Latest news with #RussianSage
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Rosemary plant: How to spot the real one from look-alikes
If you've ever been at a farmers' market, garden centre, or even your aunt's backyard, you've probably seen what looks like rosemary. But here's the thing, Mother Nature likes to play tricks. Several plants look suspiciously like rosemary, and unless you know what you're looking for, you could end up sniffing (or cooking with) the wrong herb. Step one: Get to know the shape and size Real rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody perennial herb that looks like a tiny pine tree got a haircut. Its leaves are needle-like but not sharp, and they grow in dense clusters along upright, woody stems. Height: Usually 1–3 feet when grown in pots, but in the ground it can get up to 4–5 feet tall. Stems: Woody at the base, greener near the tips. Leaves: Narrow, about an inch long, dark green on top, with a silvery-white underside. If the plant in question has floppy stems, rounded leaves, or bright green all the way through, it's probably not rosemary. Step two: Trust your nose This is the giveaway. Rosemary smells… well, like rosemary: strong, fresh, piney, with a hint of lemon and camphor. It's unmistakable once you've sniffed the real thing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo A quick tip: rub the leaves gently between your fingers. If the scent doesn't explode into that classic rosemary aroma, you're holding an imposter. Plants that often get mistaken for rosemary—like Russian sage or lavender—smell different. Russian sage has a softer, more sage-like aroma. Lavender, of course, smells floral, not savory. Step three: Check the color contrast One of rosemary's unique features is that two-tone leaf. The top side is dark, almost forest green, while the underside is pale and silvery, thanks to tiny hairs. This contrast is much more pronounced in rosemary than in most look-alike plants. If your 'rosemary' has leaves that are the exact same shade on both sides—proceed with suspicion. Step four: Notice the flowers (if it's blooming) Rosemary flowers are small, delicate, and usually pale blue to purple. They pop up in late winter or spring (though some varieties flower more than once a year). Impostors like lavender have much bigger, more fragrant blooms, while Russian sage has taller, airy flower spikes. Common Rosemary impostors and how to bust them Let's play plant detective and meet rosemary's top look-alikes. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) Taller, with softer, more feathery leaves. Light purple flowers in tall spikes. Smells herby but not piney. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) Leaves are often more grey-green and softer. Strong floral aroma (amazing, but definitely not rosemary). Taller flower stalks. Bog Sage (Salvia uliginosa) Bright blue flowers. More upright and less woody. Mild scent. Bonus tips for buying the right rosemary If you're buying fresh rosemary sprigs in the supermarket or farmers' market in the US look for: Firm, upright stems (not floppy). Strong fragrance. No yellowing or dried-out tips. If you're buying a potted rosemary plant for your garden or windowsill: Check the label for Rosmarinus officinalis. Avoid plants that look leggy or sparse, they might be stressed or mislabeled. Give the leaves a sniff before you hand over your cash. Why you really want the real thing Besides the fact that fake rosemary just won't taste right, rosemary has unique oils, like cineole and camphor, that give it its distinctive flavor and potential health benefits. It's brilliant for seasoning roasted potatoes, chicken, lamb, bread, and even cocktails. If you mistakenly grab Russian sage, your potatoes will taste… well, earthy and weird. And lavender? Let's just say your lamb chops will taste like soap. Spotting the right rosemary isn't rocket science, it's all about looking closely, smelling deeply, and trusting your senses. Once you've locked in that scent and leaf pattern, you'll never be fooled again. So next time you're at the garden center, channel your inner herb detective. This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional botanical advice. Plant identification can vary based on growing conditions and regional varieties. Always consult a qualified horticulturist or reliable plant guide before consuming or using any herb. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Full list of 23 plants that thrive even in UK's hottest heatwaves
While Brits may be making the most of the heat this summer, it's not all good news for your plants - here's a list of plants that can survive high temperatures and dry conditions As summer temperatures continue to ramp up across the UK, gardeners are scrabbling to keep their plants healthy and hydrated under the strong sun. This can be difficult, as many popular British plants aren't adapted to high heat. During hotter, drier periods they can become easily dehydrated, leading to symptoms like wilting, browning leaves and stunted growth. As Britain has seen more than one day already this June with above 30C temperatures, gardeners and plant lovers will be wondering what plants can actually withstand such sudden and soaring climates. A viable solution to this problem is to grow plants which have drought-tolerant features, such as waxy or light-coloured leaves. Experts from The Natural Gardener have revealed the top plants you should grow in your garden if you want to beat the heat. Plants with pale leaves Choosing a plant with light-coloured leaves, such as pale green or white, can help it withstand hot conditions. This is because they have the ability to deflect the suns rays. The Natural Gardener explains: 'These reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of heat that soaks into the plant and so they keep the plant a little cooler, slowing down transpiration.' You can grow: Russian Sage Lavender Cotton Lavender Curry Plant Artemisia Plants with small leaves If you want your garden plants to withstand the heat, then look for flora with smaller leaves. This is because they have less surface area, which means less water will evaporate of them. You can grow: Yarrow Thrift Fennel Mexican fleabane Box Heather Common Rue Rosemary Plants with hairy leaves Some plants have come up with a clever adaptation to deal with dry climates. By growing hairy leaves, they're able to reduce the amount of water evaporating from their surface. This is because it's much easier for the sun to pull water into dry air. Conversely, the leaf hairs help trap moisture around the plant, making it more difficult for the sun to suck up. You can grow: Lamb's Ears Lady's Mantle Shrubby Mallow Plants with waxy leaves Waxy leaves can significantly help with reducing sun damage. They help prevent moisture loss, as well as acting as a reflective surface to keep the leaves cool. Ceanothus Laurel Globe Thistle Euphorbia Sea Holly Plants with succulent leaves According to The Natural Gardener: 'Another leaf-based trick is to have succulent leaves and stems, both of which actively store moisture, to be used during hot weather.' You can grow: House Leeks Sedums
South Wales Argus
23-06-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Argus
10 of the best plants that can thrive in poor-quality soil
Many homeowners find themselves limited by the soil that's already present on their land, which can prevent them from being able to grow the plants they yearn for. However, there are actually plenty of plants that grow nicely in poor quality soil, look, smell and feel great, and are perfect for a UK climate. To help you out, home and garden experts at Nth Degree have detailed a number of plants that would be perfect for poor-quality soil. Top 10 plants that can thrive in poor-quality soil Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is a plant suitable for dry, low-fertility soils. Its nickname comes from its bold, bright orange and yellow petals and deep brown centres, which can give a pop of colour to your garden. Echinacea (Coneflower) Echinaceas, or coneflowers, are large, daisy-like flowers which are great at tolerating dry soil. The plant helps to encourage biodiversity in your garden and can have pink, white, red or orange petals. It is noted to make sure coneflowers get enough sun to help them thrive. Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) Blue Fescue is an ornamental grass with "vibrant ice-blue leaves" which is able to tolerate drought and prefers lean soil. Sedum (Stonecrop) Stonecrop is another drought-resistant plant that is a "sun-loving succulent-leaved perennial". Nth Degree adds: "Poor soils are preferable, as rich soils will encourage soft, leafy stems liable to fall over." Artemisia Aretmisia has "fragrant, icy green foliage", which prefers drier and chalkier soil to be planted in. Heavy and poorly-drained soil is one to avoid for this plant, as it can cause it to die back. Lavender Lavender is a pleasant-smelling plant which can be a colourful addition to your garden if it gets enough sun. Lavender is a plant that's great for attracting bees (Image: Getty Images) Nth Degree adds: "Lavender HATES wet soil and doesn't like to be watered often, making it a good candidate for poor-quality soil." Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) Russian Sage looks a little bit like lavender from afar with its spiking purple flowers, and also attracts bees like its counterpart. Additionally, it is strong enough to handle tough planting conditions and dry, chalky soil. Verbena rigida (Slender Vervain) Slender Vervain has won the Plants for Pollinators award from the RHS in the past, with it being a magnet for bees and butterflies. Slender Vervain prefers a dry and sunny spot to flower (Image: Getty Images) It prefers a dry and sunny spot to flower, and it is great for edging paths where you've got poor-quality soil. Helianthemum nummularium (Rock Rose) Found mainly in the south and east of Scotland, Rock Rose grows perennially in chalk and limestone-rich cliffs and banks. Recommended reading: It can make a great addition to rockeries and walled gardens where you might have lower-quality soil. Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ear) Lamb's Ear has "velvety, silver-tinged foliage" which can add "an inimitable texture to any planting scheme". It's also perfect for gravelly soil or dry border planting as it's drought-tolerant.
The Herald Scotland
23-06-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
10 of the best plants that can thrive in poor-quality soil
However, there are actually plenty of plants that grow nicely in poor quality soil, look, smell and feel great, and are perfect for a UK climate. To help you out, home and garden experts at Nth Degree have detailed a number of plants that would be perfect for poor-quality soil. Top 10 plants that can thrive in poor-quality soil Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is a plant suitable for dry, low-fertility soils. Its nickname comes from its bold, bright orange and yellow petals and deep brown centres, which can give a pop of colour to your garden. Echinacea (Coneflower) Echinaceas, or coneflowers, are large, daisy-like flowers which are great at tolerating dry soil. The plant helps to encourage biodiversity in your garden and can have pink, white, red or orange petals. It is noted to make sure coneflowers get enough sun to help them thrive. Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) Blue Fescue is an ornamental grass with "vibrant ice-blue leaves" which is able to tolerate drought and prefers lean soil. Sedum (Stonecrop) Stonecrop is another drought-resistant plant that is a "sun-loving succulent-leaved perennial". Nth Degree adds: "Poor soils are preferable, as rich soils will encourage soft, leafy stems liable to fall over." Artemisia Aretmisia has "fragrant, icy green foliage", which prefers drier and chalkier soil to be planted in. Heavy and poorly-drained soil is one to avoid for this plant, as it can cause it to die back. Lavender Lavender is a pleasant-smelling plant which can be a colourful addition to your garden if it gets enough sun. Lavender is a plant that's great for attracting bees (Image: Getty Images) Nth Degree adds: "Lavender HATES wet soil and doesn't like to be watered often, making it a good candidate for poor-quality soil." Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) Russian Sage looks a little bit like lavender from afar with its spiking purple flowers, and also attracts bees like its counterpart. Additionally, it is strong enough to handle tough planting conditions and dry, chalky soil. Verbena rigida (Slender Vervain) Slender Vervain has won the Plants for Pollinators award from the RHS in the past, with it being a magnet for bees and butterflies. Slender Vervain prefers a dry and sunny spot to flower (Image: Getty Images) It prefers a dry and sunny spot to flower, and it is great for edging paths where you've got poor-quality soil. Helianthemum nummularium (Rock Rose) Found mainly in the south and east of Scotland, Rock Rose grows perennially in chalk and limestone-rich cliffs and banks. Recommended reading: It can make a great addition to rockeries and walled gardens where you might have lower-quality soil. Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ear) Lamb's Ear has "velvety, silver-tinged foliage" which can add "an inimitable texture to any planting scheme". It's also perfect for gravelly soil or dry border planting as it's drought-tolerant.
Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to prune 10 plants now to ensure summer blooms
If you're looking forward to seeing your garden in bloom this summer, make sure you take time to prune these 10 plants to see them develop to their full potential Most garden -owners are anticipating a gorgeous display of blooms once summer is in full swing – but, beware, some flowers need to be pruned first. Pruning is a crucial task for the development of many plants, as it allows gardeners to sheer off any unwanted, damaged or dying blooms to make way for a much more robust blossom. This is because it forces the plant to redirect energy and nutrients to new blossoms. Equally, it helps prevent the spread of disease, as you can prune away any infected leaves, stems or blossoms. Of course, not all flowers or plants require pruning, so it's important to know which ones do. Luckily, Country Living have put together a list of 10 popular plants that need pruning before summer: Ornamental Grass This pluming grass is great at adding visual interest to your garden. To ensure it blooms to its full potential, prune it back by about two-thirds before summer kicks into full gear. Panicle Hydrangea Pruning hydrangeas will encourage fuller, healthier blossoms. Country Living advise to cut it back by about a third and to remove any weak or broken stems. Caryopteris While this plant is known for its gorgeous deep blue blossoms, it can become foliage-heavy if left untrimmed. You can cut them back by about 30 to 45 cm without harming them. Smooth Hydrangea Similar to the panicle variety, smooth hydrangeas should be pruned back by about a third to guarantee fresh, healthy growth and to remove any discoloured or unappealing blossoms. Russian Sage This hardy plant will grow back year after year if cared for properly. To get the best of its summer bloom, you can cut it all the way to the ground to allow fresh new growth to spring back up. Butterfly Bush These beautiful bright purple bushes are so-called because they attract butterflies. To maintain its bloom throughout the summer, Country Living advise to cut most of the plant back once blossoms start emerging. Otherwise, you can deadhead dull blossoms. Rose While roses are generally low maintenance, they will benefit from pruning before the summer hits. Country Living say you should cut them back by about a third "straight across". Lavender Many gardeners enjoy growing lavender for its delicately-scented purple blooms. However, if your plant needs sprucing up, you can prune it back. Though make sure not to cut into the woody stem and not to prune after buds have appeared. Catmint A cat's favourite plant, felines are irresistibly drawn to this flowery bush. It's not necessary to prune before summer but cutting away dead stems will improve its appearance. Boxwood While not absolutely necessary, pruning this evergreen bush can improve its appearance. Country Living write: "You can trim to shape it, or you can leave it more natural-looking and not prune, depending on your preference."
