Rosmarinus officinalis Foxtail (Rosemary)
Noted for its unique habit, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Foxtail’ (Rosemary) is a bushy, evergreen shrub forming a dome of aromatic, dark green, needle-like leaves with silver undersides. The long branches then arch over and turn upward at their tips, becoming semi-prostrate. Clusters of small light blue flowers with darker markings appear from spring through early fall. Easy to maintain and undemanding, Foxtail Rosemary is a great candidate for containers and waterwise gardens.
Noted for its unique habit, Rosmarinus officinalis 'Foxtail' (Rosemary) is a bushy, evergreen shrub forming a dome of aromatic, dark green, needle-like leaves with silver undersides. The long branches then arch over and turn upward at their tips, becoming semi-prostrate. Clusters of small light blue flowers with darker markings appear from spring through early fall. Easy to maintain and undemanding, Foxtail Rosemary is a great candidate for containers and waterwise gardens. The leaves are good for cooking and can be used fresh or dried to flavor dishes.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft tall (60-90 cm) and 2 ft wide (60 cm).
- Easily grown in poor, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
- Great for beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens, cottage gardens, city gardens, coastal gardens, patio containers, and banks and slopes.
- Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, however, deer dislike rosemary's strong scent.
- No serious disease issues. Keep an eye out for rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (frog hoppers).
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Rosemary needs little pruning. Prune lightly removing unsightly shoots as required. If desired, prune plants after bloom to promote dense foliage growth.
- Rosmarinus officinalis is native to the Mediterranean region, from where it has been introduced into all continents.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8 – 10 |
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Heat Zones | 8 – 12 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Rosmarinus – Rosemary |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' (60cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |