Rosemary: Culinary and Ornamental
Salvia rosmarinus
Rosemary earns space in both herb gardens and ornamental borders. Evergreen in mild climates, edible year-round, and drought-tolerant once established. Trailing cultivars cascade over walls beautifully.
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Hardiness zones
7–10 (annual in colder zones)
Height
2–5 ft
Bloom time
Spring
Care & Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water deeply but infrequently. In zones 7 and colder, grow in a container and bring indoors for winter, or treat as an annual. Prune regularly for culinary use and to maintain shape.
Companion Plants
Design your rosemary garden
See rosemary in your own yard before you plant. Upload a photo to Arden and visualize complete garden designs featuring rosemary alongside companion plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Can rosemary survive winter outside?
Only in zones 7 and warmer. In colder zones, overwinter in a pot indoors near a sunny window.
Q2 Why is my rosemary turning brown and dying?
Most often overwatering or poor drainage — rosemary is Mediterranean and hates wet feet. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings, plant in gritty well-drained soil, and avoid heavy clay. Indoor rosemary especially dies from overwatering combined with low humidity.
Q3 How often should I prune rosemary?
Snip regularly for cooking — it acts as pruning. Beyond that, a harder shape-prune in early spring after frost danger encourages bushy growth. Never cut into old gray wood; rosemary won't regrow from bare stems.