Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue'

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 2-4 feet
Flower Color: blue
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Tuscan Blue Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – The Perfect Herb for Arizona Gardens

'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary is an upright, evergreen rosemary variety celebrated for its aromatic foliage, vibrant blue flowers, and culinary excellence. Originally from the Mediterranean, this hardy herb thrives in Arizona's warm, arid climate, making it a fantastic addition to herb gardens, borders, and xeriscaping projects.

Key Features of 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary

1. Profuse Blue Blooms
   Known for its striking, deep blue flowers, 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary creates a stunning visual impact in the garden. Blooming from late winter to early spring, these flowers attract valuable pollinators, including bees, that enrich the ecosystem around your garden.

2. Aromatic and Flavorful Foliage
   The needle-like, dark green leaves of this rosemary are not only fragrant but also packed with flavor, making them a top choice for culinary use. 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary enhances a range of dishes, from roasted meats and vegetables to fresh breads, bringing authentic Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen.

3. Upright Growth and Versatile Landscaping Use
   Unlike trailing varieties, 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary grows upright and bushy, forming a compact hedge or accent plant with a height and spread of 3–6 feet. It’s perfect for creating structured garden borders, adding height in mixed beds, or planting in large containers where it brings both height and fragrance.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Arizona

'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary adapts well to Arizona's dry, sunny climate, thriving under these specific conditions:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for optimal foliage density and bloom production.
• Soil: Grows best in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
• Water: Requires minimal water once established, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and water-conserving landscapes.
• Maintenance: Needs minimal pruning beyond basic shaping and removal of deadwood. Occasional pruning promotes bushier growth and maintains its attractive form.

Culinary and Health Benefits

Aside from its ornamental value, 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary is a highly versatile herb in the kitchen. Its intense aroma and flavor are perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, and soups. Additionally, rosemary is known for potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is used in both herbal medicine and aromatherapy.

Why Choose 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary for Arizona Gardens?

• Drought Tolerance: Suited for Arizona's hot, dry climate, reducing the need for excessive watering.
• Versatile Use: Ideal as a hedge, container plant, or accent shrub that brings fragrance, flavor, and visual interest to the garden.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care, making it a great choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Order 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary from Three Timbers Shop!

Add Tuscan Blue Rosemary to your Arizona landscape with plants from ThreeTimbersShop.com. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden’s beauty, create a culinary herb garden, or enjoy its soothing fragrance, this rosemary variety is a versatile and resilient choice. Embrace the best of Mediterranean gardening with this exceptional plant, perfect for Arizona’s unique climate.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue'

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and fragrance)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart for bushy growth and proper air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' is a self-supporting herb that requires no staking and grows in a bushy, upright form

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks