-
Trailing Rosemary, often Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' or similar prostrate cultivars of Salvia rosmarinus, is a woody perennial herb renowned for its aromatic, needle-like leaves and a distinctive cascading growth habit. Unlike upright rosemary varieties, trailing rosemary sprawls along the ground or drapes beautifully over walls, containers, and elevated beds.
Trailing Rosemary offers a unique appeal, blending its ornamental form with well-known culinary and aromatic uses. Its leaves are edible, perfect for flavoring meats like lamb and chicken, roasted vegetables, breads, and oils.
Trailing Rosemary has a moderate growth rate. It will spread outwards or cascade downwards steadily, creating an attractive groundcover or spill-over effect.
Once established, this plant needs very little water and actually thrives on neglect. That makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or for gardeners looking for a low-fuss, high-impact plant.
-
Trailing Rosemary absolutely thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate very light partial shade, but ample sun is crucial for dense growth, strong fragrance, and abundant flowering.
Once established, Trailing Rosemary is highly drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During prolonged dry spells or in containers, more frequent watering may be needed.
This plant demands well-draining soil. It prefers sandy or rocky soil types and can tolerate poor to moderately fertile conditions. Good drainage is paramount to prevent root rot. It tolerates a pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5.
Ideal temperatures range from 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C).
-
USDA Zone 8-10
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)