Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus (Prostrata Group) 'Capri' (Ro)
ABOUT
The 'Capri' variety of rosemary is a delightful plant characterized by its aromatic, needle-like leaves that are rich green in color and possess a svelte, glossy finish that can catch the light beautifully. The leaves emit a strong, pine-like fragrance when bruised or brushed against, adding a sensory experience to its visual charm. Throughout the blooming season, this rosemary variety is adorned with delicate flowers that can vary in color from light to deep blue, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The flowers appear in small, clustered whorls that add a splash of contrasting color against the dark green foliage. The plant's growth habit tends to be spreading, creating a cascading effect that is particularly attractive when planted in areas where it can drape or trail. The stems are woody and sturdy, providing a stable structure for the evergreen foliage and blossoms. Overall, the 'Capri' rosemary's appearance is that of a robust, versatile plant with decorative foliage and charming flowers, bringing an element of Mediterranean flair to the setting where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Creeping Rosemary, Prostrate Rosemary, Ground Cover Rosemary
Common names
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus', Rosmarinus prostratus, Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Rosemary, including the variety Salvia rosmarinus (Prostrata Group) 'Capri', is generally considered safe for human consumption when used in amounts typically found in cooking. However, consuming large quantities of rosemary can potentially lead to side effects such as vomiting, spasm, coma, and in some cases, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Consuming rosemary oil or other concentrated extracts can be particularly harmful and should be avoided.
To pets
Rosemary is not considered highly toxic to pets. However, in some cases, pets such as dogs and cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume a large amount of the herb. Typically, rosemary is used safely in small amounts as a flavoring in pet foods. If a pet consumes a large amount or the concentrated essential oil, it could potentially lead to more serious symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary use: Rosemary is a popular herb in cooking, known for its fragrant, pungent flavor that complements a variety of dishes, especially meats and vegetables.
- Aesthetic appeal: 'Capri' rosemary features attractive, needle-like foliage and a trailing habit, making it a popular choice for ornamental garden beds, borders, and hanging baskets.
- Drought tolerance: Rosemary is well-suited to dry conditions and is an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, requiring less irrigation once established.
- Pest resistance: This plant is known to be resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pest controls.
- Easy propagation: Rosemary can be easily propagated from stem cuttings, allowing gardeners to create new plants without the need for seeds.
- Low maintenance: As a hardy perennial, rosemary requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of rosemary attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, which are important for the health of many plants.
- Evergreen: Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, providing year-round visual interest and greenery in the garden or landscape.
- Herbal uses: While not medical, rosemary is often used in herbal applications for its scent and in traditional crafts such as wreath-making or as a natural potpourri component.
- Erosion control: The 'Prostrata Group' varieties, like 'Capri', can help prevent erosion in sloped areas of the garden due to their trailing and spreading habit.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant potential: Contains compounds that may protect cells from oxidative damage.
- Antimicrobial activity: May inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Compounds within might reduce inflammation in the body.
- Cognitive enhancement: Aromatherapy with its essential oil may improve concentration and memory.
- Gastroprotective effects: May help in protecting the stomach lining and easing digestion.
- Antispasmodic action: Potentially relieves spasms in the digestive system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Wood Preservative: Rosemary's essential oils can be used to protect wooden furniture and structures from rot and pest infestations.
- Companion Planting: Planting rosemary in the garden can help repel pests and attract pollinators, which is beneficial for nearby plants.
- Moth Repellent: Dried rosemary can be placed in wardrobes or drawers to help repel moths and keep clothes fresh.
- Memory Enhancer: Rosemary has been traditionally associated with memory; students in ancient Greece would wear rosemary garlands during exams.
- Cooking Tool: Rosemary stems can be stripped of their leaves and used as flavorful skewers for grilling meat or vegetables.
- Flavorful Smoke: Dried rosemary can be added to a grill to create a fragrant smoke that adds flavor to barbecued foods.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried rosemary combined with other dried herbs and flowers can be used to create a natural and fragrant potpourri.
- Fish Preservation: In historical times, rosemary was used to pack fresh fish for preservation due to its strong scent and antimicrobial properties.
- Natural Dye: The leaves of the rosemary plant can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Symbolic Use: Rosemary is often used in weddings and remembrance ceremonies to symbolize love and memories, often included in bouquets or decor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rosemary plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRosemary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Remembrance: Rosemary historically is associated with memory and remembrance, often used at funerals and memorials to honor the departed.
- Fidelity: It is also a symbol of fidelity and was traditionally used in wedding ceremonies to represent the loyalty between partners.
- Purification: In folklore, rosemary is thought to have cleansing properties, used to purify and protect homes.
- Friendship: Rosemary can signify friendship, suggesting the strengthening and deepening of relationships over time.
- Healing: Being a medicinal herb, the plant is often seen as a symbol for healing both physical and emotional wounds.
WaterFor the rosemary 'Capri', water it thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This usually means watering roughly once a week, but adjust frequency according to temperature and season, as plants need more water during hot, dry periods and less during cool, wetter periods. An average amount would be about one gallon per watering for an outdoor plant, but be sure to moisten the soil fully without making it waterlogged. As a Mediterranean herb, rosemary prefers drier conditions, so it's essential to not overwater.
LightRosemary 'Capri' thrives best in full sun and should be placed in a spot where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal location would allow for morning sun which is less intense, ensuring the plant gets adequate light without the stress of the midday heat. Avoid locations that are too shaded, as this can lead to poor growth and decreased flavor of the herb.
TemperatureRosemary 'Capri' does well in a variety of temperatures but prefers a range between 55°F and 80°F for optimal growth. The plant is hardy and can survive temporary dips as low as 30°F but should be protected or brought indoors if sustained cold below this temperature is expected. Conversely, prolonged heat above 90°F might induce stress, so providing some afternoon shade in extremely hot regions can be beneficial.
PruningPruning rosemary 'Capri' encourages bushy growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody. It's best pruned in early spring or after flowering by trimming up to one-third of the growth to maintain its shape and remove dead or weak stems. Occasional light pruning or harvesting sprigs for culinary use can be done throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCreeping Rosemary ('Capri') requires well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingCreeping Rosemary ('Capri') generally needs to be repotted every 1 to 2 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound. It is best to repot during spring or early summer, which allows the plant to establish in the new container before the colder months.
Humidity & MistingCreeping Rosemary ('Capri') prefers a dry and low humidity environment. It thrives in conditions that resemble its native Mediterranean climate. Excessive humidity may lead to fungal diseases, so ensuring good air circulation around the plant is essential for its health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Creeping Rosemary in bright light, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleRosmarinus officinalis 'Prostrata' (now Salvia rosmarinus 'Prostrata' Capri) begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or cuttings are taken from a parent plant, initiating the germination or rooting stage. Once the seeds germinate or cuttings establish roots, the plant enters the vegetative growth phase, developing a sprawling mat of woody stems, needle-like leaves, and a deep root system. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing small, pale blue to white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators, usually between late winter and spring. After pollination occurs, the plant can produce small, dry fruits containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, the rosemary may experience several blooming cycles, especially in regions with conducive climates. Pruning is often necessary to maintain its shape and encourage new growth, while the plant can live for several years if it is well cared for and growing conditions are optimal.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Rosemary 'Capri', which is a member of the Salvia rosmarinus (Prostrata Group), is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is typically employed in late summer. To do this, select healthy, non-flowering shoots from the current year's growth and cut them into lengths of 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters). Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to promote root development. Then, insert the cuttings into a pot filled with a mix of equal parts peat and perlite or coarse sand to provide good drainage. The container should be kept in a warm, shaded area and the substrate should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually form within 6 to 8 weeks, after which the new rosemary plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
