Different Types of Rosemary Plants: Varieties & Care

You likely know rosemary as a fragrant kitchen staple. This aromatic herb offers much more than just its familiar scent, revealing surprising diversity. Understanding the different types of rosemary is crucial for successful cultivation. For instance, poor air circulation can lead to issues like powdery mildew, and overwatering often causes root rot. Choosing the right rosemary plant for your specific environment helps you avoid these common problems. You will discover many types of rosemary plants, each with unique traits. Exploring various rosemary plant types helps you select the perfect fit among the many varieties of rosemary plants.

Key Takeaways

• Rosemary plants come in three main types: upright, trailing, and mounding. Each type has a different growth habit.

• Choosing the right rosemary type for your garden or container is important. Consider its size and how it grows.

• Rosemary needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow well. Do not water it too much.

• ‘Arp’ rosemary is a very strong type that can handle cold weather. Many types are good for cooking.

• You can use rosemary for cooking, landscaping, or growing in pots. Proper care helps it stay healthy.

Exploring Rosemary Plant Types by Growth Habit

Rosemary varieties exhibit diverse growth forms. You find low trailing types, tall erect types, and mounding types. Understanding these growth habits helps you choose the best rosemary plant for your garden. This section explores these different types of rosemary based on how they grow.

Upright Rosemary

Upright rosemary varieties stand tall and grow erect. They form a rounded, evergreen shrub. Many upright rosemary plant varieties reach heights of 4 to 6 feet. Their spread is typically 2 to 4 feet. These rosemary plants often have narrow, grayish, needle-like foliage. The leaves are fragrant and grayish-green. You can use them for cooking, drying, and seasoning. They have a sharp taste and pungent fragrance. This upright form is popular for its strong structure.

Consider Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Upright’. This specific upright plant grows about 4 feet tall and spreads 3 feet wide. It features pretty lavender-blue flowers in spring. This plant thrives in full sunlight. It needs dry to average moisture levels and very well-drained soil. It is not particular about soil type or pH. This upright plant tolerates urban pollution well. You can grow it in outdoor pots as a ‘thriller’ plant. In colder climates, it might behave as an annual if left outside.

Other upright types include ‘Majorica Pink Rosemary’. It has unusual pinkish-lavender blooms. ‘Blue Spires Rosemary’ offers a very upright, formal look with clear blue flowers. ‘Barbecue Rosemary’ is known for its excellent flavor and aroma. ‘Arp’ Rosemary is very cold hardy. ‘Spice Islands Rosemary’ has dark blue flowers and grey-green foliage. ‘Tuscan Blue’ grows very tall, reaching 6 to 7 feet. Its aromatic leaves are great for hedges or topiary. These rosemary options are excellent for mass planting, hedges, or general garden use. You will find many upright choices for your garden.

Trailing Rosemary

Trailing rosemary varieties spread low across the ground. They are excellent for ground cover or for spilling over pots and walls. These creeping rosemary varieties often have dense foliage. Their leaves are narrow, green, and needle-like. Some types can have blue-green or variegated leaves. You might see pretty mauve-lilac flowers in spring. This trailing habit makes them versatile.

These trailing plants typically grow to about 6 inches tall. They can spread up to 3 feet wide. They have a medium growth rate. You can expect them to live for about 10 years with good care. Most trailing varieties need full sun, at least six hours daily. Some can tolerate partial shade. They thrive in well-drained soil. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid soggy conditions. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0) is ideal. These plants tolerate urban pollution well. Their leaves are fragrant and have a sharp taste. You can use them for cooking, drying, and seasoning. Trailing rosemary is perfect for edible gardens, outdoor pots as a ‘spiller’, rock gardens, or general landscape use. You will find many options among these creeping forms. A creeping rosemary can add beauty to many garden spots.

Mounding Rosemary

Mounding rosemary varieties grow in a compact, rounded shape. They create a bushy, often bowl-shaped appearance. These rosemary forms offer a softer look than the rigid upright forms. They are not as low-spreading as the trailing types.

One example is the ‘Boule’ variety. It has a compact mounding habit. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. ‘Boule’ features blue flowers and green foliage. It blooms from late winter to early spring. Mounding rosemary plants are excellent for borders, containers, or as a focal point in a herb garden. They provide a neat, contained form.

Specific Types of Rosemary Varieties

Cultivars offer distinct textures and flavors. You can choose a rosemary plant that perfectly suits your needs. Here, you will explore specific types of rosemary, each with unique characteristics.

‘Arp’ Rosemary

‘Arp’ rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’) is a highly resilient and cold-hardy rosemary cultivar. It grows in an upright manner, forming a small shrub. This upright plant reaches about 3 to 5 feet high and 3 feet wide at maturity. Its grayish-green leaves are thick and resinous. They have a pleasant lemony aroma. You will see delicate spikes of pale blue or light purple flowers from late winter to early spring. ‘Arp’ is known as one of the most resilient rosemary plants. It tolerates urban pollution well. Deer tend to avoid this plant. You can use ‘Arp’ for cooking, drying, and seasoning. Its strong flavor and pungent fragrance make it excellent for culinary use. It also offers ornamental value in mass plantings, hedges, or containers.

‘Tuscan Blue’ Rosemary

‘Tuscan Blue’ rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Tuscan Blue’) is a popular choice among types of rosemary. It has a vigorous, upright growth habit. This variety can reach 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. It features aromatic, needle-like, dark green foliage. You will enjoy its deep blue flowers, which bloom from winter to spring. ‘Tuscan Blue’ is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. You can use its aromatic leaves to flavor meats, vegetables, and breads. This upright rosemary is excellent for hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant. You can even train it as a topiary.

‘Miss Jessup’ Rosemary

‘Miss Jessup’s Upright’ rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Miss Jessup’s Upright’) stands out with its distinct columnar, upright growth pattern. This variety typically grows 4 to 5 feet tall and spreads 2 to 3 feet wide. It has abundant, narrow, needle-like leaves. You will notice pretty bluish-white or purple-blue flowers in spring and early summer. This strong-growing rosemary needs minimal pruning to maintain its tidy shape. It is a tough plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. You can use ‘Miss Jessup’ for culinary purposes. It is also ideal for training as a topiary standard or for creating formal herb garden borders.

‘Spice Island’ Rosemary

‘Spice Island’ rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Spice Island’) is another upright variety. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. This broadleaf evergreen herb features narrow, deep green foliage with curious gray undersides. You will see blue flowers in spring. Its leaves have a sharp taste and pungent fragrance, making them very flavorful for cooking, drying, and seasoning. ‘Spice Island’ is one of the hardy rosemary varieties. It is deer resistant and tolerant of drought and salt. You can use it in beds, borders, hedges, or containers. Its fine texture distinguishes it in the landscape.

‘Pine Scented’ Rosemary

Many rosemary plant types possess a distinct, strong, and somewhat pine-like aroma. This scent comes from the essential oils within its needle-like leaves. When you crush the leaves, they release this sharp, pungent fragrance. This pine-like quality makes rosemary a complementary ingredient in many cooked dishes. You can use it fresh or dried to season roasted meats, potatoes, stews, and breads. Historically, rosemary was a key ingredient in early perfumes. Today, you find rosemary oil in perfumes, shampoos, and aromatherapy products. This characteristic scent is a hallmark of many types of rosemary.

‘Prostratus’ Rosemary

‘Prostratus’ rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’), also known as trailing rosemary or creeping rosemary, is a low-growing variety. It typically reaches 1 to 2 feet in height and spreads 2 to 6 feet wide. This creeping rosemary varieties forms a dense, ground-hugging mat. Its narrow, green, needle-like foliage has a striking two-tone effect, with a deep green upper surface and silvery-white underside. You will see dainty spikes of lilac purple or pale blue flowers from early spring through summer. ‘Prostratus’ is resilient, tolerating hot, dry summers and cold snaps with good drainage. It is deer-resistant and tolerant of urban pollution. You can use this trailing rosemary as groundcover, for cascading over walls or containers, or in rock gardens. Its leaves are excellent for culinary use.

‘Huntington Carpet’ Rosemary

‘Huntington Carpet’ rosemary is a dense groundcover variety with a low spreading, creeping habit. It typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and spreads 3 to 9 feet wide. This trailing rosemary features narrow, green, needle-like foliage. You will see lovely deep blue or powder-blue blossoms from early February to mid-May. This variety was developed by Huntington Botanical Garden. It plunges steeply over vertical drops, staying tight to wall faces. It is very drought tolerant and resistant to deer. You can use ‘Huntington Carpet’ as an outstanding evergreen groundcover. It cascades beautifully over rock walls and makes a great ‘spiller’ plant in large containers. Its leaves are also suitable for culinary use.

‘Blue Boy’ Rosemary

‘Blue Boy’ rosemary is one of the tiniest rosemary plants. It is a small, compact variety with a prostrate, trailing habit. It grows 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads 18 to 24 inches wide. This creeping rosemary features fragrant evergreen leaves and edible blue flowers. It is a long bloomer. ‘Blue Boy’ is a sturdy, slow-growing, and evergreen plant. It resists heat and drought. This is one of the hardy rosemary varieties that thrives in zones 8 through 10. You can use its tiny leaves in culinary applications. Its small size makes it perfect for ground cover, garden edging, or container planting. Its flowers also attract bees.

Essential Care for Rosemary Plants

Proper care helps your rosemary thrive. You must understand these essential steps for successful rosemary cultivation.

Sun Exposure

You must provide your rosemary plants with ample sunlight. Rosemary needs a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. It should be in full sun for most of the day. Minimal shade is best. This ideal sun exposure helps your rosemary grow strong.

Soil and Drainage

Proper soil and drainage are vital for healthy rosemary. Rosemary prefers well-drained soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 allows efficient nutrient absorption. You can check your soil’s pH. If it is too acidic, add lime. If it is too alkaline, add peat moss. The ideal soil composition for growing rosemary plants includes:

Watering Needs

Watering correctly is a key part of rosemary plant care. Rosemary prefers drier conditions. You should water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Watch for signs of improper watering:

Pruning Techniques

Pruning helps your rosemary stay healthy and bushy. You should prune after the plant flowers. Remove dead or woody stems. You can also shape the plant. Regular pruning encourages new growth. This keeps your rosemary productive.

Overwintering Tips

Protecting your rosemary during winter is important, especially for non-cold-hardy rosemary varieties. Even some hardy rosemary varieties benefit from extra protection in very cold climates. Here are effective methods for overwintering:

• Double-pot method: Place the rosemary pot inside a larger pot. Fill the space between them with loose insulating leaves. Oak leaves work well. This stabilizes root temperatures.

• Insulating leaves: Use a thick layer of oak leaves around the base of the plant. This acts as a ‘comforter’ against freezing and thawing. Apply after the ground freezes.

• Burlap wrapping: Loosely wrap burlap around a potted rosemary. Leave room for insulating leaves. For in-ground plants, stake burlap on four sides to create a box. Then fill it with insulating leaves.

• Lifting pots off cold surfaces: If your container sits on a cold surface like cement, use bricks to elevate the pot. This prevents direct contact with the cold ground.

Rosemary Uses and Selection

You can choose rosemary plants for many purposes. Understanding these uses helps you select the right variety. Rosemary offers both practical and aesthetic benefits. You will find many uses for rosemary, from flavoring food to enhancing your garden. It also provides health benefits of rosemary.

Best for Culinary Delights

Many rosemary varieties enhance your cooking. You can use their aromatic leaves to flavor various dishes. When you are cooking with rosemary, you want varieties known for their robust taste. Here are some of the best culinary kinds:

• Common Rosemary: This widely recognized variety grows 4-6 feet tall. You frequently use it in cooking. It has broader leaves and a slightly milder flavor.

• Tuscan Blue: This popular cultivar offers intense flavor and aroma. Its larger leaves make it an excellent choice for culinary applications.

• Spice Island: This upright variety reaches up to 6 feet. It has a robust, Mediterranean-like flavor. It is ideal for traditional dishes like Italian pasta or Spanish paella.

• Benenden Blue: This compact variety (2-3 feet tall) has a more intense flavor than common rosemary. It features narrow, silvery-blue leaves.

• Hill Hardy: This cold-resistant cultivar maintains the classic rosemary flavor and aroma. It suits cooler climates.

• Golden Rain: This unique variety has bright yellow leaves and a milder flavor. You might prefer it for a more subtle taste.

• Prostrate Rosemary: This low-growing, spreading variety has a slightly milder flavor. You can still use it in cooking.

• Capri: This dwarf cultivar of prostrate rosemary has a trailing habit. Its flavor is similar to common rosemary. Its leaves are suitable for various culinary dishes.

Ideal for Landscaping

Rosemary plants are excellent for landscaping. They add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor spaces. You can use them as hedges, ground cover, or accent plants. Landscaping with rosemary plants offers low maintenance and drought tolerance.

• Upright varieties make good, informal hedges.

  • ‘Gorizia’: This variety grows to 5 feet tall and wide. It has large leaves.

  • ‘Tuscan Blue’: This variety has strong, upright stems. It can reach 7 feet or more.

  • ‘Salem’: This variety grows to about 4 or 5 feet. It features dark blue flowers.

  • ‘Arp’: This variety is winter hardy. It grows to about 5 feet.

• Prostrate varieties look best in pots or cascading over walls. You can also use them in rock gardens. You can shape them with selective pruning. For the best-looking prostrate rosemary, consider ‘Blue Boy’.

• Creeping Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’) is a low-growing, spreading variety. It is perfect for ground cover, hanging baskets, or container gardening. Its spreading habit works well along pathways. It adds texture and fragrance to landscapes. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant groundcover.

Growing in Containers

You can successfully grow rosemary in containers. This allows you to move plants indoors during cold weather.

• Pot Selection: Choose pots with several drainage holes. Terra cotta pots are good. They offer aesthetic appeal and better temperature regulation. The pot should be at least 12 inches across and 10 to 12 inches deep.

• Soil Mix: Use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. Combine it with sand to enhance drainage. An ideal ratio is 70% potting mix to 30% sand.

• Watering: Potted rosemary plants need frequent watering. The soil in the pot should not dry out completely. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Overwintering/Indoor Care: Move rosemary indoors before temperatures drop in colder climates. Place plants in a sunny window or under a grow light. Mist the foliage several times a week for humidity. Avoid placing them near heat sources.

• Pest Management: Rosemary is generally not prone to many pests. Aphids or spider mites can occur. Use insecticidal soap to manage these pests.

• Hardening Off: When you move plants back outside in spring, harden them off first. This helps them adjust to outdoor conditions.

You have now explored the wide range of rosemary varieties. Each offers unique characteristics. Matching the right type of rosemary to your specific growing conditions and desired uses is crucial. We encourage you to experiment with different varieties. Find your perfect rosemary plant. Growing this versatile and fragrant herb is a truly rewarding experience.

FAQ

What is the best way to water rosemary?

You should water rosemary deeply. Then, let the soil dry out completely between waterings. This prevents root rot. Overwatering is a common mistake.

What kind of soil does rosemary need?

Rosemary thrives in well-drained soil. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). You can add sand to improve drainage. This helps your plant grow strong.

What are the benefits of pruning rosemary?

Pruning helps your rosemary stay healthy. It encourages new growth. You can also shape the plant. Prune after the plant flowers.

Can you grow rosemary indoors?

Yes, you can grow rosemary indoors. Place it in a sunny window. You can also use a grow light. Mist the leaves for humidity.

What is the most cold-hardy rosemary variety?

‘Arp’ rosemary is one of the most cold-hardy varieties. It tolerates colder temperatures well. This makes it a good choice for many climates.