This plant’s beautiful aroma makes it hard to be resisted. Rosemary is usually grown as a spice, but it can also be used as an ornamental plant or herb.
According to David Mwesige, a landscaper at Go Green Uganda, rosemary is an ever-green shrub with dark green needle-like leaves. it grows up to 1.8 metres tall and one metre wide.
Rosemary is from the Lamiaceae family and its botanical name is rosemarinus officinalis. He adds it produces tiny tail blue flowers which strongly attract bees.
If you plant it indoors, make sure it receives enough sunlight,” he says. It can be used as a flavour in soups and foods like rice, irish potatoes and vegetables. It also sterilises contaminated water. “It is a natural preservative when added to food and pizza,” he says.
Planting and caring
Mwesige explains that rosemary is propagated by tip and stem cuttings. However, one can grow it by seeds though it is better with cuttings. It thrives well in drained soils, slightly with a high percentage of sand as the plant does not want a lot of water. However, during the growth period, it should be watered regularly. Rosemary also prefers the full sun.
Pests and diseases
Mwesige explains that rosemary is usually attacked by root rot which is caused by poor soil drainage, blight infection and leaf spot both caused by fungi and bacteria. You can apply any fungicide on the affected plant.
