Rosmarinus Officinalis 'Prostratus'

Prostrate Rosemary / Creeping Rosemary

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Mediterranean region
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (trailing groundcover)

Overview

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’ is a low, trailing rosemary ideal for cascading over walls, softening edges and covering sunny banks in South Australian gardens. It thrives in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, with aromatic evergreen foliage and light to mid-blue flowers mainly in late winter–spring (plus occasional autumn colour) that feed local pollinators.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.2–0.5 m H × 1–2.5 m W (spreading/trailing)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, aromatic needle-like leaves; mid to deep green; neat, spreading habit
• Flowers: Light to mid-blue blooms mainly late winter–spring; intermittent spot flowering adds colour and nectar
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen groundcover with peak cool-season flowering
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; Heat- and Coastal-tolerant; Light frost tolerant (to about –5 °C); Wind-tolerant; copes with improved clay where drainage is added
• Planting Density: Edges/banks: 2–3 plants per metre; Groundcover: 3–4 plants per m²
• Pet Friendly: Yes — non-toxic to dogs & cats

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best) to light part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay loam; avoid waterlogging (add gypsum/coarse grit on heavy soils)
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; tip-prune after flowering or late winter to keep dense (avoid cutting into old wood); light organic feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Neutral to Alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Cascades over retaining walls, rockeries and raised beds; excellent spillover for pots
• Mass plant on sunny banks for cohesive, weed-suppressing groundcover and erosion control
• Edge paths and lawn borders; underplant olives, citrus and roses for a Mediterranean look

Why You Will Love It

A tough, water-wise rosemary that hugs the ground, ‘Prostratus’ delivers fragrance, year-round structure and cool-season colour with minimal fuss. Perfect for Adelaide’s heat and coastal conditions, it spills beautifully while feeding local bees and keeping maintenance low.