Rosemary.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial / shrub

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 21 days

Mature size

Up to 2m (6.5ft) tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 7 to 11

Bloom time

Spring to fall

Care

Ensure excellent drainage and full sun; avoid overwatering. Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce watering in cooler months.

Feeding

Generally does not require much fertilizer; a light feeding in spring is sufficient if needed.

Pruning

Prune after flowering or in spring to shape and encourage growth; avoid cutting into old wood.

Repotting

Repot when root-bound, typically every 2-3 years, in spring.

Soil

Well-draining, sandy, or gravelly soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

-12 to 35°C

Humidity

30 to 50%

Safety

Edibility

Edible, but always confirm identification before consuming.

How to identify it

• Needle-like, aromatic leaves
• Whorls of small flowers
• Woody, upright stems
• Evergreen foliage
• Fragrant resinous scent

Height

0.6 to 2m

Spread

0.6 to 2m

Leaves

Green, Silvery-green, evergreen

Flowers

Blue, Purple, White, Pink, 0.5 to 1.5cm

Common problems

• Root rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, especially in cool, damp conditions.
• Powdery mildew — A fungal disease that can affect foliage in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
• Spider mites — Tiny pests that thrive in dry conditions and can cause yellowing or stippling of leaves.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant rosemary with other Mediterranean herbs that prefer dry, sunny conditions.

Grows well with

• Lavender — Both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them excellent garden companions.
• Thyme — They share similar growing conditions and culinary uses, creating a complementary herb garden.
• Sage — These herbs appreciate similar sunny, dry conditions and well-draining soil.
• Tomatoes — Rosemary is said to repel tomato hornworms, benefiting the tomato plants.

Keep away from

• Mint — Mint can be highly invasive and may outcompete rosemary for space and resources.

Similar species

• Creeping Rosemary — This is a prostrate form of the same species, differing mainly in its growth habit.
• Greek Oregano — Shares similar aromatic qualities and a preference for sunny, well-drained conditions.

Science

Family

Lamiaceae

Genus

Salvia

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Mediterranean region

It thrives in well-drained, sunny locations and is adapted to dry Mediterranean climates.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, pollen source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds

Uses

Culinary herb, Aromatic, Medicinal (traditional), Ornamental

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can rosemary be grown indoors?

Yes, but it needs a very sunny spot, like a south-facing window, and good air circulation.

Why is my rosemary wilting?

This is often due to overwatering, leading to root rot, or extreme underwatering. Check the soil moisture.

Does rosemary need fertilizer?

Not usually. It thrives in lean soil and can be harmed by over-fertilization.

Where the name comes from

The name 'Rosemary' comes from the Latin 'ros marinus,' meaning 'dew of the sea,' likely due to its coastal native habitat and fragrant scent.

Good to know

• Rosemary essential oil has antimicrobial properties.
• It's often used in potpourri and sachets for its strong fragrance.
• Ancient Greeks and Romans used rosemary for remembrance.