Gray Rosemary Plant Care

Gray Rosemary (Conradina canescens) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Conradina genus. Gray Rosemary is native to the southeastern United States. Gray Rosemary is also known as Gray False Rosemary, False Rosemary.

Gray Rosemary displays a low mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Gray Rosemary produces small purple tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gray Rosemary every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Gray Rosemary thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Conradina canescens tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Gray Rosemary prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Gray Rosemary to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gray Rosemary every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gray Rosemary is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Gray Rosemary can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Gray Rosemary while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Gray Rosemary is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Gray Rosemary can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cumberland rosemary plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Gray Rosemary is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Gray Rosemary grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Gray Rosemary is native to the southeastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Gray Rosemary as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.