By Dr. William C. Welch, Many landscape plants suffer during the
dry heat of August, but rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
thrives on it. Although usually cold-hardy in South Texas, some
winter protection may be needed elsewhere in the state. Rosemary
grows well even in poor, dry, rocky soil as long as drainage is
good. The evergreen character of the narrow foliage and many
horticultural forms of the plant make it quite useful. Prostrate
selections are good for ground cover or spilling over retaining
walls. Mature height ranges from 18 inches to 4 feet, depending
on the variety and growing conditions. Small lavender-blue
flowers in spring and summer are attractive but not spectacular.
A major attraction of rosemary is the strongly scented foliage
which is popular, fresh or dried, for seasoning. The fresh tops
are reported to be used to distill the aromatic oil used in
perfumery and medicine. Rosemary has been a popular plant for
centuries in Europe, and was often planted close to the entrance
of homes in the