Native Region Mediterranean (from Portugal,
northern Spain to Greece, Turkey)
Plant Type Evergreen shrub
Avg. Height 2 to 4 feet prostrate
To 6 feet upright
Avg. Spread/Width 4 feet
Leaf
• Deep green above,
pale white beneath
• Narrow, needle-like
• Leathery
• Linear
• Obtuse
• ½ to 1½ inches
• Fragrant
• Edible
Flower
• Blue to lavender, ¼ to ½ inch
• Edible
• Late winter and throughout the year
• Attracts birds, butterflies
Fruit
• None
Plant Factor
Irrigation Group
M/L
2
Climate Zone 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Additional Notes:
• Rosmarinus means “dew of the sea” (reflecting plant’s
native habitat on seaside cliffs)
• More than two dozen cultivars, many are upright shrubs.
‘Prostratus’ is the most common – 2 ft. by 8 ft. Used as a
ground cover or hanging over walls.
• Well-drained soils, poor and alkaline soils; tolerates heat
and cold to 15o F
• Grows from coastal to desert zones
• Used in mass plantings and culinary gardens, on slopes, as
background plant
• Other uses: food seasoning, oils in perfume, lotions and
soaps