How to Grow Miss Jessop's Upright
Miss Jessop's Upright
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Miss Jessop's Upright'
herbMiss Jessop's Upright is a compact, columnar cultivar of rosemary prized for its narrow, vertical growth habit and dense foliage. This evergreen Mediterranean herb produces aromatic needle-like leaves and delicate blue, pink, or purple flowers. It's an excellent choice for small gardens, containers, and formal landscaping where space is limited.
When should you plant Miss Jessop's Upright in your zone?
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Example Miss Jessop's Upright timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Miss Jessop's Upright
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Miss Jessop's Upright
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Miss Jessop's Upright dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; can survive zone 7 with winter protection
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Germination & Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging. Growth is slow and requires consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Keep soil barely moist (not wet). Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to strongest specimens. This stage is slow—be patient.
Juvenile Growth
2-3 monthsYoung plant developing characteristic columnar shape with increasingly dense needle foliage. Approximately 6-12 inches tall.
Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Pinch growing tips gently to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer monthly.
Mature Vegetative
Ongoing (2+ years)Fully established plant with dense, upright columnar form and abundant aromatic foliage. 18-24+ inches tall depending on age.
Water only when soil is dry. Reduce fertilizing to every 4-6 weeks or skip entirely (rosemary prefers lean soil). Light pruning to maintain shape. Excellent for harvesting.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (spring/early summer); may repeatSmall delicate flowers appear along stems, typically blue, purple, or sometimes pink. Blooms may appear sporadically year-round in warm climates, peak in spring/summer.
Continue normal watering and care. Do not deadhead if you want seeds; deadhead if you prefer to redirect energy to foliage. Flowers are edible and attract pollinators.
Harvest & Maintenance
Ongoing (plant can live 20+ years)Plant is fully productive and harvestable. Foliage remains dense and upright if properly maintained.
Harvest regularly to encourage bushiness and maintain shape. Prune after flowering to rejuvenate. Avoid heavy pruning on old wood—cut to where there are still leaves. In cold zones, provide winter protection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or horticultural oil if severe. Ensure good air circulation.
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Hand-pick beetles and larvae. Prune affected foliage. Neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Remove affected foliage. Sulfur dust or neem oil fungicide.
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Prevent with well-draining soil and infrequent watering. If affected, repot in fresh soil and reduce watering.
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Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil. Insecticidal soap. Yellow sticky traps to monitor and trap.
Uses
Seasoning & Cooking
CulinaryFresh or dried leaves flavor roasted meats, potatoes, bread, and Mediterranean dishes. Rosemary contains powerful aromatic compounds including cineole and pinene that enhance savory flavors and add peppery, piney notes. [source]
Herbal Tea & Cognitive Support
MedicinalRosemary tea is traditionally used to support memory, circulation, and mental clarity. Scientific studies suggest rosmarinic acid in rosemary may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Infused Oil & Topical Use
HouseholdLeaves infused in olive oil create aromatic oil for cooking or skin care. Rosemary oil has been traditionally used for hair health and to soothe sore muscles and joints. [source]
Ornamental & Topiary
CraftMiss Jessop's Upright's naturally columnar form makes it ideal for formal gardens, container displays, and even small topiary specimens. It adds Mediterranean elegance to patios and borders. [source]
Pollinator Attractor
WildlifeFlowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local pollinator populations and garden biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest year-round once plant is 6+ inches tall. Pinch or cut tips 2-3 inches from stem to encourage bushiness. Best flavor in morning after dew dries. For dried rosemary, cut branches and hang in warm, airy location. Can be harvested continuously without harming the plant; regular harvesting promotes denser growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Miss Jessop's Upright was selected and named in England and is prized by British gardeners for thriving in cooler microclimates compared to other rosemary varieties.
- 🌱 Rosemary has been used since ancient times—the Romans associated it with remembrance and fidelity, and it was traditionally carried at funerals and weddings.
- 🌱 A single rosemary plant can live 20-30+ years and become quite woody and gnarled, making mature specimens living relics in gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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