A half hardy shrub native to Cape, South Africa. It is a very aromatic plant with leaves that smell strongly of ‘Vicks Vapour rub’. Grows to 1 metre tall and has evergreen/ silvery leaves resembling that of rosemary. In Winter, it is covered in many small white flowers. Wild Rosemary can be used in cooking and for pot-pourris. Traditionally, African Wild Rosemary has been used for hundreds of years to treat various ailments. it has been used to treat colds, flatulence, skin complaints such as acne, boils, cuts, eczema, and sores. It is a diuretic , and increases perspiration. This can used used as a hair growth stimulant , a hair conditioner, and seems to have an invigorating effect on the skin. A herbal tea can be made to be drunk or let cool and apply to skin/ or hair. To do this, collect several twigs, place in a saucepan and fill with water to just above the tops of the twigs. simmer gently with the lid on tightly for about 15-20 minutes. remove from the hob and let cool for a further 15-20 minutes. then drink, or apply to face/hair. This plant seems to have similar medicinal properties to the common rosemary. Needs a well drained soil and a sunny position. I have one plant which is now 3 years old. it has survived 3 years of our winters here on the East Coast of Britain. best to grow in a pot and take indoors for the winter.
culture:
– a half hardy, evergreen shrub
– Grows best in a loamy, well drained soil
– Full sun
– This plant is supposedly not frost tolerant, although i have a 3 year old plant which has survived our harsh winters here on the east coast of England
– It is best to take inside for the winter
– it will not tolerate wet soil, so make sure to keep the compost on the drier side.
-needs a position in full sun
– sow seeds in early spring or in a greenhouse. Seeds need bottom heat to germinate properly.
– Cuttings from spring through summer
