Rosemary 'Britania' - Hardy Aromatic Culinary Herb
A timeless evergreen herb for every garden
Rosemary 'Britania' is a beautifully aromatic evergreen shrub that combines outstanding culinary flavour with year-round structure and beauty. Its slender, fragrant leaves release their unmistakable Mediterranean aroma with the slightest touch, while masses of soft blue flowers brighten the garden from late winter into spring, providing an early source of nectar for bees.
Hardy, drought tolerant and wonderfully easy to grow, Rosemary 'Britania' thrives in sunny borders, herb gardens, gravel gardens and patio containers. Whether you're snipping fresh sprigs for roasting, infusing oils or simply enjoying its evergreen foliage throughout the seasons, this classic herb is one you'll reach for time and time again.
Why Choose The Healing Herb Garden?
Our plants are carefully grown and nurtured with patience and care, arriving healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your garden.
Quick Facts
Botanical name: Salvia rosmarinus 'Britania'
Common name: Rosemary 'Britania'
Usually available: Spring–Autumn
Flowering period: February–May
Flower colour: Pale blue
Growing Information
Life cycle: Evergreen Perennial Shrub
Height: Approximately 80–120cm
Spread: Approximately 60–90cm
Position: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained, light to moderately fertile soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Foliage: Evergreen, highly aromatic needle-like leaves
Growth rate: Moderate
Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5)
Suitability
Suitable for containers: Yes
Suitable for beginners: Excellent
Drought tolerant: Yes, once established
Wildlife value: Excellent for bees and early pollinators
Planting
Location: Perfect for herb gardens, kitchen gardens, Mediterranean gardens, gravel gardens, raised beds and patio containers.
Planting time: Plant during spring or autumn while the soil remains workable.
Spacing: Allow approximately 60–90cm between plants to develop a naturally bushy shape.
Containers: Choose a large pot with excellent drainage using a free-draining compost.
Care
Watering: Water regularly until established. Mature plants require very little watering and dislike sitting in wet soil.
Feeding: Rosemary grows best without excessive feeding. Apply a light mulch of compost in spring if required.
Winter care: Ensure excellent drainage during winter. Container-grown plants may benefit from a sheltered position during prolonged severe frosts.
Pruning
Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
Avoid cutting into old woody stems that have little leafy growth.
Regular harvesting naturally encourages fresh new shoots.
Harvesting
Harvest sprigs throughout the year as required.
Young stems offer the finest flavour for cooking.
Fresh sprigs can be used immediately or dried for long-term storage.
Frequent harvesting encourages bushier growth.
Why Grow Rosemary 'Britania'?
- Intensely aromatic evergreen foliage all year round.
- Excellent culinary herb for roasting, breads, oils and marinades.
- Beautiful pale blue flowers provide early nectar for bees.
- Hardy and drought tolerant once established.
- Perfect for herb gardens, borders and patio containers.
- Easy to grow with minimal maintenance.
- Provides year-round colour, fragrance and structure.