How to Grow Collingwood Ingram Rosemary

Collingwood Ingram Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Collingwood Ingram'

herb

Collingwood Ingram is a striking rosemary cultivar renowned for its vibrant violet-blue flowers and compact, spreading growth habit. This ornamental and culinary rosemary was named after English horticulturist Collingwood Ingram and makes an excellent choice for Mediterranean gardens, containers, and landscape borders. It combines the aromatic, culinary qualities of standard rosemary with superior ornamental appeal.

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Example Collingwood Ingram Rosemary timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Collingwood Ingram Rosemary
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Collingwood Ingram Rosemary
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Collingwood Ingram Rosemary dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; 8+ hours ideal for best flowering and flavor

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Water: Low to moderate water needs once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant; overwatering is the primary cause of failure. Reduce watering in winter.

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Spacing: 24-36 inches

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Days to maturity: Can be harvested lightly at 2-3 months; reaches full mature size at 18-24 months

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Planting depth: Transplants: plant at same depth as nursery pot. Seeds: surface sow or lightly cover (1/8 inch); seeds are slow to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly loam

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Small amount of compost Avoid heavy clay or organic-rich soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 8-11; can be grown in containers in cooler climates and brought indoors

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling/Young Transplant

4-8 weeks

Small rosemary plants with thin stems and sparse needle-like foliage; minimal branching

Keep soil lightly moist but well-draining. Provide bright light. Avoid overwatering. Transplant to individual pots when 2-3 inches tall.

Establishment

8-16 weeks

Young plant developing multiple stems and fuller foliage; woody stems beginning to form

Water moderately as plant establishes. Begin light pruning to encourage branching. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer if needed. Gradually acclimate to full sun.

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Well-branched plant with dense needle-like foliage; can be harvested for culinary use; plant building structure

Water only when soil is dry to the touch. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Reduce fertilizer. Ensure excellent drainage.

Flowering

8-12 weeks (spring), with possible repeat in fall

Abundant violet-blue flowers appearing along stems; characteristic of Collingwood Ingram variety; plant reaches ornamental peak

Flowering occurs primarily in spring and early summer; can rebloom in fall. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Maintain regular harvesting of foliage.

Mature/Production

Ongoing (2+ years)

Full-sized shrub (2-3 feet tall and wide) with continuous foliage, woody framework, and regular flower production

Harvest regularly (this encourages bushiness). Prune annually in spring after flowering. Minimal fertilization needed. Monitor for pests in warm climates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Thyme Oregano Marjoram Santolina Catmint Sage Winter savory Mediterranean spurge

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kohlrabi Brassicas (in some systems) Plants requiring frequent watering

Common Pests

Spray with strong water spray to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Improve air circulation.
Hand-pick beetles and larvae; remove and destroy infested stems. Apply neem oil or spinosad for heavy infestations. Encourage natural predators.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation and reduce overwatering.
Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage. Apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate. Remove infected leaves. This is rare in well-drained sites.
Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering. Remove and discard severely infected plants. Improve soil structure.

Uses

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Cooking and Flavoring

Culinary

Rosemary leaves (fresh or dried) are a classic Mediterranean culinary herb used in meat dishes, roasted vegetables, breads, olive oils, and infused vinegars. The violet-blue flowers of Collingwood Ingram are also edible and add visual appeal to salads and cocktails. [source]

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Herbal Tea and Wellness

Medicinal

Rosemary tea is traditionally used to support memory, circulation, and digestion. The plant contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, compounds studied for potential cognitive and antioxidant benefits. [source]

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Essential Oil and Aromatherapy

Household

Rosemary essential oil is extracted by distillation and used in aromatherapy, massage oils, and household cleaning products for its stimulating and antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Ornamental Landscaping

Craft

Collingwood Ingram's violet-blue flowers and compact spreading habit make it an exceptional choice for ornamental borders, Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, and container displays. Its year-round visual interest adds structure and color to landscapes. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The abundant violet-blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting beneficial insects in gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin light harvesting once plant is established (8+ weeks). Pinch off 2-4 inches from stem tips regularly to encourage bushiness and continuous supply. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and essential oil content. Can be harvested year-round in mild climates; reduce harvesting in winter. For dried rosemary, cut stems and hang-dry in a warm, airy location out of direct sun for 1-2 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Collingwood Ingram rosemary was named after the renowned English plantsman and cherry tree enthusiast Collingwood 'Cherry' Ingram (1880-1981), who made significant contributions to horticulture and plant preservation.
🌱 Rosemary is one of the few plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works; Ophelia says 'There's rosemary, that's for remembrance' in Hamlet, a reference to the herb's traditional association with memory.
🌱 Rosemary can live for 20+ years and become quite woody; some specimens in Mediterranean regions are centuries old, with uses ranging from culinary to ceremonial burning.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Transplant

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