant’s ability to thrive even without water. Officinalis indicates the medicinal use of the plant. It originated from the Southern European countries around the Mediterranean region. There are as many as 150 varieties of rosemary shrubs and creepers. It is considered as a symbol of friendship, loyalty and remembrance. This wonder herb is used variously as a medicine, food preservative, cooking ingredient and memory enhancer. In certain countries, students burn rosemary essential oil during exams to help them concentrate. Its flowers and leaves are used in ceremonies such as weddings, and in festivals for decorating banquet halls and ward off bad influences. Rosemary has a bitter, astringent taste which complements fatty foods such as meat and fish very well.

Here are the top 25 rosemary flowers by popular choice:

1. Rosmarinus Officinalis Arp:

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Arp is considered as the hardiest Rosemary flower. It was discovered by the late Madalene Hill in Arp, Texas. The gray-green clump has typical fine textured foliage with a wonderful fragrance. The shrub is dense, upright and highly aromatic. Its leaves are dark green in colour. It has a leathery texture which sports small, edible blue flowers in whorls. The plant is quite easy to grow and does not require regular watering. Arp can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions but thrives best in light and well-drained soil.

2. Rosmarinus Officinalis Huntington Carpet:

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Huntington Carpet is a prostratus form of Rosemary that is greener and less woody than other rosemary varieties. The dense, ground hugging foliage and carpet of deep flowers create a dramatic waterfall kind of effect. Its leaves are also used as a flavorful culinary seasoning. The plant’s grayish green leaves are potently fragrant even from afar. It bears small yet appealing blue flowers from mid spring to early summer. Huntington Carpet prospers best in locations with full sunlight and perfectly drained soil. It is deer, heat and drought resistant and attracts birds, butterflies and bees.

3. Rosmarinus Officinalis Lockwood De Forest:

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This rosemary was first discovered in 1930 in the Santa Barbara, California Garden of Elizabeth de Forest. It is native to the chaparral lands of southern Europe and North Africa. Small, two lipped lavender blue flowers appear along the heavy branches, densely clothed with rich dark green leaves. Lockwood de Forest is ideal for border planting and for placement along stone retaining walls. It thrives in well-drained soil in full sunlight.

4. Rosmarinus Officinalis Prostratus:

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Prostratus is a hardy, fast growing, creeping variety of rosemary that is perfect for hanging baskets and patio plants. It has a strong minty scent and is attractive to butterflies. The shrub bears narrow, upright spikes of purple-blue flowers among leathery, aromatic, dark green leaves. These are followed by fruits which consist of a dry nut. Keep it trimmed for a more lush appearance. It performs best in nutrient-poor and shallow soils and tolerates both blazing sun and cold. The rosemary purple flowers are an useful, low growing variety that is less susceptible to wind damage than its taller plants.

5. Rosmarinus Officinalis Irene:

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Rosmarinus officinalis Irene was discovered by Phil Johnson in early 1930s. It is a very popular variety of rosemary. The evergreen clumps of thin leaf are topped with small violet blue flowers which bloom every year in August. Its aromatic leaves have a hint of pine in both flavor and fragrance. It is perfect for rock wall planting or container planting where it can spill over the sides. This rosemary looks lovely in the garden.

6. Rosmarinus Officinalis Salem:

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It is a fast growing, evergreen rosemary shrub which has an upright, rounded form. Salem has shiny, needle like leaves which bear small, blue flowers in early spring. It is also called the “Christmas Herb”, and is well known for its strong pine like fragrance. This rosemary can tolerate part shade but will get weak if it doesn’t get enough shade. Its fragrant branches can be used for dried flower arrangement or in cut flower bouquets. Salem can also be grown as a hedge in warmer climates.

7. Rosmarinus Officinalis Spice Islands:

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Spice Garden is a vigorous growing herb with sturdy and thick foliage. It is semi evergreen and is very fragrant with hints of clove and nutmeg. Its attractive, fragrant, narrow leaves remain dark green with gray undersides throughout the year. Its bright blue flowers complement the aromatic foliage. Spice garden has sticky foliage which gives out plenty of essential oil. It is sold in stores after being dried and ground. The flower prefers well drained, average to dry soil and a sheltered area.

8. Rosmarinus Officinalis Tuscan Blue:

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Tuscan Blue Rosemary is an erect shrub that grows 6 feet tall and spreads to 4 – 5 feet. Its bright lavender flowers blooms along the fine, olive green foliage from winter to spring. The plant bears broad, fragrant leaves which are great for potpourri. Its lemony tang goes quite well with its pine smell. It responds well to clipping, making it easy to shape. Tuscan Blue looks great in a decorative pot, cottage garden and baskets.

9. Rosemary Mrs. Howard’s:

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Mrs. Howard’s Rosemary is a tender perennial which grows mainly in colder regions. It has large, wide, medium green leaves on thick trailing stem. Its taller stature separates this variety from other trailing rosemary plants. It produces light blue blossoms several times during the year. It gives off a fresh, spicy scent which makes it great for cooking. Grow Mrs. Howard’s in full sun and do not overwater it.

10. Rosemary Gorizia:

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Gorizia Rosemary is named after the town Gorizia in Italy, where it was discovered. The large, broad leaves of this unique rosemary extend from thick uprightly stems blushed with reddish brown markings. Gorizia sports large, light lavender-blue flowers along the un-pruned stems. Its aroma is quite gentle, sweet and gingery. It is good to plant in a container and beddings.

11. Rosmarinus Officinalis Miss Jessopp Upright:

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Miss Jessopp’s Upright is a compact, erect, medium sized evergreen shrub that comes with aromatic narrow, oblong leaves with silver underside. The plant bears two lipped light, blue flowers in summers which are highly fragrant. This rosemary was introduced by E.A Bowles in England and is named after Euphemia Jessopp. Its leaves are useful for flavoring roasted vegetables and meats.

12. Rosmarinus Officinalis Severn Sea:

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This variety was raised by Orman Hadden at West Porlock, England. Severn Sea is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, needle like leaves. The shrub produces bright blue, two lipped flowers in axillary clusters, creating a beautiful display. The medium grey, polished leaves are borne on the strong stems for a nice and bushy appearance. The plant is most suitable for container planting or can be placed in a hanging basket for a beautiful display. It is a draught tolerant, rabbit and deer resistant rosemary.

13. Rosmarinus Officinalis Collingwood Ingram:

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Collingwood Ingram is a semi trailing rosemary with broad rich leaves that smell of camphor. The deep green glossy leaves contrast beautifully with its thick light, colored stems. It produces loads of blue flowers early in the season. It is very aromatic and requires full sun and well-drained soil to bloom properly. This annual flower should only be grown in full sunlight. Collingwood Ingram’s relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants.

14. Rosemary Golden Rain:

By Loadmaster (David R. Tribble)This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble)Email the author: David R. TribbleAlso see my personal gallery at Google Picasa (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Golden rain is a unique rosemary flower with bright yellow foliage and medium sized pointed leaves with green centers. The leaves turn dark in colour as they age. The shrub produces scattered blue flowers as they mature. It is a bushy and compact plant which requires little pruning. The leaves of this variety are more refined than other varieties of rosemary. The plant radiates a golden aura which dazzles the eye.

15. Rosemary Hill Hardy:

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Hill Hardy is wonderful, cold tolerant rosemary. Its stiff and dark foliage is held on semi upright stems. It produces spiky leaves which adorn delicate small white flowers. The foliage has a soft yet assertive aroma. It is one of the hardiest varieties of rosemary.

16. Rosemary Mrs. Reed’s Dark Blue:

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Mrs. Dark has a bushy growth habit and a dark green foliage which makes this variety look more attractive than most of the rosemary plants. Deep, dark blue flowers adorn the light green stems. It is one of the most beautiful rosemary plants.

17. Rosemary Pink-flowered Majorca:

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Rosemary Majorca Pink is a tall, upright rosemary flower with lavender pink blooms. It produces long branches that twist around the plants and then cascade. The plant has thick stems along which dull green leaves are loosely placed. It is a delightful counter to the traditional blue rosemary. The leaves have a slightly fruity fragrance. Majorca is quite a fragile variety of rosemary and requires protection from frost.

18. Rosmarinus Officinalis Albiflorus:

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Albiflorus is a popular variety of rosemary which makes a grand statement in landscaping. The shrub produces small, white flowers amidst narrow, dark green, leathery leaves. It is a low maintenance plant and is a great choice for beginners. Like all rosemary plants, it blooms from mid-winter to late spring.

19. Rosmarinus Officinalis Nancy Howard:

By H. Zell (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Nancy Howard is a pretty and fragrant rosemary plant which is distinguished by its white flowers which age to pink. The large deep green leaves contrast quite nicely with its stiff, white stem. Nancy Howard is an excellent rosemary flower for topiary. It is also adaptable to the seaside as it can easily withstand high wind and salt spray.

20. Rosmarinus Officinalis Gold Dust:

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Gold Dust is an evergreen, well branched shrub with aromatic 1 inch long, narrow, dark green leaves with golden edges. This unique rosemary was discovered by Stephen and Julie of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. It blooms in summer with deep blue coloured flowers and strongly scented foliage. It performs best in loamy soil and partial shade.

21. Rosmarinus Officinalis Athens Blue Spires:

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This vigorous, cold hardy rosemary boasts of lovely, lavender blue flowers on a dense, upright habit. It was introduced by Allan M. Armitage of Athens, Georgia in 1999. Blue Spires has unique grey-green, needle like foliage. The flower is a disease, heat, cold and drought resistant plant and thrives best in poor soil if well drained.

22. Rosmarinus Officinalis Benenden Blue:

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Benenden Blue is a small rosemary cultivar cascading with narrow, attractive, glossy green foliage. Benenden Blue grows up to 30 cm tall and produces small, sky blue flowers in abundance during spring, creating a beautiful display. Its leaves are narrow, linear, dark green and leathery and are highly aromatic. Benenden Blue is native to Mediterranean region and prefers light, sandy soil and sunny weather conditions. This rosemary is ideal for container planting.

23. Rosmarinus Officinalis Blue Boy:

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Blue Boy is a compact rosemary plant which grows just 12 inches tall. It is a dense, aromatic, upright shrub which bears pastel blue flowers and tiny evergreen leaves in springtime. This evergreen plant is drought and heat tolerant. Blue Boy is a slow growing plant and is well suited for small rock gardens and container plantings.

24. Rosmarinus Officinalis Haifa:

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Haifa is a an extremely hardy rosemary which produces pale blue flowers across its trailing branches of dark green, needle like foliage. It is native to Europe and North Africa. It is widely used as a culinary herb and works well in borders, containers and gravel gardens.

25. Rosmarinus Officinalis Joyce DeBaggio:

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Joyce DeBaggio is a striking rosemary flower with yellow streaking that is most prominent in cool weather. The plant turns completely yellow as it ages. It was founded by Tom DeBaggio in 1940 and is named after his wife Joyce DeBaggio. The purple blue flowers are scattered all over the plant. The leaves have an interesting resinous scent. Regular pruning of this plant will keep it in a good shape. Joyce DeBaggio will make an excellent ornamental plant. These 25 rosemary flowers are sure to hold your interest. So do tell us through the comment section if you’ve planted any of these, and also share any special tips for caring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is golden rosemary?

Golden rosemary is an evergreen plant. It has bright yellow foliage in early spring and late fall. Its color gives it an attractive appearance and the leaves have a unique aroma.

How do you grow pink rosemary?

Pink rosemary can be grown well in full sun and well-drained soil. Organic compost or any other organic waste best supports its growth.