Rosmarinus spp.

rosemary

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Rosmarinus spp. is a genus of evergreen, aromatic shrubs in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Mediterranean region and represented in cultivation chiefly by R. officinalis, common rosemary. Plants form woody, branched shrubs 2-6 ft (0.6-1.8 m) tall, with upright, mounding, or trailing forms depending on the selection. The narrow, needle-like leaves are 0.5-1.5 in (1.3-4 cm) long, dark green above and pale and felted beneath, releasing a resinous scent when bruised. Small two-lipped flowers, usually pale blue to violet but sometimes white or pink, line the stems from late winter into spring and often again in autumn. The genus is adapted to hot, dry, sunny Mediterranean conditions and lean, free-draining soils, tolerating drought, salt spray, and poor ground once established. It does poorly in heavy, wet, or shaded sites, where root rot and legginess develop. Leaves are used as a culinary herb and the flowers are worked by bees.

Native Range

Rosmarinus spp. is native to the Mediterranean Basin, across southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, where it grows on dry, rocky hillsides, scrub, and coastal cliffs. It has naturalized in other regions with warm, dry summers.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a culinary herb, low hedge, and evergreen shrub in herb, gravel, and coastal gardens. Trailing forms are used to spill over walls, banks, and containers, and upright forms for clipped edging.

How to Identify

An evergreen shrub with narrow, needle-like leaves that are dark green above and pale beneath, strongly aromatic when crushed. Small two-lipped flowers in pale blue to violet, white, or pink line the upper stems. Woody, often gnarled stems and the resinous scent separate it from true conifers with similar foliage.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 6'

Width/Spread2' - 5'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering runs mainly from late winter through spring, generally February to May, with a lighter repeat in autumn in mild climates. The pale blue to violet flowers open along the stems over many weeks and are heavily worked by bees.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pale blue to violet

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Rosmarinus spp. grows in full sun on sharply drained, lean soils, including sandy, gravelly, and rocky ground. A soil pH near 6.0-8.0 is suitable, and the genus tolerates alkaline and saline conditions. Established plants are highly drought-tolerant and need little or no summer water. Wet, heavy soils and deep shade cause root rot, weak growth, and dieback. Hardiness varies with the selection, with upright forms generally tougher than trailing ones, and cold below about 15 F (-9 C) damages most. Light, frequent harvesting maintains bushy growth.

Pruning

Trim lightly after the main flush of flowering to maintain shape and density, cutting within the leafy growth. The genus reshoots weakly from old bare wood, so hard pruning into leafless stems is avoided.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer