How to Grow Rosmarinus Plants

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Rosemary

Members of the Rosmarinus plant genus are hardy perennials that reach from 90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 feet) in height.

One of the more familiar members of Rosmarinus is the culinary herb Rosemary.

If you are growing Rosemary for use in cooking then the leaves can be used fresh at any time, but it is best to harvest the leaves before the plant flowers if you plan to dry them.

The Rosemary leaves should be dried in a dark area. Once dried place the dried rosemary leaves in a Tupperware or similar container.

Rosmarinus species bloom towards the end of spring and the start of summer, when they carry blue flowers. The leaves are narrow and oblong in shape, and grow off of woody branches. Rosemary plants can be grown as part of a herb garden or as a container plant.

Rosmarin (Rosmarinus officinalis) by blumenbiene.

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' by Wallygrom.

How to Grow Rosemary (Rosmarinus Plants)

It is best to grow Rosemary from hardwood cuttings or from purchased plants. Cuttings should be took in either the spring or autumn, and started off indoors.

They should then be put outdoors into a sunny part of the garden following the last frost of spring.

It is best to space Rosemary from 50 to 100 cm (20 to 40 inches) apart, and they should grow in a sandy soil that is of pH 6 to 7.5.

It is very important the soil that rosemary and other Rosmarinus plants grow in is very well drained for best results.

It is possible, though quite difficult to grow Rosmarinus plant species from seed.

The Rosemary seeds should be sown at a depth of 6 mm (1/4 inch). Sow well before the last frost of winter / spring.

The plants will grow very slowly, so lots of patience is required if you plan to grow rosemary from seed.

Caring for Rosemary

Once established, Rosemary takes very little looking after, for best results the soil should be poor and well drained. So do not fertilize or water.

If you live in a cold area it may be a good idea to bring the Rosemary plants indoors for the winter.

Common Questions

How many members does the Rosmarinus genus contain?

The Rosmarinus genus is monotypic, containing only one species: Rosemary.

Do Rosmarinus plants make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a popular garden and kitchen herb, prized for its aromatic foliage, blue flowers, and culinary uses.

Which Rosmarinus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The only species grown is Rosmarinus officinalis, which comes in a variety of cultivars offering variations in growth habit and flower color.

Are Rosmarinus plants fragrant?

Yes, Rosemary is well-known for its fragrant leaves, which are often used in cooking for their strong, distinctive scent and flavor.

What is the perfect location to grow Rosmarinus?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is a drought-tolerant Mediterranean herb that can withstand dry conditions.

Is Rosmarinus invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Rosmarinus officinalis is not considered invasive in the USA. It is, however, naturalized in a few states, but without causing significant problems.

How do I remove Rosmarinus plants from my garden?

To remove Rosmarinus, dig up the entire plant, making sure to remove all roots as it can regrow from any left behind.

Summary

The Rosmarinus genus, known commonly as Rosemary, is an evergreen shruby herb found natively in the Mediterranean region. Known for their fragrant needle-like leaves, they are often used as culinary herbs or decorative plants.

Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. They are drought-tolerant once established and thrive in coastal areas due to their salt tolerance. Planting is best done in spring or fall.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow Rosmarinus plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Ajuga genevensis, Thyme plant, and Perilla plants.