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

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