Gallipoli Rosemary

Gallipoli Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Gallipoli') is a woody, aromatic rosemary with a story: it traces back to a sprig brought home from the Gallipoli battlefields about a century ago. It grows to about 1m high and wide, with needle-like edible leaves and pale blue-purple flowers through the warmer months. It loves sun, dry air and light sandy soil.

Why you'll love it

• A plant with history. Rosemary has long been the herb of remembrance, and this one carries the Gallipoli name, so it makes a meaningful gift or memorial corner.
• Flowers through the warm months. Pale blue-purple flowers keep arriving across the warmer part of the year.
• Edible leaves. The aromatic, needle-like foliage goes straight from the shrub to the roasting tray, and rosemary is not toxic to cats or dogs.
• Happy in cool, dry climates. It suits cool, dry gardens as well as sunny seaside ones.
• Flexible shape. A shrubby, woody habit that suits rockeries, cottage borders, pots and the tops of walls.

Where it works best

Cascading over walls and terraces. Plant along the top of a wall or terrace edge so the branches spill over. Allow 1m between plants.

Rockeries and seaside planting. Sharp drainage and sun are all it asks, and it handles coastal conditions.

Cottage gardens and pots. It sits happily beside lavender and other dry-garden herbs, and also grows well in a large pot.

Growing Gallipoli Rosemary in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It does best where summers are dry, which includes cool dry climates, Mediterranean and arid gardens, and the coast. It is hardy to about -6C once established. In humid subtropical gardens plant it on a breezy slope or a raised bed.

Soil. Light, sandy, free-draining soil is ideal. Heavy clay needs a mound or raised bed, as does any site that stays wet in winter.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well while it establishes, then let it get on with it. Established plants cope with dry spells and need little fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune after flowering and lightly again through the year to keep it compact. Do not cut back into old, leafless wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Gallipoli Rosemary as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and also in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Expect a small, neat young plant that grows steadily in warm weather, so plant it out promptly.

Availability of the tube depends on our grower. It shows as sold out whenever none is on hand, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Rosemary care guide
• Plants for rockeries
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Plants for retaining walls

Common questions

Where does the name come from?

From a small sprig of rosemary brought home from the battlefields of Gallipoli about a century ago. The cultivar carries that history in its name.

Can I cook with it?

Yes. The needle-like leaves are edible and aromatic, as with any rosemary, and are good with roasts and breads.

Will it cope with cold?

Yes. It suits cool, dry climates and is hardy to about -6C once established, as long as the soil drains well over winter.