Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’ – A Tall, Upright Rosemary with Fragrance and Form
‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’ is a refined cultivar of rosemary, prized for its strong vertical habit and aromatic evergreen foliage. Unlike sprawling forms, this variety grows tall and columnar, making it ideal for hedging, topiary, or as a striking structural accent in Mediterranean-style or formal gardens.
From spring into early summer, its slender stems are covered with delicate pale blue flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The evergreen, needle-like leaves are highly aromatic and can be harvested year-round for culinary use, adding flavour to roasts, breads, and oils. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in sunny, well-drained positions where it brings both beauty and practicality.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring & Summer:
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Upright stems clothed in dark green, aromatic leaves.
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Abundant pale blue flowers attract pollinators.
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Fresh foliage available for culinary harvest.
Autumn & Winter:
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Evergreen foliage continues to provide fragrance and structure.
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Retains its upright shape, adding winter interest to borders.
Structure & Form
Height & Spread: Reaches 1.5–2 m tall, spreading around 1 m.
Form: Tall, upright, columnar habit – neater than common rosemary.
Foliage: Evergreen, aromatic, needle-like dark green leaves.
Flowers: Clusters of pale blue flowers in spring to early summer.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Herb & Kitchen Gardens: A must-have for culinary use.
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Hedging & Screening: Upright habit makes it ideal for low hedges.
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Mediterranean Borders: Complements lavender, thyme, and olives beautifully.
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Wildlife Gardens: Flowers are highly attractive to bees.
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Containers: Excellent for patios if grown in well-drained compost.
Growing Conditions & Care
Position: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, light or sandy soil; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.
Maintenance: Minimal – prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth. Avoid cutting into old wood.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in most UK regions (H5).
Why Choose ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’?
This elegant rosemary offers the best of both worlds: upright, architectural form and highly aromatic foliage for the kitchen. With its year-round evergreen presence, bee-friendly flowers, and versatility in planting schemes, ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’ is a standout choice for gardeners seeking both structure and usefulness.