Rosemary is a versatile herb beloved by gardeners and cooks alike for its fragrant aroma and flavorful leaves. This list covers 15 distinct varieties of rosemary, highlighting their unique characteristics, growth habits, and culinary or ornamental uses. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to diversify your herb garden or a cook seeking the perfect rosemary for your recipes, this guide will help you explore the wide range of options available.
1. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’
‘Arp’ rosemary is known for its cold hardiness, tolerating temperatures down to -10°F (-23°C), making it ideal for gardeners in cooler climates. It features long, narrow, light green leaves with a strong lemon scent. This variety grows upright and can reach 3 to 4 feet tall, making it great for hedges or windbreaks in addition to culinary use.
2. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Tuscan Blue’
‘Tuscan Blue’ is a classic culinary rosemary variety prized for its robust flavor and dark blue flowers. It grows tall and upright, often reaching 4 feet or more, and has stiff, needle-like leaves. This variety is especially popular in Mediterranean cooking and pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.
3. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’ (Creeping Rosemary)
Unlike upright varieties, ‘Prostratus’ has a trailing or creeping growth habit, making it perfect as groundcover or cascading over walls and containers. It produces pale blue flowers and has a more subtle flavor, suitable for garnishes and mild seasoning. Its drought tolerance and spreading nature make it a good choice for erosion control.
4. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Golden Rain’
‘Golden Rain’ stands out for its variegated foliage, featuring bright yellow edges on green leaves that add visual interest to any garden. It grows upright, reaching about 3 feet in height, and has a milder rosemary scent. This variety is often chosen for ornamental purposes but can still be used in cooking.
5. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Blue Boy’
‘Blue Boy’ is a compact, dwarf rosemary variety that typically grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall, making it ideal for container gardening or small spaces. It produces dense foliage with dark blue flowers and has a strong, classic rosemary aroma. This variety is perfect for gardeners who want a manageable plant with a strong culinary presence.
6. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Pinkie’
‘Pinkie’ is unique among rosemary varieties for its pink flowers, which add a splash of color to herb gardens. It has an upright growth habit and the same fragrant, needle-like leaves as other varieties. The flavor is similar to traditional rosemary, making it a beautiful and functional choice for both gardeners and cooks.
7. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Salem’
‘Salem’ is a cold-hardy rosemary variety that can survive temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C), making it suitable for cooler zones. It features narrow, pale green leaves and a strong rosemary fragrance. This variety grows upright and is often used in landscaping as well as culinary applications.
8. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Severn Sea’
‘Severn Sea’ is a prostrate rosemary variety developed for its excellent cold tolerance and trailing habit. It is ideal for groundcover or cascading over rock gardens and containers. The small, aromatic leaves and pale blue flowers add both fragrance and ornamental appeal.
9. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Spice Islands’
‘Spice Islands’ rosemary is known for its intense aroma and flavor, making it a favorite among chefs. It grows upright to about 3 feet tall with dark green leaves and pale blue flowers. This variety thrives in warmer climates and is often used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes.
10. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Irene’
‘Irene’ is a compact, upright rosemary variety that grows to about 2 feet tall. It is valued for its dense foliage and rich scent, which is slightly sweeter than some other types. Its manageable size and strong flavor make it great for container growing and kitchen gardens.
11. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Hill Hardy’
‘Hill Hardy’ is among the hardiest rosemary varieties, surviving winters as cold as -10°F (-23°C). It has narrow, silver-green leaves and grows upright to about 3 feet tall. This variety is excellent for gardeners in colder climates who want to maintain fresh rosemary year-round.
12. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Lockwood de Forest’
‘Lockwood de Forest’ is a large, spreading rosemary variety that can reach up to 6 feet wide and 3 feet tall. It features long, narrow leaves and pale blue flowers. This variety is often used as a landscape plant or informal hedge and has a slightly milder flavor than some culinary types.
13. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Madeline’
‘Madeline’ is a compact, upright rosemary variety with deep green leaves and vibrant blue flowers. It grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and is prized for its strong aroma and flavor. This variety is suitable for both container growing and garden beds.
14. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus Aureus’
This is a variegated form of creeping rosemary, featuring bright yellow-edged leaves that trail beautifully over garden walls or containers. It combines ornamental appeal with a mild rosemary scent and flavor. ‘Prostratus Aureus’ is drought-tolerant and excellent for erosion control or groundcover.
15. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’
‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’ is a tall, narrow rosemary variety reaching 4 to 5 feet in height. It has dark green leaves and pale blue flowers and is known for its strong, piney aroma. This variety is often used for hedging and lends a robust flavor to culinary dishes.
How to Choose
Selecting the right rosemary variety depends on your climate, space, and intended use. If you live in a colder region, cold-hardy varieties like ‘Arp’, ‘Hill Hardy’, or ‘Salem’ will survive winter better. For small gardens or containers, compact types such as ‘Blue Boy’ or ‘Irene’ are ideal. If you want ornamental appeal, variegated types like ‘Golden Rain’ or trailing forms like ‘Prostratus Aureus’ add visual interest. Culinary users should focus on flavor intensity and growth habit; upright varieties generally have stronger aromas and flavors, while creeping types offer milder tastes and are better for groundcover. Consider drought tolerance and disease resistance as well, especially if you live in a dry or humid area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can rosemary survive indoors?
Yes, rosemary can be grown indoors if provided with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and good air circulation. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Q: How often should I prune rosemary?
Prune rosemary annually after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Light trimming can be done throughout the growing season.
Q: Is rosemary deer-resistant?
Rosemary is generally deer-resistant due to its strong aroma and tough leaves, but hungry deer may still nibble it if food is scarce.
Q: Can I propagate rosemary from cuttings?
Yes, rosemary is easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Rooting hormone and well-draining soil improve success rates.
Q: What pests commonly affect rosemary?
Rosemary is relatively pest-resistant, but can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regular inspection and insecticidal soap can manage infestations.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary offers an impressive variety of forms and flavors to suit almost any gardener’s needs, from hardy upright shrubs to trailing groundcovers with variegated foliage. Understanding the unique traits of each variety helps you select the best rosemary for your climate, garden space, and culinary preferences. With proper care, rosemary can be a long-lived, fragrant, and versatile addition to your garden or kitchen.
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