HerbsRosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen sub-shrub with needle-like deep-green foliage and small blue flowers in spring. The plant gives off a warm, resinous scent and is prized both in the kitchen and the ornamental garden. Rosemary thrives in warm, dry spots and is highly drought-tolerant.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 60–150 cm
- Spread
- 60–120 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 7–10
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- blue
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, preferably alkaline soil. Avoid wet, heavy clay — root rot is the main killer. Water sparingly. In cold winters, protect with fleece or plant against a sheltered south-facing wall.
Pruning tips
Prune lightly after flowering to keep the plant compact. Never cut into old, bare wood — it will not regrow. An annual light shaping is sufficient.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
HerbsThymus vulgaris
Common Thyme
Common thyme is a compact, evergreen herb with small aromatic leaves and pink to white flowers. The plant is indispensable in the herb garden and blooms in June and July, when bees flock to it in droves. Thyme thrives best on dry, lean soil in full sun.
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.