Description
Form:
Shrub.
Lifespan:
Averaging 10 years, these shrubs may live up to 20 years in desert climates when neglected.
Leaf retention:
Evergreen.
Growth rate:
Slow to moderate.
Mature Size:
1-6' (30-180cm) high and wide depending on cultivar.
Shape depends on cultivar and can be round to oval to prostrate.
Flowers:
Very small, usually pale blue or sometimes white, clustered.
Bloom:
Mid winter into spring. Sporadic blooming may occur in summer and fall with rain.
Fruit:
A small, dried, brown nutlet containing one seed.
Leaves:
Short, needle-like, green above and whitish below, aromatic when touched, edible.
Stems:
Square cross-section, straight, green and soft aging to woody.
Roots:
This plant forms a deep taproot, making transplant difficult once it is established.
Wildlife:
The flowers attract large numbers of bees. The scent of the leaves repels some insects,
including cabbage moths, flies and mosquitos.
Rosemary is avoided by rabbits and most other browsing animals.
Toxic / Danger:
No. However, if this plant or its extracts are consumed in very large quantities, it may
cause illness.
Origin:
Mediterranean.
Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones:
7-11.
Heat tolerant:
Yes.
Drought tolerant:
Yes.
Sun:
Full sun.
Planting:
Locate this plant in full, all day sun in well-draining soil.
Avoid containers because Rosemary needs to form a deep tap root.
It may be planted next to other low water plants.
It should be kept away from plants which need frequent water, such as mint, basil, and
tomatoes. It will also compete with tomatoes and chilies for nutrients.
Soil:
Well draining, dry, low in organic content. This plant tolerates many soil types except clay
and is salt tolerant. Slightly acidic soil is preferred but not required. Fertilizer is
undesirable and may shorten the lifespan of the plant.
Rosemary is prone to root rot in poorly draining soil.
Water after becoming established:
Monthly to never. This plant can go unwatered in its second year, assuming that rain occurs
at least once every month or two. With age, it does best on sparse rainfall alone and can go
without water for many months.
Mulch:
Never. The soil should dry quickly after rain.
First Year Care:
In desert conditions, this plant needs to be watered two or three times a week for the first
two weeks, then weekly for one month, diminishing to once a month until the rainy season.
Some gardeners stop watering after the first three months and let summer rains take over.
Prune:
Pruning is unnecessary. Rosemary can be pruned to any shape (topiary), or
snipped for use as a kitchen herb as needed. It blooms automatically without pruning on
year-old wood. Blooms increase with age.
Neglect is the best way to maintain this plant.
After it is established, it does better without any maintenance except admiring glances.
Litter:
Low to none.
Propagation:
Rosemary is usually propagated by cuttings.
Older stems have nodes that will grow roots where they touch ground.
The seed has very low viability: 1-5%.
Pests:
Over watered plants are prone to aphids, whiteflies, and the like.
Stop watering this plant after its first year in the ground!
Uses:
Culinary herb, ornamental, bee garden, erosion control, insect repellent.
A branch may be snipped off anytime for kitchen use.
Comments
This plant is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae).
Rosmarinus officinalis is a scientific synonym.
The best way to shorten the lifespan of this plant is to plant it in poorly-draining soil,
fertilize it, or water it more than once a month after it is established.
Neglect is the best maintenance procedure after the first year in the ground.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would
like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
The multi-lobed flowers make a great bee landing pad. The filaments and
style are curved on this cultivar to deposit and accept pollen from the bee's back.
Two brown nutlets, the result of previous bee visits, can be seen at top
left.
A three year old Rosemary plant, near the end of its winter-spring bloom,
still attracting many bees.