Rosemary
Also known as
Garden rosemary, Common rosemary, Herb rosemary
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus, widely known as rosemary, is an aromatic, evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean Basin. It typically reaches 0.5–2 m tall, with rugged, woody stems and narrow, needle-like leaves that are glossy dark green above and pale, felted beneath. Two-lipped blue to violet flowers bloom from late winter through spring, often repeating in mild climates, and provide abundant nectar for bees and other pollinators. Adapted to drought, wind, and salt spray, rosemary thrives in lean, sharply drained, often calcareous soils and full sun with ample airflow. The foliage is rich in essential oils (notably 1,8-cineole, camphor, and α-pinene) that confer its distinctive fragrance and culinary value. Upright and prostrate cultivars make excellent hedges, container specimens, or groundcovers. While tolerant of poor soils, rosemary is intolerant of waterlogging and excessive fertilization, which can diminish flavor and invite root disease. With regular light pruning after bloom and strong light, plants remain dense, long-lived, and productive for both ornamental and edible uses.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Rosemary
Water
Allow the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of the medium to dry before watering. Then water thoroughly until excess drains, discarding runoff so roots never sit in a saucer. In bright, warm weather, containers may need water once or twice weekly; in winter, reduce to every 10–21 days depending on light and temperature. Avoid constantly moist soil, which invites root rot. Outdoors in heavy soils, plant on mounds or raised beds to ensure rapid drainage.
Light
Provide full sun, 6–8+ hours of direct light daily outdoors. Indoors, place at a south- or west-facing window for at least 6 hours of direct sun; supplement with a 30–40 W LED grow light for 12–14 hours if needed. High light maintains compact growth and strong aroma; insufficient light causes legginess and pest issues. In very hot inland climates, light afternoon shade can protect young or potted plants from leaf scorch.
Nutrients
Rosemary is a light feeder; excessive nitrogen yields lush but weakly flavored growth. In the ground, mix a small amount of compost at planting and top-dress annually. For containers, apply a dilute, balanced fertilizer (about a 3-1-2 ratio) at quarter- to half-strength monthly from spring to midsummer, then cease to harden growth before winter. Prefer slow-release, low-nitrogen organics such as fish/seaweed emulsions or worm castings. Prioritize drainage and strong light over heavy feeding.
Temperature
Best growth occurs at 60–80°F (15–27°C). Most cultivars are hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 8–10; some survive Zone 7 with excellent drainage and winter protection. Container plants are less cold-hardy—bring them in before hard frost. Indoors over winter, keep in bright light and a cool room (41–55°F / 5–13°C) to prevent legginess. Short heat waves are tolerated with adequate moisture and airflow, but prolonged cold below 15°F (−9°C) or cold, waterlogged soils can be fatal.
