How to Manage Pests

Rosemary—Rosmarinus officinalis
Family Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Plant Identification

Rosemary is a tough evergreen shrub.  Some are stiff and grow upright.  Others are rounded and grow low to the ground.  Leaves are narrow, glossy green above, and grayish white beneath.  Clusters of mostly blue blossoms are produced in winter and spring and attract birds, butterflies, and bees. 

Optimum conditions for growth

Taller rosemary plants are often planted as hedges or in dry borders.  Smaller plants can be used as ground cover.  Rosemary does best in areas with full sun and requires little to moderate amounts of water.  Provide good drainage.  Prune plant tips when plants are small.  Prune older plants regularly to shape and remove old growth.  Upright plants are generally cold tolerant.  Prostrate species suffer more damage.  In winter snow, wrap upright branches in plastic sheeting leaving the top uncovered to prevent limbs from breaking from the weight of the snow.

Narrow leaves of rosemary

Foliage of rosemary