Foxtail Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Foxtail', the Foxtail Rosemary makes a graceful statement as it cascades over the edge of a terraced bed. This is the only rosemary in the garden since the trailing variety that I had for years was damaged so badly last winter that I took it out.

'Irene' is the rosemary that is no longer with us and I miss seeing it trail down the retaining wall next to the driveway.  I would replace it but another trailer, cotoneaster, is competing heavily for space there. 

Rosemary 'Irene' in happier times

I have not planted any of the upright rosemary types. I've seen too many that became monstrosities and are impossible to curtail. I do love them though as brushing by that fragrance is such a pleasant sensation.

Back to 'Foxtail' - it really has all the same qualities as the others but is much more mild-mannered. It too sulked after last January's freeze and I did have to trim some of it back. It resides in a somewhat protected area on the south side of the house unlike 'Irene' which was next to a cold wall, in the open and facing east. 

'Foxtail' is happy in this location because of the superb drainage. It gets mostly morning sun and is semi-shaded in the afternoon by the Katsura tree. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy