Overview

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' is a bushy, columnar upright shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, rock gardens and borders. It is native to Portugal Continental.

About

Salvia rosmarinus, synonym Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and purple or sometimes white, pink, or blue flowers. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Rosemary

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0Salvia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight
full sun
Soil type
well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
dry to medium
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
full sun
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
shrub
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
groundcover, rock gardens, borders
Native to
Portugal Continental
Fragrance
aromatic, rosemary scent

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation
cuttings
Pest resistance
Rosemary beetle, Cuckoo spit, Sage leafhopper, Tortrix moth, Scale insects
Disease resistance
Honey fungus, Powdery mildews, Verticillium wilt, Foot and root rots

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'?

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' need?

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'?

Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Is Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' hardy in the UK?

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'?

Cuttings.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia