shrub

Jordan's Rosemary

Salvia jordanii

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia jordanii, commonly known as Jordan's rosemary, is an aromatic evergreen woody shrub native to the Mediterranean region of North Africa and southeastern Spain. It forms a dense, compact to spreading mound of deep-green, narrow linear leaves with revolute margins that release a strong fragrance when handled.

The two-lipped flowers feature a deep violet-pink upper lip and a lavender-blue lower lip, held in short whorled clusters surrounded by a distinctively hairy calyx. New growth emerges fresh green and highly aromatic, contrasting with the older woody stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, aromatic evergreen foliage paired with two-toned violet-pink and lavender-blue flowers.

Highly drought-resistant and salt-tolerant, making it ideal for dry, coastal, or low-water landscapes.

Provides a valuable nectar source for native bees and generalist pollinators during spring and summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial shrub

Native To

Mediterranean region (North Africa, southeastern Spain)

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 with light, sandy, or loamy soil that provides exceptional drainage.
Amend heavy soils with coarse grit or plant on a sloped bed to prevent water from pooling around the root zone.
Water sparingly after planting, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings once the root system is established.
Apply a light layer of compost or a low-phosphorus slow-release fertilizer in spring, avoiding high-nitrogen options.

Pro Tip

Amateurs frequently mistake the plant's moisture sensitivity for underwatering; overwatering in rich garden beds quickly triggers fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in neutral to alkaline soils with sharp, rapid drainage.
Trim lightly after the summer flowering period to maintain a compact shape.
Provide full sun exposure to prevent leggy growth and fungal issues.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody wood, as these stems will fail to reshoot.
Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Do not overwater during periods of high summer humidity.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardensRock GardensMediterranean GardensDry BordersXeriscaping

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Cistus Thymus vulgaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Jordan's Rosemary questions

What zones can Jordan's Rosemary grow in?

Jordan's 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.

When does Jordan's Rosemary bloom?

Jordan's 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 Jordan's Rosemary need full sun?

Jordan's Rosemary does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Jordan's Rosemary drought tolerant?

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