Rosemary, Rose of the Sea, Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary, botanically known as Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis), is a fragrant, drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Celebrated for its ornamental beauty, bold flavor, and traditional healing properties, rosemary has been cherished for centuries. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), alongside other beloved herbs like basil, mint, sage, oregano, and thyme.
With its aromatic, needle-like leaves and sprays of soft blue flowers, rosemary brings lasting beauty and practical charm to gardens, kitchens, and herbal apothecaries worldwide.
Rosemary originates from the Mediterranean basin, spanning southern Europe—including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, as well as parts of North Africa. In the wild, it thrives in sun-soaked, rocky landscapes, coastal cliffs, and scrubby hillsides.
Rosemary naturally prefers well-drained, sandy or stony soils, making it perfectly suited to dry, exposed environments where water is scarce but sunlight is abundant.
Rosemary is a versatile woody perennial and evergreen shrub, best known for its upright, bushy, and rounded shape. However, certain varieties, such as Creeping Rosemary, break the mold with graceful, trailing, or cascading forms, perfect for spilling over containers, walls, or garden edges.
Mature plants generally grow 2–6 feet (0.6–1.8 meters) tall and 2–5 feet (0.6–1.5 meters) wide. Rosemary has a slow to moderate growth rate.
Rosemary is a long-lived perennial. Well-cared-for plants can live 20–30 years or more.
The small, tubular flowers range from pale blue to white. In most temperate regions, rosemary’s peak flowering season spans from late winter or early spring through late spring and early summer. Some varieties, especially those grown in mild climates, can bloom sporadically year-round. It’s not unusual for rosemary to flower outside its typical season, including in fall or even winter, particularly in frost-free areas or when grown indoors. Light pruning after the first flush of flowers can often encourage a second, lighter bloom in midsummer.
Rosemary leaves are slender, needle-like, and slightly leathery to the touch. They shimmer dark green on top with a silvery sheen underneath, adding texture and contrast to the plant. Just one brush releases their strong, refreshing scent—a signature feature of rosemary.
The aromatic leaves grow along upright, woody stems that are angular and often square-shaped, a classic trait of mint family members.
Rosemary is winter hardy in USDA zones 8–11 and tolerates temperatures down to about 20°F (-6°C). It thrives in warm, dry climates and tolerates heat and humidity. Cold-hardy cultivars such as ‘Arp’ and ‘Madeline Hill’ can survive in zones 6–7 with proper winter protection.
Rosemary attracts pollinators, including bees, honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
Once established, rosemary is highly drought-tolerant. It thrives in sandy or rocky soils and needs minimal supplemental water, making it ideal for xeriscaping and dry gardens. Explore more tough and beautiful choices in our guide to 20 Top Salvia Varieties for a Thriving Xeriscape.
Rosemary is also salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal gardens or areas exposed to sea spray.
Rosemary is generally avoided by deer and rabbits thanks to its pungent oils and tough leaves. It serves as a useful barrier plant in mixed borders.
According to the ASPCA, Rosemary is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Rosemary, originally from the Mediterranean, is widely grown around the world for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses—as well as for essential oils. It’s tough, heat- and drought-tolerant, and thrives in dry, rocky soils. Because it can spread by both seeds and cuttings, it’s been known to escape gardens and naturalize in the wild. In fact, it’s listed in the Global Compendium of Weeds as a “garden thug” and “cultivation escape,” and has been reported as invasive in Cuba. While it was once considered to have low weedy potential, its growing popularity and resilient nature make it more of a risk today, especially in places where it’s heavily cultivated near natural areas.
Rosemary needs full sun to thrive and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate light shade, insufficient light leads to leggy, weak growth.
This aromatic herb prefers sandy, poor to moderately fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. It can grow in a variety of soil types, except for heavy clay soils, as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Do not overwater this Mediterranean plant, as it is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It is best to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This Mediterranean shrub is drought tolerant once established.
Rosemary does not need a lot of fertilizer, and over-fertilizing can actually be harmful to the plant. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help to promote growth.
Rosemary is easy to propagate and multiply, especially through cuttings, which root quickly and reliably. Propagation by seed is slow, with low germination rates, while layering takes longer and requires more space and time, making cuttings the most efficient and practical method for most gardeners.
Propagation is easiest in spring or early summer when rosemary is actively growing. Avoid propagating during the plant’s dormant winter period.
To make rosemary oil, place a handful of fresh rosemary sprigs into a clean, dry glass jar. Cover them completely with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny windowsill for 2–4 weeks, shaking it gently every few days. Strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. Store the rosemary-infused oil in a cool, dark place and use it for culinary, haircare, or skincare purposes.
To prepare rosemary water, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Let the mixture cool completely, then strain out the rosemary. Store the rosemary water in a spray bottle and use it as a refreshing hair rinse, skin toner, or garden spray to deter pests.
Yes, rosemary is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. It is even found in some commercial dog foods due to its antioxidant properties. However, excessive consumption could cause digestive upset. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new herbs to your pet’s diet.
Yes, rosemary is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Small exposures, like brushing against the plant or nibbling a little, are generally harmless. Still, cats have sensitive stomachs, and eating large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Harvest rosemary sprigs and tie them into small bundles. Hang them upside down in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. After about 10–14 days, the leaves should be completely dry and brittle. Strip the dried leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Strip the rosemary leaves from their woody stems by running your fingers down the sprigs. Gather the leaves into a small pile on a cutting board and finely chop them using a sharp chef’s knife. Minced rosemary adds flavor to meats, breads, and marinades.
Yes, rosemary is a perennial shrub in USDA hardiness zones 8–11. In colder climates, it may be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors. With proper care, rosemary can thrive for many years, offering evergreen foliage, fragrant blooms, and culinary benefits year-round.
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
8 - 12 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Salvia, Rosmarinus |
Common names | Rosemary |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard |
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
8 - 12 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Salvia, Rosmarinus |
Common names | Rosemary |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard |
How many Salvia rosmarinus (Rosemary) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Salvia rosmarinus (Rosemary) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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