Creeping Rosemary Plant

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun and needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can survive in partial shade, you will notice thinner growth and fewer of those signature blue flowers if it does not get enough heat and light.
• Soil: Creeping Rosemary demands excellent drainage and prefers gritty or sandy soil. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised bed or a container to prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Rosemary deeply once or twice a week to help the roots reach deep into the soil. Once the plant is mature and established, it is highly drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during long dry spells. Inconsistent watering or overly wet soil will cause the lower leaves to yellow and drop, so let the top two inches of soil dry out completely between sessions.

Pruning Tips

Since Rosemary blooms on old wood, the best time to prune is immediately after the spring flowering cycle is finished. Think of pruning like a light haircut to maintain the shape and encourage a dense, carpet like growth habit. Avoid cutting back into the thick, woody stems where you don't see any green needles, as the plant may struggle to sprout new growth from that old wood.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as new growth begins to appear. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, because this encourages tender new growth that will easily be damaged by the first frost. A light layer of compost around the base of the plant each spring is often all the extra nutrition this Mediterranean native needs.