Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
Quick Care Guide
Prune: Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage new growth
Sunlight: Needs 6+ hours of full sun
Water: Weekly, allow soil to dry between waterings
Fertilize: Feed once a month during growing season
Leaves: Aromatic, needle-like, and evergreen
Flowers: Small, lavender-blue flowers in spring and summer
Pruning
Rosemary benefits from regular pruning to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Trim the plant back in early spring to encourage new growth, and remove any dead or damaged stems. Light pruning can be done throughout the year to control its size. Avoid cutting into the woody stems as this may hinder regrowth. Regular trimming also helps stimulate more aromatic growth.
Sunlight
Rosemary thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It prefers bright, open spaces and can tolerate some heat, making it ideal for sunny garden spots or even containers placed outdoors.
Watering
Water rosemary when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering. It is drought-tolerant once established, and its roots prefer to dry out between waterings. Be sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. Rosemary does not like “wet feet” and should not sit in soggy soil.
Leaves
Rosemary leaves are needle-like, evergreen, and highly aromatic. They are a deep green on top with a lighter green, almost silvery underside. The leaves have a strong fragrance that is characteristic of the herb and is often used in cooking for flavoring meats, potatoes, and breads.
Fertilization
Fertilize rosemary once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can result in lush, but weak growth. For an extra boost, you can use a fertilizer low in nitrogen to promote healthy, aromatic foliage.
Flowers
Rosemary produces small, pale lavender-blue flowers, typically in the spring and early summer. These flowers are not only attractive but also attract pollinators like bees, which benefit the garden. The blooms are small but abundant, creating a subtle, lovely display on the plant.