Rosemary Prostrate

Description: Prostrate Rosemary is a spreading, ground-covering herbaceous plant with trailing stems that can reach lengths of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 centimeters). Unlike the upright form of Rosemary, Prostrate Rosemary has a prostrate or creeping growth habit, making it well-suited for use as a ground cover, cascading over walls, or spilling over the edges of containers. The foliage of Prostrate Rosemary is narrow, linear, and aromatic, with a pine-like fragrance when crushed. It produces small, pale blue to lavender flowers in spring and sporadically throughout the growing season, attracting bees and other pollinators.

Size: Prostrate Rosemary typically reaches a height of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) with a spread of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 centimeters). Its trailing stems can root where they come into contact with the soil, allowing the plant to spread and form a dense mat over time. This low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, erosion control, or as a trailing accent in mixed plantings or hanging baskets.

Best Growing Zones: Prostrate Rosemary is well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. It thrives in temperate to subtropical climates with mild winters and hot summers. This herbaceous plant is relatively cold-hardy but may require protection in colder or more extreme climates, especially during periods of prolonged frost or freezing temperatures. Prostrate Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hotter climates.

Soil Requirements: Prostrate Rosemary prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It is relatively tolerant of poor soil conditions and can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy, rocky, or clay soil, as long as it is well-drained. Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure before planting can improve soil fertility and drainage, promoting healthy growth.

Maintenance: Prostrate Rosemary is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established. It should be watered regularly during the establishment period to encourage healthy root development, but it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Pruning is generally not necessary for Prostrate Rosemary, but it can be pruned as needed to maintain a desired size and shape or to remove any dead or diseased stems. This herbaceous plant is relatively pest and disease resistant but may occasionally be affected by issues such as powdery mildew or root rot. These problems can usually be managed with proper cultural practices, including good air circulation and well-drained soil.