Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Rosemary
Uses:
- Borders
- Xeriscaping
- Pollinator Gardens
- Herb & Sensory Gardens
Features:
- Deer Resistant
- Drought Tolerant
- Attracts Butterflies and Bees
- Aromatic Leaves & Flowers
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 7-11
- What is My Zone?
Rosemary is a tough woody perennial with fragrant leaves and flowers. The small flowers bloom in spring and summer and come in shades of blue, violet, purple, pink, or white. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and even birds sometimes, making this a useful plant for pollinator and edible gardens. The needlelike foliage is evergreen and often used to flavor meats, sauces, vegetables, and soups. Rosemary essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with memory loss and other medical conditions. Use upright varieties in xeriscapes, herb gardens, and Mediterranean-themed plantings, while the low, cascading types are wonderful in containers and along retaining walls.
By far, rosemary is one of our favorite low-water plants. The scent and the taste of this Mediterranean herb are very distinct and wonderful. Rosemary is a perennial plant down to zone 7, and some varieties can survive up to cooler zone 6B, that can survive the winter in a south-facing rock garden. In fact, the plant does best in zones 6 through 8, where it begins to grow as soon as spring warms.
Benefits of Rosemary
Aside from its easy care, rosemary tolerates drought, needing extra water only in its first year and during higher summer heat. Its tiny purple flowers can show up in early spring and again in fall. The flowers attract plenty of bees and look pretty above the needle-like scented leaves. And rosemary is deer resistant.
Rosemary is used in sachets, potpourris and herb mixes. It is a flavorful herb, especially for poultry, beef and breads. It is also a very common herb used in mixed drinks with whiskey and tequila. We recommend growing rosemary in your garden, even if you have to grow it only as an annual or in cooler times of year.
About Rosemary
Genus
Salvia
Species
Rosmarinus
Family
Lamiaceae
Common Names:
Compass Plant
Native To:
Africa, Europe, Western Asia, and the Mediterranean
Plant Type:
Edible Plants
Foliage Type:
Broadleaf Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flower Color:
Blue, Purple/Lavender, White
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring, Summer
Growth Habit:
Arching, Columnar, Erect, Irregular, Rounded, Spreading
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Tolerates:
Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Humidity, Poor Soil, Salt
Resists:
Deer
Where To Plant Rosemary In The Garden
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with aromatic, needle-like foliage and pale blue to white flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, it adapts well to various climates, exhibiting drought tolerance and pest resistance. Its robust nature and longevity make it a favored choice for waterwise gardens and low-maintenance plantings.
In landscape designs, upright varieties can be used as informal hedges or shaped into topiaries, while trailing types drape elegantly over walls or raised beds. Because it stays green through the seasons, it offers structure and interest among other herb plantings or in mixed borders. It pairs well with other sun-loving Mediterranean herbs, creating a cohesive, low-maintenance setting. Position it near walkways or outdoor living areas so its fragrant foliage can be appreciated up close.
Rosemary Care
When planting, choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight, and amend the soil to ensure sharp drainage. Give young specimens moderate but consistent watering until they develop sturdy root systems, then reduce moisture to avoid soggy conditions. Fertilizing once a year with a balanced mix is typically sufficient, though many gardeners forego extra feedings altogether. Consistently warm temperatures and bright light mirror its coastal origins.
Prune lightly after flowers fade, aiming to remove only newer growth while steering clear of thick woody stems. Harvest fresh sprigs whenever needed in the kitchen, or cut larger bundles for drying if you wish to store them long term. In frosty climates, mulch the base to insulate the roots, or cover the shrub with protective fabric during severe cold snaps. Consider indoor relocation if temperatures drop significantly.
Learn More About Rosemary Bushes
Growing Rosemary in Pots
Pick a roomy pot with good drainage and use a coarse, well-aerated growing medium. Place the plant in ample sun, checking soil moisture regularly so it doesn’t remain overly wet or too parched. An occasional feeding and gentle trimming encourage a compact form, suitable for porch or patio displays. In chilly regions, bring potted rosemary indoors before hard freezes and position it where it can still enjoy bright light and cooler indoor temperatures.
