shrubN. America Native

False Rosemary

The Story

Plant Bio

Conradina canescens, commonly known as false rosemary, is an evergreen, woody shrub native to the coastal dunes and sand scrubs of the southeastern United States. It forms a low-growing, multi-stemmed mound of stiffly erect branches covered in needle-like, silvery-green leaves that release a fragrance of rosemary, mint, and lavender when crushed.

The species is distinguished by its dense coat of fine white hairs that give the foliage a frosted appearance, helping it conserve moisture in harsh, sun-baked environments. In spring and summer, small clusters of two-lipped, lavender-pink flowers with dark purple throat spots emerge from the upper leaf axils.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with its frosted, silvery-green foliage and a profuse display of lavender flowers from spring through fall.

Thrives in sterile, highly alkaline or acidic coastal sands where other ornamental shrubs fail to survive.

Serves as a critical nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other specialized pollinators in coastal ecosystems.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 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.
Excavate a hole in dry, sandy, or coarse soil, ensuring no organic compost or fertilizer is added to the backfill.
Position the plant so the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water from pooling around the stem.
Water sparingly only until established, then rely entirely on natural rainfall.

Pro Tip

Plant in pure sand or gravelly, nutrient-poor soil with exceptional drainage; any organic loam or standing water triggers rapid root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in low-nutrient, sandy soils.
Ensure sharp, rapid drainage.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

Don't

Do not apply fertilizers or organic soil amendments.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy clay soils.
Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal dune stabilizationRock gardensXeriscapingPollinator gardens

Companion Plants

Ceratiola ericoides Pinus palustris Quercus geminata Yucca filamentosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

False Rosemary questions

What zones can False Rosemary grow in?

False 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 False Rosemary deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse False Rosemary, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does False Rosemary bloom?

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

Does False Rosemary need full sun?

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

Is False Rosemary drought tolerant?

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