Trailing Rosemary

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 4-8 feet
Flower Color: pale blue, lavender-blue
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Trailing Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Perfect for Arizona Gardens

Trailing Rosemary, a prostrate cultivar of the Mediterranean rosemary, is highly valued for its aromatic foliage, low-maintenance nature, and cascading growth. With its roots in the dry Mediterranean climate, this hardy herb thrives beautifully in Arizona, providing both aesthetic and culinary benefits for gardens and landscapes.

Distinctive Qualities of Trailing Rosemary

Sprawling, Cascade Growth

Unlike upright rosemary, Trailing Rosemary has a low-growing, arching form, perfect for cascading over walls, planters, and rocky terrain. This natural draping quality makes it an excellent choice for creating a lush, trailing effect, softening the edges of garden beds, and covering ground areas with fragrant, green foliage.

Aromatic Foliage and Culinary Uses

Trailing Rosemary is cherished for its needle-like, dark green leaves, which emit a strong fragrance when touched. The leaves are rich in essential oils, making them ideal for culinary uses in Mediterranean recipes, grilling, and seasoning meats and vegetables. Whether grown in garden beds or containers, this versatile herb offers fresh, flavorful leaves year-round for cooking.

Pale Blue Flowers and Pollinator Appeal

One of Trailing Rosemary’s highlights is its small, lavender-blue flowers, which bloom from late winter to spring. These charming blossoms attract beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Arizona

Trailing Rosemary is highly suited for Arizona's hot, dry climate, thanks to its natural drought tolerance:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun exposure to produce abundant foliage and flowers.
• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, sandy or rocky soils; it doesn’t require rich soil, making it adaptable to poor soil conditions.
• Water: Once established, Trailing Rosemary needs minimal watering, making it perfect for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Maintenance: Requires minimal care, with only occasional pruning to maintain its shape or prevent woodiness.

Landscaping Uses for Trailing Rosemary

1. Ground Cover: Its low, spreading growth habit makes it ideal for covering large areas, controlling erosion, and adding greenery to sloped spaces.
2. Container Planting: In pots, Trailing Rosemary cascades attractively over edges, adding interest to patios and balconies.
3. Rock Gardens and Xeriscapes: Fits beautifully among rocks and succulents, providing color and texture contrast.
4. Herb Gardens: A valuable addition to culinary gardens, offering fresh rosemary leaves for kitchen use.

Health and Medicinal Benefits

Beyond its culinary uses, Trailing Rosemary has a long history in herbal medicine. It’s thought to offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, supporting wellness when used in teas, essential oils, or as a culinary herb.

Why Choose Trailing Rosemary for Your Arizona Landscape?

With its low water requirements, full sun tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor soils, Trailing Rosemary is ideally suited for Arizona's climate. Its versatility makes it a valuable choice for both ornamental landscaping and culinary herb gardens. Adding this fragrant, resilient plant to your garden brings year-round beauty and utility with minimal effort.

Order Your Trailing Rosemary Today from Three Timbers Shop!

At ThreeTimbersShop.com, we offer high-quality Trailing Rosemary plants perfect for Arizona’s climate. Create a lush, aromatic landscape that combines natural beauty and practical use by incorporating Trailing Rosemary into your garden. Enjoy the elegance of cascading greenery, fresh flavors for cooking, and a plant that’s as tough as it is beautiful!

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Trailing Rosemary

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and aromatic foliage)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart for optimal growth and to prevent overcrowding
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Trailing Rosemary is a spreading herb that does not require staking and can be used as ground cover or in hanging baskets

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Trailing Rosemary is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks