Prostrate Rosemary: An All-Time Fragrant Favourite

Also known as Creeping Rosemary, Rosmarinus Officinalis Prostratus is a woody shrub native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. It is ideal if your goal is to create a ground cover that’s engulfed in tiny, purple flowers that also happen to smell delightful. This type of rosemary plant results in dense foliage that emits pine-like scent when swayed. 

The aromatic leaves are needle-like, dark green on top and silver underneath, while the pale-blue lavender flowers typically shine in spring, and even periodically throughout the year. They're also valued for their aromatic benefits and culinary use. Your rosemary will have higher chances of showcasing more periods of blooming when grown in warmer climates. 

How to Plant Prostrate Rosemary?

This form of rosemary thrives in various Australian climates so planting should be simple. Growing a Prostrate Rosemary plant is even easier for those who live in regions with Mediterranean conditions. Here’s how to get started:

• Starting right is important when it comes to planting. As with Creeping Rosemary, the best time to do it is early spring or autumn. 
• The next step is to ensure you have the right soil for it, which, for this herb, must be well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soils. 
• While it can tolerate light shade in hot areas, Prostrate Rosemary likes full sun so place it in sunny locations to ensure growth. 
• Water regularly after planting to establish roots. It’s drought-tolerant once established so you can reduce watering afterwards, except during prolonged dry spells.

Why Should You Buy Rosmarinus Officinalis 'Prostratus’?

Prostrate Rosemary serves many purposes — a culinary and aromatic herb, an appealing landscape plant, a source of soothing fragrance, and a staple in Mediterranean-style gardens. Here are more reasons why this rosemary plant is a remarkable addition when designing your garden: 

• Prostrate Rosemary Ground Cover: Its creeping growth habit makes it excellent for covering ground, cascading over walls, or spilling out of containers — and that’s why it’s also known as Creeping Rosemary.
• Aromatic and Gorgeous: It’s always nice when a garden smells fresh and soothing, plus Prostrate Rosemary’s delicate lavender-blue flowers are easy on the eyes. 
• Drought-Tolerant: It requires minimal watering once established, making it ideal for Australia’s dry conditions.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are loved by bees and butterflies, making your garden a haven of biodiversity.
• Other Uses: The leaves and flowers of Rosmarinus Officinalis Prostratus contain essential oils that we all know to be relaxing. They're also used as a culinary herb.

How to Care for Prostrate Rosemary?

If you’re a beginner, fret not, caring for Prostrate Rosemary is easy. Just follow these steps for a healthy plant:

• Water sparingly after the plant is established. This plant thrives in dry conditions and should be allowed to dry out between watering.
• A light, all-purpose fertiliser in spring can help foster new growth. However, it’s worth noting that over-fertilising can lessen its aromatic potential. 
• Light pruning helps maintain its shape, which you can do after flowering to promote bushier growth.
• It can help to add a layer of mulch around the base to preserve moisture, especially during the hotter months, but keep the mulch away from the plant’s base to avoid rot.

Things to Consider When Growing Prostrate Rosemary

While Prostrate Rosemary is generally easy to grow, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Drainage, for starters, is an important issue. Since it doesn’t tolerate soggy soil, make sure that the planting area has great drainage to prevent rot. 

For those in regions that get extremely cold weather, Rosmarinus Officinalis Prostratus can deal with mild frost but it will need protection when it gets too cold. Consider moving potted plants to a sheltered location if covering isn’t enough. 

Treating Prostrate Rosemary for Signs of Diseases and Pests

Fortunately, Prostrate Rosemary is generally pest-resistant. Occasionally, however, it can still suffer from powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Good air circulation helps prevent this issue.

Where Can I Buy Rosmarinus Officinalis 'Prostratus’?

Looking to add a Prostrate Rosemary plant into your garden? Local Botanist is here to deliver the best collection of indoor and outdoor plants, Rosmarinus Officinalis Prostratus being one of our offerings.

If you’re ready to start planting and enhancing your garden, you can buy this gorgeous, aromatic shrub right here and we’ll deliver it right to your doorstep. You can also discover the garden style that's right for you by taking our Garden Style Quiz. Happy planting! 

Companion Plants for Prostrate Rosemary

Mediterranean and drought-tolerant plants will vibe with Rosmarinus Officinalis Prostratus. With these suggestions below, imagine a harmonious and fragrant garden oasis in your home. 

• Lavender: Lavender’s purple blooms complement Prostrate Rosemary’s blue flowers. Even better, both thrive in similar growing conditions.
• Thyme: Rosmarinus Officinalis Prostratus is a popular aromatic herb so you might as well throw another one that also prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
• Sage: This plant is a great choice if you’re looking to add variety in both form and function.
• Euphorbia: Its bright green foliage, when planted alongside Prostrate Rosemary, creates a clashing of aesthetics that somehow makes your garden look more regal.