Rosemary

(Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Teresa Grau Ros

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Teresa Grau Ros

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Teresa Grau Ros | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: tgrauros | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Salvia rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, specifically to rocky hillsides and coastal areas where it thrives in well-drained, lime-rich soils. Rosemary typically grows to a height of 1.5 meters with a variable form that can be upright or trailing. Its needle-like leaves are highly aromatic, and it produces flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, or blue. The flowering season is primarily in spring and summer in temperate climates, but in warmer regions, rosemary can bloom continuously and may flower at atypical times such as early December or mid-February.

Rosemary is valued for its fragrance, culinary uses, and ornamental qualities. It is drought-tolerant, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens. Its ability to grow large while remaining attractive for many years, along with its suitability for pruning into formal shapes, low hedges, or even topiary, adds to its versatility in garden design. Rosemary is also commonly grown in pots and is known for its pest-resistant nature. Groundcover cultivars provide a dense, durable texture and can cover large areas effectively. For optimal growth, rosemary prefers full sun exposure and loam soil with good drainage. It is not tolerant of waterlogged conditions and some varieties may be damaged by frost. Rosemary prefers neutral to alkaline soil conditions (pH 7–7.8) with average fertility and can be propagated by stem cuttings. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering, and gardeners in colder climates may need to provide winter protection.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 4-6 feet
Width: 2-4 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to rocky hillsides and coastal areas of the Mediterranean region

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: Rosmarinus officinalis , Salvia rosmarinus , Rosmarinus prostratus , Rosmarinus officinalis subsp. palaui , Rosmarinus laxiflorus , Rosmarinus rigidus , Rosmarinus officinalis subsp. valentinus , Rosmarinus officinalis var. palaui , Rosmarinus flexuosus , Rosmarinus tenuifolius

GBIF Accepted Name: Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.