A key ingredient of a Mediterranean-style garden, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) is a particularly attractive evergreen shrub with strongly aromatic, needle-like leaves, about 1 in (2.5 cm) long, and clusters of pale blue to white flowers that appear in winter and spring (in hardiness zones 8-11). Sporadic blooms may occur in summer or fall, specifically if your Rosemary bush has been trimmed after its late winter to spring bloom. If overwintered indoors in containers, Rosemary generally blooms later, from late spring into summer.

There are so many uses for Rosemary that no garden should be without this lovely and versatile Mediterranean shrub! The intensely fragrant foliage releases its fresh scent when brushed against, making Rosemary a great addition along paths and walkways or in containers on sunny patios or decks. Let the prostrate varieties attractively creep over walls or blanket the ground when too dry, sandy, or rocky for other ground covers. Use this wonderful shrub to make a fabulously fragrant hedge (remember to prune it after flowering) or even topiaries. And not to mention the herb garden. Rosemary has been used as a medicinal and aromatic herb for thousands of years. Harvest it as a seasoning for meats and vegetables, toiletries, or sachets.

• Grows up to 2-6 ft tall (60-180 cm) with a spread of 2-5 ft (60-150 cm) - although this rosemary remains smaller in pots.
• Easily grown in sandy, poor to moderately fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but thrives best in full sun. Performs poorly in heavy clay soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great for wall-side borders, beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, city gardens, rock gardens, or containers. Perfect for an informal, low hedge too.
• Virtually pest free. Keep an eye out for Xylella fastidiosa.
• Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, however, deer dislike rosemary's strong scent.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Prune plants after bloom to encourage bushy foliage growth.
• Rosmarinus officinalis is native to the Mediterranean region, from where it has been introduced into all continents.