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 4.0 — Rosemary
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 4.0 — Salvia
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
- Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

- Rosmarinus prostratus

- Salvia 'Black and Blue'

- Salvia 'Ostfriesland'

- Salvia 'Rose Queen'

- Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

- Salvia bicolorSage

- Salvia forskaohleiSage
