Rosmarinus officinalis Spice Island (Rosemary)

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Spice Island’ (Rosemary) is a compact, upright evergreen shrub with very aromatic, dark green, short needle-like leaves and clusters of small blue, tubular flowers from summer through to fall. Easy to maintain and undemanding, Spice Island Rosemary is a great candidate for low hedges, herb gardens, and waterwise gardens. The leaves are good for cooking and can be used fresh or dried to flavor dishes.

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Spice Island' (Rosemary) is a compact, upright evergreen shrub with very aromatic, dark green, short needle-like leaves and clusters of small blue, tubular flowers from summer through to fall. Easy to maintain and undemanding, Spice Island Rosemary is a great candidate for low hedges, herb gardens, and waterwise gardens. The leaves are good for cooking and can be used fresh or dried to flavor dishes.

  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Easily grown in moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but the best performance is in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Great for beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens, cottage gardens, city gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, patio containers, or as a formal or informal low hedge.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, spider mites, powdery mildew, or root rots.
  • Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, however, deer dislike rosemary's strong scent.
  • Propagate by division in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
  • Cut back flower spikes to prolong flowering.
  • 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, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden