A culinary herb that doubles as a tough, drought-proof, clip-able hedge. Aromatic, bee-friendly and evergreen — earns its place in the kitchen garden and the border alike.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.2 m tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Rosemary
Botanically, Salvia rosmarinus is a moderate-growing shrub in the Lamiaceae family. It reaches around 1.2 m tall at maturity, with evergreen, aromatic and silver-grey foliage. Blue flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Rosemary
Rosemary suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Rosemary provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Rosemary is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Rosemary after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Rosemary in the garden
Rosemary earns its place for edible harvests, a fast screen or informal hedge, feeding bees and pollinators and its fragrance.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Rosemary with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.