Tenderness

Rosemary 'Tenderness' – a mid-season variety of a perennial plant, created by the Dutch breeding company Hem Zaden. It grows quickly: it takes only 75‑80 days from germination to the first harvest. Bushes reach a significant height and have straight, densely foliated shoots with narrow leaves covered with a glossy surface on top and slightly rolled at the edges. Flowers are small, light-blue and purple, located in the axils of upper leaves and create a pleasant aroma of camphor and conifer.

For successful cultivation 'Tenderness' prefers light, loose soils and moderate watering. The plant is very heat-loving and tolerates arid climates well, but is sensitive to frost, so in cold regions it is better to keep it in pots or tubs and place it in a light, unheated room for winter. Pinching the tips of main stems and feeding with organic fertilizers promote denser growth and increase yield, which can reach 0.5‑0.8 kg/sq.m.

'Tenderness' is valued not only for its decorative qualities but also for its rich composition of essential oils and phytoncides. Thanks to these properties the plant is used in the perfume, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in folk medicine. In cooking it is used as a dry spice for meat and fish dishes, added to fruit salads and hot vegetable dishes, and sometimes brewed as tea. Thanks to the high speed of regrowth after cutting and excellent taste qualities, this variety is ideal both for home growing on a balcony or garden plot and for commercial production.