Rosemary Plant

The Rosemary Plant (Rosmarinus officinalis, Lamiaceae) is a dwarf shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It thrives in temperate regions and is native to southeastern Europe and the Middle East, typically growing near coastal areas. Its height ranges between 0.5 and 1.5 m. The plant adapts to various environmental conditions in several regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including Tabuk and Riyadh Provinces. The first recorded use of this plant in Riyadh was in the Diplomatic Quarter in the early 1980s.

The shape of the Rosemary plant is irregularly oval. It has evergreen, straight, thread-like leaves that emit a pleasant fragrance. Its branches bear flowers that bloom at the beginning of spring, with each flower measuring one cm in size. The plant produces small, brown, nut-like fruits that are 0.2 cm long. It requires moderate irrigation with low-salinity water and propagates through cuttings or by planting seeds and then transplanting seedlings.

Rosemary grows in semi-humid and sunny regions and is frost-resistant down to minus nine degrees Celsius. It can be cultivated in clusters, especially in gardens, where it serves as a ground cover plant. It can also be planted as a low hedge and is commonly grown in rock gardens, private gardens, and on slopes.

Rosemary can be used in parks, open spaces, and areas designated for flower planting, known as 'flower galaxies.' There is also a creeping variety of rosemary that shares the same characteristics and requirements as the main type but is distinguished by its ability to cover wall tops.