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Plant Profiles / Rosemary
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) · Rosemary
An aromatic, evergreen herb with needle-like leaves and pale blue flowers. Essential in the kitchen and tough as nails in sunny pots.
Full sunLight
Weekly, drought tolerantWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
At least 6 hours of sun.
Water
Weekly, drought tolerant
DryWet
Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Prefers dry air.
Temperature
-10–38°C (14–100°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy to moderate frost.
Growth
Moderate, shrubby
SlowFast
Upright types 1–1.5 m; prostrate types trail 30–60 cm.
Soil
Sandy, free-draining
LeanRich
Gritty mix; avoid rich soil.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
Little feeding needed.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, where it grows on dry, rocky coasts. It's now classified as Salvia. Upright forms make hedges; prostrate forms cascade over pot edges. The flowers are loved by bees.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, herb pots, kitchen gardens and coastal plantings.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrubby herb |
| Mature size | 30 cm–1.5 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Aromatic needle-like leaves |
| Flowers | Pale blue flowers |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest
Flowering
Prune
HarvestFloweringPrune
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Grey, brittle plant | Root rot from overwatering. |
| White powder | Powdery mildew; improve airflow. |
| Woody base | Prune lightly and regularly. |
| Leggy growth | Not enough sun. |
| Yellow leaves | Poor drainage. |
Common questions
How do I harvest?
Snip sprigs as needed, taking no more than a third at once.
Can it grow indoors?
Only on a very sunny windowsill; it's happier outside.
When should I prune?
After flowering in spring.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
