Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus Prostrata Group (Ro)
ABOUT
Salvia rosmarinus Prostrata Group, commonly known as creeping rosemary, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with a spreading habit. The plant is characterized by its linear, needle-like leaves that are rich green on top and paler beneath. These slender leaves are often aromatic, releasing a distinctive fragrance reminiscent of pine when crushed or brushed against. Throughout the year, creeping rosemary bears clusters of small, pale blue to violet flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The contrast of the flowers against the dense, leathery foliage provides a visually appealing display, which makes it a popular choice for ground cover, rock gardens, or cascading over walls and containers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Creeping Rosemary, Prostrate Rosemary, Trailing Rosemary.
Common names
Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus, Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Rosemary is generally considered safe for human consumption as a culinary herb in typical food quantities. However, consuming large amounts of the essential oil or very large quantities of the foliage might cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Rosemary is not typically toxic to pets and is often used in pet foods as a natural preservative. However, in very rare cases or in large amounts, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Essential oils derived from Rosemary should still be used with caution around pets, especially cats, as they can be more sensitive to the compounds in essential oils.
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 Usage: Rosemary is commonly used as a flavoring in foods, such as stuffing and roast meats.
- Aromatic Properties: The plant emits a pleasing fragrance, making it a popular choice for gardens and aromatic oils.
- Landscape Design: Its prostrate or creeping growth habit makes it suitable for ground cover, rock gardens, and as a decorative edge for borders.
- Drought Resistance: Rosemary is known for its ability to withstand dry conditions once established, requiring minimal watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of rosemary attract bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the health of the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It is a hardy plant that requires little care once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Erosion Control: Rosemary's root system helps to stabilize soil, making it a good choice for sloping sites and preventing soil erosion.
- Culinary Preservative: Rosemary has natural preservative properties and can be used to enhance the shelf life of certain foods.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity - Rosemary contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid that have been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body's cells from damage by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory properties - Certain components in rosemary, including carnosic acid, have been identified with anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Cognitive enhancement - Traditionally, rosemary has been associated with memory improvement, and research has shown it may have positive effects on cognitive function and brain health.
- Antimicrobial effects - Rosemary extracts have been found to have antimicrobial properties, which can help in fighting off certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Neuroprotective effects - Research suggests that rosemary may have neuroprotective qualities, possibly offering benefits in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
- Anticancer potential - Some studies have indicated that the compounds in rosemary may have anticancer activity, although this is still an area of ongoing research and not a recognized treatment.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Ro leaves can be boiled to produce an aromatic, essential oil-rich liquid that is sometimes used as a natural fabric dye, imparting a subtle, earthy olive-green color.
- In baking: Ro can be incorporated into doughs for breads or pastries to add a unique flavor and fragrance.
- As a hair rinse: The infused water from boiling Ro leaves can be used as a final hair rinse to add shine and a light fragrance to the hair.
- In pet care: Dried Ro leaves can be sewn into pet bedding to help repel fleas and ticks naturally.
- Decorative wreaths: The hardy and aromatic stems of Ro can be fashioned into wreaths and other decorations that also bring its scent indoors.
- Creating flavored oils: The leaves of Ro can be steeped in oils like olive or coconut to create flavored oils for culinary use.
- As a flavoring in jams and preserves: The leaves impart a unique twist to sweet spreads when infused during the cooking process.
- In homemade candles: The essential oil or dried leaves of Ro can be added to homemade candles for a natural fragrance.
- Companion planting: Ro is sometimes planted in vegetable gardens as it is thought to repel certain pests and attract pollinators.
- In crafts: Ro sprigs can be used to add a fragrant and rustic touch to homemade paper or potpourri mixes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCreeping rosemary is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCreeping rosemary is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Remembrance: Rosemary, including Salvia rosmarinus Prostrata Group, is traditionally associated with remembrance and is often used during memorials or remembrance services.
- Loyalty: In the language of flowers, rosemary represents loyalty, demonstrating the value of steadfastness and faithfulness in relationships.
- Fidelity: Historically, rosemary has been used in weddings to symbolize the bride and groom's commitment to each other.
- Protection: It is believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, often planted or used in rituals for this purpose.
- Healing: Rosemary is known for its health benefits and healing properties, symbolizing the restoration of health.
- Intellectual prowess: Associated with improving memory and focus, rosemary is symbolic of knowledge and mental acuity.
WaterFor Creeping Rosemary, thorough watering is essential, but the frequency should be moderate, allowing the soil to slightly dry between waterings. Typically, during the growing season (spring and summer), you should water the plant every 1 to 2 weeks, using about 1 gallon of water per plant, depending on the size and environmental conditions. In cooler seasons or when it rains, you can reduce watering to every 2 to 3 weeks or whenever the soil is dry to the touch a couple inches below the surface.
LightCreeping Rosemary thrives best in full sun conditions, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is in an open area where it is exposed to unfiltered, natural light for most of the day. Avoid shady locations, as insufficient light can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureCreeping Rosemary prefers a warm climate and is hardy in temperatures that do not usually drop below 20°F. The plant can survive occasional cold down to about 10°F but will thrive best when temperatures stay between 60°F and 80°F. It is important to protect the plant from extreme cold to prevent damage or death.
PruningPruning Creeping Rosemary promotes healthy growth and prevents it from becoming too woody. Prune lightly in the early spring or after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new growth. Annual or biennial pruning is usually sufficient. The best time for pruning is after the risk of frost has passed but before the heat of summer begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCreeping rosemary thrives best in well-drained soil with a mix of two parts potting soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part organic matter like compost. The ideal pH for creeping rosemary soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingCreeping rosemary typically requires repotting every 2-3 years to prevent root-bound conditions and to replenish nutrients in the soil. Young plants may need repotting yearly if they grow quickly.
Humidity & MistingCreeping rosemary prefers a dry to moderate humidity environment and does not tolerate high humidity well. The best humidity level for this plant is between 40 and 60% which is often found in typical home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, don't overwater, protect from drafts.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia rosmarinus 'Prostrata Group', commonly known as Creeping Rosemary, begins its life cycle as a seed, emerging as a tender seedling where light, temperature, and moisture conditions allow. The seedling develops into a vegetative stage, where it establishes a root system and begins to grow its characteristic needle-like leaves and woody stems. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing aromatic blue to lavender flowers, which attract pollinators and can lead to seed formation if pollinated. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, completing the reproductive cycle, while the parent plant continues to grow vegetatively, often becoming a dense, trailing evergreen shrub. Creeping Rosemary is a perennial herb, meaning it can survive for several years, going through multiple flowering and seeding cycles, with the potential to spread and form large mats over time. As the plant ages, it may become woody and less prolific in flowering, eventually reaching a point of senescence where growth slows and the plant may die back, if not rejuvenated by pruning or other horticultural techniques.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
For propagation of the Salvia rosmarinus Prostrata Group, commonly known as the Creeping Rosemary, the most popular method is through stem cuttings. This is usually done in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate Creeping Rosemary, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 3 to 5 inch (about 7.6 to 12.7 cm) portion, making sure it includes several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are then stripped off and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone for better success. This prepared cutting is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one leaf node is below the surface. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm spot with indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, it can be transplanted to its final location.
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