What hardiness zones is Salvia rosmarinus suitable for?

Salvia rosmarinus is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Salvia rosmarinus?

Salvia rosmarinus requires Full Sun.

How much water does Salvia rosmarinus need?

Salvia rosmarinus has Low water needs.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Salvia rosmarinus

rosemary

Lamiaceae

Mediterranean Basin (Portugal to Turkey, North Africa)

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitUpright

FoliageEvergreen

Height3-5 feet (90-150 cm)

Width3-4 feet (90-120 cm)

Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (strong)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

An upright to spreading evergreen shrub reaching 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) tall and 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) wide in favorable conditions, though size varies considerably by cultivar and climate. Stems become woody and brown with age, developing a gnarled character on older plants. Leaves are linear, 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) long and 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) wide, dark green and slightly glossy above with white-tomentose undersides; margins are revolute (rolled under). Foliage is strongly aromatic when bruised, with a camphoraceous, resinous scent. Two-lipped flowers, 0.4-0.5 inch (10-13 mm) long, appear in axillary clusters; color ranges from pale blue to deep violet-blue, occasionally white or pink. Flowering occurs primarily in spring with a secondary flush in fall in mild climates. Growth rate is moderate, reaching near-mature size within 3-4 years. Plants are short-lived compared to many woody shrubs, typically declining after 8-15 years. Root rot is the primary cause of death in cultivation, particularly in poorly drained or overwatered sites. In zones 7 and colder portions of zone 8, plants may suffer dieback or death in severe winters with sustained temperatures below 15°F (-9°C).

Native Range

Native to the Mediterranean Basin, from Portugal and Spain east to Turkey and North Africa. Found on dry, rocky limestone slopes, coastal cliffs, and garigue scrublands, typically below 2,500 feet (750 m) elevation in full sun and calcareous soils with sharp drainage.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in herb gardens, Mediterranean-style borders, and xeric landscapes at 24-36 inch (60-90 cm) spacing. Grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with fast-draining media; container culture allows overwintering indoors in zones colder than 7. Used as a low informal hedge where winters are mild enough for reliable survival.

How to Identify

Identified by its linear, aromatic leaves 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) long with revolute margins, dark green above and white-tomentose beneath. Woody stems become gnarled and brown with age. Two-lipped flowers in axillary clusters are typically pale to deep blue. The strong camphoraceous fragrance released when foliage is rubbed is a reliable distinguishing feature from other narrow-leaved shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'

Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

purple

Foliage Colors

green

silver

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

SpringFall

Primary bloom occurs from March through May in zones 8-10, with a secondary flush common from September through November in mild climates. In zone 7, spring bloom may be delayed to April or May. Individual flowers last 7-10 days; total spring bloom period extends 4-8 weeks. Mild-winter areas may see intermittent flowering throughout winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale blue to deep violet-blue

Foliage Description

Dark green above, white-tomentose beneath; linear with revolute margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 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

loamsandchalkrocky

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first growing season; once established, plants tolerate extended dry periods of 3-4 weeks and perform poorly with supplemental irrigation in summer. Overwatering, particularly in heavy soils, leads to root rot (Phytophthora), the most common cause of plant death. Site in the warmest, most sheltered microclimate available in zones 7-8 to minimize winter damage. Whiteflies and spider mites may occur in sheltered, warm locations; both are typically managed by improved air circulation. Powdery mildew develops in humid conditions with poor airflow. Plants decline after 8-15 years and may need replacement; take cuttings from vigorous growth in late spring for propagation.

Pruning

Prune lightly after the spring bloom flush, cutting back by one-third to maintain compact form and prevent the open, leggy growth that develops on unpruned plants. Do not cut into old, bare wood below the foliage line; rosemary does not regenerate from leafless wood. Remove any winter-damaged stems in mid-spring after new growth confirms the extent of dieback. Hard rejuvenation pruning is not possible; replace plants that become excessively woody and bare at the base.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic