Details
Rosmarinus officinalis is a bushy shrub with a dense, leafy habit, to 2m x 2m but variable in size. Linear dark green leaves 1.5-5cm long have recurved margins and pale, felty undersides. Flowers usually pale violet-blue and white. Flowering starts in spring but is often repeated at differing times of year. Both habit and flower colour can be variable, from prostrate to upright, from deep blue to paler and white tones, pink or purple. Many selections and cultivars are available
 
 
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
 
H4 - Hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
 
Sunlight
Full Sun
 
Aspect
South-facing or West-facing or East-facing
 
Exposure
Sheltered or Exposed
 
Soil
Sand,  Clay, Chalk, Loam
 
Moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
 
Soil
Sand, Clay, Chalk, Loam
 
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
 
Size
Ultimate height
1.5-2 metres
Ultimate spread
1.5-2 metres
Time to ultimate height
5-10 years
 
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow aromatic, evergreen shrub. Prefers poor, well-drained soil and may be used as a formal or informal low hedge which should be trimmed after flowering
 
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
 
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Flower borders and beds Wall-side Borders City & Courtyard Gardens Coastal Cottage & Informal Garden Rock Garden Patio & Container Plants Mediterranean Climate Plants
 
How to care
Pruning
Pruning group 9
 
Pests
Generally pest free
 
Diseases
Generally disease free