Light. Needs at least six hours of direct sun a day.
Water. Water while it establishes, then keep it on the dry side. It suffers when watered too often; overwatering is the most common cause of decline.
Soil and feeding. It demands well-drained soil and does poorly in clay. In containers use a fast-draining mix such as Organic Pro Mix: Veggies and Herbs.
Size. Usually kept to about 2 ft; unpruned plants in the ground can reach 6 ft tall and 4–5 ft wide.
Pruning. It tolerates heavy pruning. Cut it back after flowering to keep it dense, or trim it into topiary shapes.
Problems to watch. Humid air and poor circulation bring powdery mildew. Root rot follows soggy soil.
Good to know. Snip leaves fresh for cooking or dry them. Small pink, lavender or blue flowers in winter and spring attract bees and butterflies. It tolerates salt.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Rosemary · NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Salvia rosmarinus
