Rosemary: The Woody Perennial That Survives Drought
Rosemary is a woody perennial herb that thrives in hot, dry conditions. It’s slow to grow from seed but lives for years. Excellent for containers.
Rosemary is more like a shrub than a herb. It grows 2-4 feet tall and lives 5-10 years.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 14-21 |
| Days to harvest | 90-120 |
| Sun | 6-8 hours |
| Spacing | 24 inches |
| Lifespan | Perennial (5-10 years) |
| Flavor | Piney, resinous |
Why Grow It
- Perennial shrub. Lives for years.
- Drought-tolerant. Thrives in neglect.
- Winter interest. Evergreen in mild climates.
- Versatile. Lamb, chicken, roasted vegetables.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Overwatering. Root rot. #1 killer. Failure 2: Poor drainage. Needs sandy soil. Failure 3: Cold. Dies below 15°F in containers.
Comparison
| Variety | Habit | Cold Tolerance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upright | 2-4 ft | Moderate | Standard |
| Prostrate | 1-2 ft | Moderate | Ground cover |
| Arp | 3-4 ft | High | Cold-hardiest |
Common Questions
Why is my rosemary dying? Overwatering. Let soil dry completely.
How long does it live? 5-10 years with good drainage.
Can I grow it in a container? Yes. Rosemary loves containers.
Is it cold-hardy? Depends on variety. Arp is hardiest.
How do I harvest? Snip stems. Never more than 1/3 at a time.
Can I root cuttings? Yes. Easier than growing from seed.