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Rosemary, Trailing
Rosemary, Weeping
Salvia rosmarinus 'Prostrata'
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus', commonly called trailing or prostrate rosemary, is a low-growing, evergreen rosemary selection prized for its cascading habit and aromatic foliage. While not a Texas native, it is very well adapted to much of the state when planted in well-drained soils and full sun. Its fine-textured, needle-like leaves are highly fragrant and useful both ornamentally and culinarily.
In the Texas landscape, trailing rosemary is most often used as a groundcover, spiller over walls or containers, or along slopes where good drainage is essential. It typically reaches 1–2 feet tall and spreads 4–6 feet wide, forming a dense mat over time. When planted in mass, spacing 3–4 feet apart allows plants to knit together without crowding. Pale blue to lavender flowers appear primarily in late winter through spring, with lighter repeat blooming possible during mild seasons.
Trailing rosemary prefers alkaline to neutral soils and thrives in rocky or sandy sites where water drains quickly. Poor drainage is its biggest enemy, especially during cold or wet winters. Full sun is required for best form and flowering, and reflected heat is well tolerated once established. Deer tolerance is high, and the plant is considered non-toxic, though the aromatic oils can cause mild skin irritation for sensitive individuals during handling.
In colder parts of Texas, trailing rosemary may experience dieback during hard freezes, especially when temperatures drop below the low 20s. Planting in protected locations and avoiding excess winter moisture greatly improves survival. Established plants are more cold-hardy and often reshoot from the base in spring if damaged.
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Raised Beds |
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Ground Cover |
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Herb Garden |
Flower Color:Blue
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Height:1-2 Feet
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Spread:4-6 Feet
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Spacing:3-4 feet
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Interesting Notes
Scientific name changed to Salvia rosmarinus from Rosmarinus officinalis.
USDA Hardiness Zone 8b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| ROS-PRO-05 |
#005 ROSEMARY, TRAILING |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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