herb
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
EdibleMedicinalToxic — Use CautionDrought Tolerant
Overview
A fragrant, evergreen Mediterranean shrub that has symbolized remembrance since ancient Greece, where students wore rosemary garlands during exams to improve memory. Modern research has validated its cognitive-enhancing properties — simply smelling rosemary can improve alertness and memory. Its resinous, pine-like flavor is essential in Mediterranean cooking, and it grows into a beautiful, drought-tolerant landscape shrub.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureDry
Hardiness Zones7a — 9
Height1.52m
Spread1.5m
Growth HabitShrub
Bloom ColorBlue
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 8
Soil TypeWell-drained, lean, sandy or rocky soil; drought-tolerant
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 10-12 weeks early; slow to germinate (2-3 weeks); grow as annual or overwinter in pot |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after last frost; bring indoors before first fall frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest sprigs as needed; dry or freeze for winter use |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start indoors; or buy transplants — seed germination unreliable |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after frost; borderline hardy — mulch heavily or pot up in fall |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Oct | Cut sprigs anytime plant is actively growing |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; excellent drainage essential — raised beds or gravel mulch |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Harvest year-round in mild winters |
| Moderate (5-7) | Prune | Mar — Apr | Shape after spring bloom; never cut into old wood — it will not regrow |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; evergreen perennial; thrives in heat with little water |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest year-round; evergreen perennial |
| Warm (8-9) | Prune | Feb — Mar | Late winter prune; harvest sprigs anytime for cooking |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; year-round evergreen; prune to shape after bloom |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest year-round; may bloom winter through spring |
Uses
Culinary
- Essential with roasted meats, potatoes, and bread
- Infused into oils, vinegars, and butter
- Woody stems used as aromatic skewers for grilling
Medicinal
- Carnosic acid supports memory and cognitive function
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Traditional circulatory stimulant and headache remedy
Other Uses
- Drought-tolerant ornamental shrub and hedge
- Bonsai and topiary specimen
- Natural moth repellent for closets and drawers
Safety Notes
Products containing rosemary oil may cause erythema (redness) of the skin. Caution needed if allergies. Reportedly used as an abortifacient in large quantities but can lead to deep coma, spasm and vomiting and even death [301].
