Rosmarinus Officinalis 'Tuscan Blue'

Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue'

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue'
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Mediterranean region
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue' is a tall, upright rosemary prized for its rich fragrance, deep blue flowers and strong architectural form—perfect for hedging and statement planting in South Australia. It thrives in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, offering year-round structure and a heavy flower show in late winter–spring that draws in pollinators. Ideal for low-maintenance borders, screening, kitchen gardens and coastal sites.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.5–3 m H x 1–2 m W (naturally upright, dense)
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Aromatic, slightly broader, dark to mid-green needle-like leaves on vertical stems; tidy habit
• Flowers: Deep blue to violet-blue blooms mainly late winter–spring, with occasional autumn spot flowering
  
• Seasonal Interest: Reliable evergreen structure with peak cool-season flowering
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; Heat- and Coastal-tolerant; Light frost tolerant (to about –5 °C); Wind-tolerant; copes with improved clay where drainage is added
• Planting Density: Hedges: 2–3 plants per metre for a dense screen; Specimen/borders: space 1–1.5 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Yes — non-toxic to dogs & cats

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay loam; avoid waterlogging (add gypsum and coarse grit on heavy soils)
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; prune after flowering or late winter to shape (avoid cutting into old wood); light organic feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Neutral to Alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy screening and boundary hedges with a refined, Mediterranean look
• Mass plant for cohesive, low-maintenance structure and weed suppression
• Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; excellent backdrop for white or pastel perennials

Why You Will Love It

A classic, vigorous rosemary that stands tall in Adelaide gardens—fragrant, hardy and superb for hedging or a bold specimen. ‘Tuscan Blue’ rewards with deep blue blooms when colour is scarce, supports local bees, and keeps its neat, evergreen form with very little fuss.