Salvia rosmarinus /ˈsælviə roːs.maˈriː.nʊs/
Common name: Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus is a fragrant evergreen shrub in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region. Its needle-like leaves and small blue flowers make it a popular culinary herb and ornamental plant. It was long classified in its own genus, Rosmarinus, before being moved into Salvia in 2017.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low; let soil dry between waterings
Soil
Well-draining, sandy, slightly acidic to neutral
Hardiness
Zones 8–10
Mature height
Up to 1.5 m (5 ft)
Pet safe
Generally non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
Semi-ripe stem cuttings root reliably: take 10-15 cm tips in late summer, remove the lower leaves, and insert into a gritty, free-draining mix kept barely moist and out of direct sun until rooted. Seed germination is slow and erratic, so cuttings are strongly preferred.
Fun facts
- In folklore, rosemary symbolizes remembrance and was worn at weddings and funerals.
- Rosemary can live for decades and is sometimes shaped into hedges or topiary.
- Its Latin name means “dew of the sea,” a nod to its coastal Mediterranean habitat.