December 2nd, 2008 Christmas Herbs – Rosemary
Down with the rosemary and so,
Down with the bays and mistletoe,
Down with the holly, ivy all
Wherewith ye deck the Christmas Hall
Herrick
Rosemary (rosmarinus)
In the language of flowers and plants, Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance and fidelity.
There are many customs, legends and myths surrounding Rosemary. As Christmas approaches (too quickly), here are a few season relevant ones:
The flowers of the rosemary plant used to be white until during the flight to Egypt, Mary placed her blue cloak over a rosemary shrub. The flowers turned blue overnight and rosemary has bloomed blue ever since.
Yet another legend of Mary and the rosemary plant, says Mary took shelter under a rosemary shrub, hence its Spanish name, Romero or Pilgrim’s Flower.
Then, there is the legend of the height of the rosemary plant. It says the rosemary plant grows as the Saviour grew. After thirty-three years, it will no longer grow taller, but will only grow in width.
An old custom is to gild a rosemary branch, adorn it with colourful ribbons and present it with a clove studded orange as a New Year’s gift.
Lastly, rosemary was often used in place of incense in religious ceremonies.
Over Wintering Rosemary
There is an old saying about rosemary over wintered indoors:
“The house where rosemary grows in winter is ruled by a woman”
Over wintering rosemary indoors is fairly simple.
Rosemary likes to be kept on the dry side of moist. Confused yet? Don’t be. Plant in well draining potting mix and allow the rosemary slightlydry out between waterings.
Keep humidity levels up by misting the plant daily.
Place in high light, away from cold drafts.
Prune new growth back if it becomes spindly.
Keep insects under control by placing yellow sticky traps around the plant.
Mealy bugs, aphids and white fly are common. If the sticky traps aren’t controlling the insects, wash foliage with plain, lukewarm water, using a gentle spray.
Do not fertilize the plant until late March or early April. Then use at half strength, a balanced fertilizer every two weeks until the outdoor temperatures are warm enough for the plant to move outside for the summer.
