| Creeping Rosemary has been very popular in gardens and in the town this year – almost all of my gardens have the more standard rosemary and yet a handful have started grow this variety. |
| Creeping Rosemary Creeping rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis prostratus) is a spreading form of the classic rosemary plant. Instead of growing tall and upright, its stems trail gracefully, spilling over walls, softening pathways, and filling containers with lush greenery. This hardy evergreen keeps its slender, needle-like leaves all year, giving your garden beauty and fragrance. The scent is fresh, woodsy, and slightly sweet — a reminder of warm Mediterranean hillsides whenever you brush past or catch a breeze. |
| Why Gardeners Choose It Fragrance on demand – A light touch releases its refreshing rosemary aroma. Easy care – Drought-tolerant once established, it thrives with little fuss. Pollinator-friendly – Its blue-to-purple flowers attract bees and butterflies through the seasons. Practical benefits – Stems root as they spread, helping to stabilise slopes and prevent erosion. In the kitchen – Perfect for cooking, like upright rosemary, and long valued for traditional herbal uses. |
| Popular Varieties ‘Prostratus’ – The classic, low-growing type, spreading wide while staying about a foot tall. ‘Blue Rain’ – A striking variety with trailing stems and deep blue blooms, ideal for containers. ‘Huntington Carpet’ – Dense and mat-forming, making an excellent groundcover. ‘Lockwood de Forest’ – A compact, trailing form with elegant blue flowers. |
| Growing Creeping Rosemary in the UK Sun – Needs plenty of sunlight, ideally 6–8 hours daily. South-facing spots are best. Soil – Prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil. Add grit or plant in raised beds if your soil is heavy. Water – Keep watering lightly once the plant is established. Always let the soil dry before rewatering. Cold protection – Hardy down to -5°C to -10°C, but protect with fleece or overwinter indoors in colder regions. Shelter – Plant near a wall or sheltered place to shield it from cold winds. Quick Care Tips Trim lightly after flowering to keep plants neat and complete. Avoid cutting into old woody stems, as they rarely regrow. Perfect for ground cover, rock gardens, hanging baskets, or trailing over stone walls. |
| Final Note Creeping rosemary is more than just a herb. It’s a year-round performer that brings scent, beauty, and usefulness to any outdoor space. Whether you want a pollinator-friendly plant, a natural groundcover, or a fragrant culinary herb, this versatile rosemary variety delivers it all. |
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