Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570

— · Texas-Grown

Rosemary, Tuscan Blue

$4.00


Tuscan Blue Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Tuscan Blue’) is an upright, vigorous rosemary selection producing bold, intensely aromatic, broad leaves and vivid blue-purple flowers. One of the finest and most flavorful rosemary varieties for culinary use, it also grows into a striking, formal shrub reaching 4-6 feet tall and wide – excellent as a hedge, specimen plant, or backdrop in the herb garden.

At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Tuscan Blue Rosemary transplants are grown for strong root development and excellent heat and drought performance suited to Central Texas.

Care Instructions
Watering
Low water needs once established Extremely drought-tolerant Overwatering is the primary cause of failure Allow soil to dry fully between waterings
Fertilizing
Minimal fertilizing needed Light application in early spring if growth is weak Excess fertility reduces essential oil concentration and flavor
Pruning & Maintenance
Shear lightly after flowering to maintain shape Do not cut into old, woody growth Provides minimal to no cold protection needed in Austin
Common Issues
Root rot and crown rot in heavy or waterlogged soils Powdery mildew in high humidity Spittlebugs (cosmetic; rarely serious)
Excellent long-lived perennial for Austin given proper drainage; can grow for decades Amend Austin clay heavily or plant in raised beds Tuscan Blue grows larger than many rosemaries; give it space Prune lightly to maintain shape; never cut into old wood
Seasonal Notes
Spring
Primary bloom period; blue-purple flowers very showy Excellent time to harvest for culinary use
Summer
Very heat and drought-tolerant; minimal care needed
Fall
Some rebloom possible; excellent planting window
Winter
Evergreen; very cold-hardy; may rebloom on warm days
Best Time to Plant in Austin
Fall (preferred) or spring Ideal soil temperatures: 55-70 F
Sun Requirements
Full sun Minimum 6-8 hours daily; excellent airflow essential
Spacing
3-5 feet apart Allows for mature size (4-6 feet tall and wide)
Soil
Well-draining, lean to moderately fertile, alkaline-to-neutral soil Does not tolerate clay without significant amendment Amend heavily with coarse sand and grit
Watering After Planting
Water thoroughly at planting Moderate moisture for first 4-6 weeks; reduce once established
Lavender Thyme Sage Oregano Gaillardia Echinacea Yarrow Salvia
Rosemary is generally considered non-toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses However: Concentrated rosemary oil may cause skin irritation or neurological effects. Large quantities of fresh rosemary may cause mild digestive upset. Consult a veterinarian if significant ingestion occurs.


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