Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus · Lamiaceae
📷 Miguel Angel Masegosa Martínez · CC BY 2.0
The gardener's calendar
It's peak harvest for rosemary: pick regularly and at the right stage to boost production and extend the season.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Salvia rosmarinus
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- March to May (blue, pink or white depending on varieties)
- Adult size
- Approximately 100 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Hardy in Mediterranean climate, fears harsh winters
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Rosemary fears winter humidity more than -10°C. Plant it in a raised, well-drained spot, and avoid the base of a wall where water runs down.
The common mistake
Watering in winter or planting it in a waterlogged area.
The pro's trick
Harvest rosemary weekly for cooking: it's continuous pruning that stimulates branching.
Seasonal watch
Autumn: stop all watering from September onwards in cold temperate zones.
Care
Light Exposure
Rosemary requires full sun exposure, minimum 6 to 8 hours per day. It thrives in warm and bright locations. Avoid shade, which promotes weak growth and loss of aroma.
Watering
Once established, rosemary requires little water. Water moderately during the growing period and reduce drastically in winter. Let the soil dry between waterings. In pots, monitor drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil and Drainage
Rosemary prefers well-draining, light and rather chalky soil. It tolerates poor and lean soils. In pots, use a specific mix for Mediterranean plants with sand or pumice.
Pruning and Pinching
Prune lightly after flowering (May-June) to maintain a compact and bushy shape. You can harvest shoots year-round for cooking. Avoid pruning very old wood that regrows with difficulty.
Fertilization
Rosemary dislikes excessive fertilizer. A moderate application in spring is more than enough. Prefer a balanced fertilizer or one specific for Mediterranean plants, diluted.
Pests and Diseases
Rosemary is generally very robust. Excessive moisture can cause root rot or fungal issues. Ensure excellent drainage and good air circulation. Aphids remain rare on this hardy plant.
Did you know?
Since Antiquity, rosemary has symbolized memory and fidelity. The Romans burned it in temples, while in the Middle Ages, it was placed under pillows to improve memorization. This reputation is not just legend: modern studies suggest that its aroma actually stimulates cognitive functions.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- SageSalvia officinalis
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- BugleAjuga reptans
- Wall germanderTeucrium chamaedrys
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.