Lamiaceae
Rosemary: Aromatic Plant
Salvia rosmarinus
Rosemary thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers to dry out between waterings.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
-5° - 35°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Salvia rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is a member of the sage family Lamiaceae. It is highly valued for its aromatic foliage and culinary...
Rosemary grows up to 1.5m, with spread of 120cm, watering every 10 days, -5°C – 35°C, 30–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Rosemary tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Rosemary is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for Rosemary?
TLDR: Rosemary needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -5-35°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Rosemary?
Water deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry. Overwatering is the most common cause of death.
How Much Light Does Rosemary Need?
Requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, place in a south-facing window.
What Is the Best Soil for Rosemary?
Prefers sandy or gravelly soil with excellent drainage. Avoid heavy clay that retains moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for Rosemary?
Terracotta pots are highly recommended to allow the soil to breathe and prevent root rot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Rosemary and Where Does It Come From?
Salvia rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is a member of the sage family Lamiaceae. It is highly valued for its aromatic foliage and culinary versatility.
How to Propagate Rosemary?
Softwood Cuttings
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity during rooting
- 1 Take Cuttings
Cut a 10-15cm non-flowering stem from the new growth of a healthy plant.
- 2 Prepare Stem
Strip the leaves from the bottom 5cm of the cutting.
- 3 Planting
Dip the end in rooting hormone and plant in a mix of perlite and peat moss.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Rosemary Grow?
TLDR: Rosemary can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
1.2m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Medicinal Uses
- Memory and concentration enhancement
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Digestive aid
- Scalp health and hair growth
Culinary Uses
- Seasoning for roasted meats
- Flavoring for breads and focaccia
- Infused oils and vinegars
- Herbal teas
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Rosemary?
TLDR: Rosemary is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Gray Mold (Botrytis Blight)
Gray mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most common fungal diseases in plants. It affects over 200 plant species, including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, and houseplants. The disease thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation, causing grayish spots and soft rot on infected tissues.
Meaning & Symbolism
Rosemary is the ancient symbol of remembrance, fidelity, and luck.
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| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
