Cold-hardy Rosemary
Meet 'Arp', the cold-hardy champion of the rosemary world that laughs at winter temperatures down to 10°F. This rugged herb stands tall at 3-4 feet with stiff, upright growth and gray-green needle-like foliage that releases a clean, piney fragrance at the slightest touch. Thriving in zones 6-10, Arp produces soft blue blooms in spring while delivering exceptional hardiness that makes it one of the toughest rosemary varieties available. Though sources vary on its ultimate height potential, ranging from 4 to 6 feet, this evergreen beauty takes a full year to establish its bearing potential.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-8
72in H x 36in W
Perennial
Moderate
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What sets Arp apart is its remarkable cold tolerance, surviving temperatures that would kill most other rosemary varieties. The gray-green foliage carries not just the classic piney rosemary scent but also hints of lemony brightness that adds complexity to its aromatic profile. This variety combines the best of both worlds: exceptional hardiness for northern gardeners and the full flavor intensity that makes Mediterranean herbs so prized in the kitchen. Its upright, structured growth habit makes it equally valuable as a landscape specimen, fragrant border plant, or neatly trimmed hedge.
Arp rosemary excels in both culinary and landscape applications, bringing evergreen charm and intense flavor to any space. In the kitchen, its robust piney fragrance with lemony notes makes it perfect for seasoning roasted meats, vegetables, and Mediterranean dishes. Beyond cooking, this variety shines in crafting applications, offering fragrant material for wreaths and potpourri. Its structured growth habit and attractive blue spring blooms make it equally valuable as a landscape plant, whether grown as a fragrant border, shaped into a formal hedge, or featured as an architectural specimen in garden design.
Harvest rosemary sprigs year-round once the plant is established, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the plant at any time. The aromatic oils are most concentrated in the morning after the dew has dried, making this the ideal time for harvesting the most flavorful stems for culinary use.
Prune lightly after the spring flowering period to maintain the plant's natural upright shape and encourage fresh growth. Light trimming helps prevent the woody growth that can make older rosemary plants less productive and attractive.
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