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Key characteristics

Family: Lamiaceae
Height: 12 in to 24 in
Width: 4 ft to 8 ft
Flower color: Pale blue to lavender flowers with soft violet tones along trailing stems
Foliage color: Dark green needle like leaves with silvery undersides and a resinous texture
Bloom time: Late winter to spring
Light: Full sun
Water: Low once established
Maintenance: Low; trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and prevent woodiness
Growing zone: USDA zones 8 to 10
Wildlife: Bees, pollinators and occasional hummingbirds attracted to nectar

Shrubs

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'

Creeping Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus' produces small, pale blue to lavender-blue flowers along its trailing stems, appearing from late winter into spring with occasional repeat bloom through the year. Narrow, needle-like leaves are deep green above with a lighter underside, releasing a strong, aromatic fragrance when brushed. The foliage forms dense, cascading layers that follow the contours of the ground or spill over edges, while the flowers are spaced along the stems in loose clusters that attract bees and other early pollinators.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low once established

Bloom time

Late winter to spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Mediterranean Gardens
Slopes & Banks
Containers

Companion plants

Irises · Peruvian lily · Aster · Pampas grass · Stonecrop · Fothergilla

Design tip

Spill ‘Prostratus’ over the top of a retaining wall, where its long trailing stems can turn a hard vertical edge into a softer garden feature. Nearby upright plants will heighten the cascading effect and keep the composition from feeling flat.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)