ShrubRosemary
Creeping Rosemary
Prostrate Rosemary
Creeping Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a low-growing evergreen shrub that spreads elegantly across garden beds and containers, reaching just 6-12 inches tall but spreading 24-36 inches wide. Hardy in zones 8-10, this aromatic Mediterranean native features needle-like gray-green foliage and delicate pale blue to white flowers that bloom seasonally. The intensely fragrant leaves serve double duty: they're harvested for culinary use, tea, and traditional purposes, while the plants add ornamental beauty to borders, herb gardens, and patio areas year-round.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
8-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy Loam; Drought Tolerant
Preferred Temp65-80°F
Growth Stats
12 in
Height
36 in
Width
36-48 inches apart
Spacing
—
Days to Harvest
PeriodPerennial
TypeGround Cover
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
8-10
Size
12in H x 36in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
High
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Highlights
Its sprawling habit makes it exceptional as a ground cover in sunny, well-drained spots where most plants struggle. Established plants handle drought remarkably well, thriving on neglect once roots develop. The foliage remains ornamental and fragrant through winter in its hardiness range, and the seasonal flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. Unlike its upright cousins, this creeping form naturally cascades over edges and fills horizontal space without requiring aggressive pruning.
Common Uses
Creeping Rosemary serves as both an ornamental ground cover and culinary herb. The aromatic foliage is harvested for cooking, herbal tea, and traditional preparations like sachets and toiletries. Its low-spreading growth habit makes it particularly valuable for edging pathways, draping over raised beds, or softening the edges of containers and patio plantings.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Late Summer
Care Instructions
Transplant Outdoors
Propagate Creeping Rosemary from cuttings rather than seed. Take cuttings in growing season and root them in well-drained propagating mix. Transplant rooted cuttings outdoors in full sun locations with excellent drainage. Space plants 24-36 inches apart to allow them room to spread.
Harvesting
Harvest the fragrant, needle-like foliage as needed throughout the year for culinary and other uses. The leaves can be picked fresh at any time for immediate use or dried for storage. Pinch off leaf tips and small stems for the most tender growth, or cut longer sprigs if you need larger quantities.
Pruning
Prune Creeping Rosemary after bloom to encourage dense foliage growth and maintain a tidy, spreading form. Plants can be pruned to specific shapes if desired. Because it tends to stay low and spreading naturally, pruning is primarily about tidiness and promoting bushier growth rather than controlling height.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Deer ResistantDrought TolerantAttracts Pollinators
Bloom Time
Seasonal Bloomer
Attracts
Butterflies
Tolerances
DeerDrought
Scientific Classification
Rosmarinus L.
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Rosmarinus
Duration
Perennial
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)