Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus Group (Trailing Rosemary)
Trailing Rosemary is a low-growing, evergreen herb valued for its aromatic foliage, cascading habit, and soft blue flowers. It is widely used in retaining walls, hanging baskets, slopes, and coastal gardens where a hardy, drought-tolerant groundcover is desired.
The plant produces fine, needle-like leaves in deep green tones with a silvery underside. The foliage is highly fragrant when touched. Small blue to lavender flowers appear along the stems from winter through spring, often continuing intermittently throughout the year in mild climates.
Key Features
Trailing Rosemary is known for its spreading and cascading growth habit, making it ideal for softening edges and covering slopes.
Its aromatic foliage is commonly used for culinary purposes.
It is highly drought tolerant and performs well in coastal and Mediterranean-style gardens.
Growth Habit and Size
This variety grows as a spreading, trailing shrub.
It typically reaches 20 to 50 cm in height, with stems spreading 1 to 2 metres or more. Growth rate is moderate.
Care Requirements
Light
Requires full sun for best growth, fragrance, and flowering.
Watering
Requires regular watering during establishment.
Once established, it is highly drought tolerant.
Allow soil to dry between watering.
Soil
Prefers very well-draining soil and performs well in sandy or rocky conditions.
Temperature and Climate
Suitable for temperate to warm climates. It tolerates heat, coastal exposure, and light frost.
Maintenance
Low maintenance. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages dense growth.
Avoid heavy watering or poorly drained soils.
Minimal fertilising is required.
Common Issues
Poor drainage may lead to root rot.
Can become woody over time if not lightly pruned.
Reduced flowering may occur in shade.
Applications
Trailing Rosemary is suitable for:
Retaining walls and cascading edges
Groundcover and slopes
Herb gardens
Coastal gardens
Hanging baskets and containers
Mediterranean-style landscapes
Its trailing habit and fragrance make it both ornamental and practical.
Specification and Care Chart
| Attribute |
Details |
| Botanical Name |
Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus Group |
| Common Name |
Trailing Rosemary |
| Plant Type |
Evergreen herb / trailing shrub |
| Mature Height |
20 cm to 50 cm |
| Growth Habit |
Spreading, cascading |
| Growth Rate |
Moderate |
| Light Conditions |
Full sun |
| Direct Sunlight |
Required |
| Watering Frequency |
Low once established |
| Soil Type |
Very well-draining, sandy or rocky |
| Drainage Requirement |
Essential |
| Temperature Range |
Temperate to warm |
| Frost Tolerance |
Light frost |
| Drought Tolerance |
High |
| Maintenance Level |
Low |
| Fertiliser |
Minimal |
| Toxicity |
Edible herb |
FAQ – Trailing Rosemary
Is it edible?
Yes, the foliage is commonly used in cooking.
Does it need full sun?
Yes, full sun is essential for best growth.
Is it drought tolerant?
Yes, highly drought tolerant once established.
Can it trail over walls?
Yes, it is ideal for cascading over edges.
Does it flower?
Yes, with blue to lavender flowers.
How big does it grow?
Typically 20 to 50 cm high and up to 2 metres wide.
