Cape Rosemary Plant Care

Cape Rosemary (Eriocephalus racemosus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Eriocephalus genus. Cape Rosemary is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Cape Rosemary is also known as Achillea fasciculata, Eriocephalus corymbosus, Eriocephalus frutescens.

Cape Rosemary displays a low shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cape Rosemary produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape Rosemary every 10–14 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.

Cape Rosemary thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Eriocephalus racemosus tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cape Rosemary prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Cape Rosemary to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape 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 mix with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape Rosemary is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Cape Rosemary can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Cape 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.

Cape Rosemary is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cape Rosemary can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to eriocephalus klinghardtensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cape Rosemary is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.

Cape Rosemary grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cape Rosemary is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cape Rosemary as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.