Rosemary Plant Plant Care

Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Salvia rosmarinus, synonym Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and purple or sometimes white, pink, or blue flowers. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae.

🌿Shrubs🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

30–70%

What Is the Rosemary Plant?

Rosemary Plant (Rosmarinus officinalis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Rosmarinus genus. Rosemary Plant is also known as Rosemary, Common Rosemary.

Rosemary Plant displays a compact, aromatic shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 inches tall with a spread of approximately 3 inches. Rosemary Plant produces small, two-lipped, blue to purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Rosemary Plant?

Rosmarinus officinalis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Rosemary Plant Need?

Rosemary Plant thrives in full sun light conditions. The optimal light range is 2000–10000 lux. Avoid placing Rosemary Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Full sun

2000–10000 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rosemary Plant Prefer?

Rosmarinus officinalis grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. Rosemary Plant prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

30–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rosemary Plant?

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

How Do You Repot a Rosemary Plant?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Rosemary Plant?

Rosemary Plant can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

Is the Rosemary Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?

Non-Toxic

Non-toxic to humans and pets

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rosemary Plant?

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

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rosemary Plant Need?

Rosemary Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Rosemary Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Rosemary Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Rosmarinus genus — compare its care with other Rosmarinus species on PlantoScan.

Rosemary Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Identify Plants Like the
Rosemary Plant Instantly

Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.

Download on the App Store

Free

to download

89%

accuracy

5.0

App Store

200K+

species