Species

groundcover

Creeping Rosemary

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia rosmarinus is an evergreen woody shrub native to the Mediterranean basin, characterized by narrow, needle-like leaves with a highly aromatic oil content. The species produces small, two-lipped tubular flowers in axillary clusters and requires exceptional soil drainage to prevent root rot.

'Prostratus' is a low-growing, cascading selection that forms a dense, ground-hugging carpet or spills over retaining walls. Its stems trail extensively, bearing dark green foliage with densely white-tomentose undersides and pale to medium blue flowers through spring and summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with cascading, dark green foliage and pale blue flowers.

Functions as an effective, highly drought-tolerant groundcover for erosion control on steep slopes.

Attracts native bees, honeybees, and butterflies, while occasionally providing nectar for hummingbirds.

SpeciesSalvia rosmarinusRosemary

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

24"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Amend heavy soils with coarse sand or gravel to ensure rapid, unimpeded drainage.
Space plants four to eight feet apart to accommodate the wide, trailing growth habit.
Water sparingly after establishment, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy, moisture-retaining soils or near irrigated lawns where standing water will trigger lethal root rot. When pruning, never cut back into the old, leafless woody interior, as these bare stems lack dormant buds and will not regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do plant in highly permeable, sandy, or gravelly soils.
Do prune lightly after the spring flowering flush to maintain a dense form.
Do clear away fallen leaves and debris from the base to maximize air circulation.

Don't

Don't overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Don't cut back into old, bare wood that lacks active green leaves.
Don't apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which cause weak, leggy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Groundcover for sunny slopes and embankmentsCascading element over retaining walls or in large containersXeriscape and water-wise Mediterranean gardensErosion control on dry hillsides

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Cistus creticus Thymus vulgaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Creeping Rosemary questions

What zones can Creeping Rosemary grow in?

Creeping Rosemary is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Creeping Rosemary deer resistant?

Yes — Creeping Rosemary is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Creeping Rosemary bloom?

Creeping Rosemary typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Creeping Rosemary need full sun?

Creeping Rosemary does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Creeping Rosemary drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Creeping Rosemary handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.