Rosemary prostrate 170mm

Rosemary 'Prostrate', a beautiful and aromatic ground-hugging herb:

🌿 Rosemary 'Prostrate' (Salvia rosmarinus 'Prostratus')

Common Names:
Prostrate Rosemary, Creeping Rosemary, Trailing Rosemary

Botanical Classification:
Previously classified as Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
Now officially under the genus Salvia — Salvia rosmarinus 'Prostratus'

Family:
Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Origin:
Mediterranean region

📏 Physical Description

• Growth Habit:
  A low-growing, spreading form of rosemary that typically grows 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) tall, but can trail up to 1.5–2 meters (5–6.5 feet) wide.
  It has a cascading, trailing habit, making it ideal for walls, hanging baskets, or as ground cover.

• Leaves:
  Evergreen, narrow, needle-like leaves that are dark green on top and silvery-white beneath, highly aromatic when touched.

• Texture:
  Dense, bushy, and semi-woody—stems become woody with age, but new growth stays flexible and soft.

🌸 Flowers

• Bloom Time:
  Spring to early summer, with occasional off-season blooms in warm climates.

• Appearance:
  Small, pale blue to lavender-blue tubular flowers appear along the stems.
  Bees and other pollinators are highly attracted to the blooms.

🌱 Care and Cultivation

• Light:
  Requires full sun—at least 6–8 hours per day for best performance and oil content.

• Watering:
  Drought-tolerant once established.
  Water deeply but infrequently. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

• Soil:
  Thrives in well-draining, sandy or rocky soils.
  Prefers slightly alkaline soil, but tolerates a wide range.

• Temperature:
  Hardy in USDA zones 8–10.
  Can tolerate mild frosts but not extended freezing.
  In Brisbane and similar climates, it grows year-round.

• Humidity:
  Tolerates low humidity and coastal winds well.

• Feeding:
  Very light feeders—optional use of balanced fertilizer once or twice per year.

• Pruning:
  Prune regularly to encourage bushiness, maintain shape, and prevent woodiness.
  Avoid heavy cuts into old wood.

✅ Quick Care Summary

RequirementDetailsLightFull sun (6–8+ hrs/day)WaterDrought-tolerant; water when drySoilWell-drained, sandy, slightly alkalineTemperatureWarm; protect from heavy frostGrowth Habit15–30 cm tall, spreads 1.5–2 m widePruningRegular light pruning after flowering

✅ Uses

• Culinary:
  Leaves can be used fresh or dried in cooking (just like upright rosemary).

• Ornamental:
  Excellent for cascading over retaining walls, sloping banks, garden borders, or raised beds.
  Great in pots or hanging baskets too.

• Pollinator-friendly:
  Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

• Erosion control:
  Its spreading habit makes it useful for ground cover on slopes.

⚠️ Common Issues

• Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

• Woody growth: Happens over time if not regularly pruned.

• Pests/Disease: Generally pest-resistant but may attract aphids or spider mites in very dry conditions.

🪴 Design Tip for Brisbane:

In Brisbane’s subtropical climate, plant it in full sun, ideally in a raised or sloped bed with excellent drainage. It pairs beautifully with lavender, thyme, sedum, or grasses for a Mediterranean-style garden bed or aromatic herb walk.

Let me know if you’d like companion planting ideas or a layout featuring prostrate rosemary!