Majorca Pink Rosemary offers gardeners a unique and visually appealing alternative to traditional rosemary varieties. This cultivar is gaining popularity for its distinctive floral display and overall garden performance, hinting at its preference for sunny, well-drained conditions.
Majorca Pink Rosemary Characteristics
Majorca Pink Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Majorca Pink’) typically exhibits an upright, arching growth habit, sometimes sprawling or cascading. It generally reaches a height of 2 to 5 feet and a spread of 1 to 4 feet at maturity. The evergreen foliage consists of aromatic, needle-like leaves, often described as dark green or gray-green.
The most striking feature of Majorca Pink Rosemary is its flowers. These small, two-lipped blossoms appear in shades of pale or lavender pink. Majorca Pink can flower almost continuously, with a main flush in spring and often sporadic blooms throughout the year, including winter in milder climates. The flowers are also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Growing Majorca Pink Rosemary
This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some light shade, its performance is best in full sun. Protection from cold, drying winds can also benefit the plant.
Majorca Pink Rosemary prefers well-drained conditions and is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loam, and even rocky soils. It tolerates a pH range from slightly acidic to alkaline. Poorly drained or heavy clay soils are detrimental, as wet conditions, especially in winter, can lead to root rot.
Once established, Majorca Pink Rosemary is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can be fatal. For potted plants, water when the topsoil feels dry. Fertilization is generally not necessary, as the plant performs well in moderately fertile to even poor soils.
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the plant’s shape and promoting dense foliage growth. The ideal time for pruning is in late spring, just after the main flowering period, to allow new growth to harden before winter frosts. Avoid cutting back into old, woody stems that have no leaves, as rosemary does not typically regrow from old wood. Regular, light pruning throughout the growing season can help manage its size and vigor.
Majorca Pink Rosemary is considered borderline hardy, generally suitable for USDA Zones 7-10, tolerating temperatures down to 0°F to 15°F (-17°C to -9°C). In colder climates, it may require winter protection or be grown in containers that can be brought indoors. Good air circulation is important, especially when overwintering indoors, to prevent issues like powdery mildew.
Uses for Majorca Pink Rosemary
Majorca Pink Rosemary offers significant ornamental value in garden settings. It can serve as an attractive low hedge, a specimen plant in a herb garden, or an addition to a mixed border. The plant’s tendency for branches to cascade makes it well-suited for containers, rock gardens, or trailing over walls, adding a Mediterranean aesthetic. Its dense growth can also make it a good groundcover.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Majorca Pink Rosemary retains the traditional culinary uses associated with other rosemary varieties. The aromatic leaves can be harvested fresh or dried to flavor a range of dishes, including roasted vegetables, meats, stews, breads, and vinegars. The flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish. Its fragrant foliage can also be used in sachets or potpourri.