How to Grow Rosemary in the Southeast

I read recently that ancient Greece–inspired and Mediterranean décor was the next big thing in interior design. Perhaps many of you will feel inspired to add a marble bust to your fireplace mantle. But what about Mediterranean plants? In the Southeast, plants that prefer a Mediterranean climate are not always at home. Humidity and wet winters—not just the cold—are normally the downfall of these plants. But there are some Mediterranean staples that we can grow very well in our region. They are not always extremely long-lived but can be enjoyed in the garden while they last.

One of my favorite long-lasting Mediterranean plants for the Southeast is rosemary (Salvia sosmarinus syn. Rosmarinus officinalis, Zones 8–11). This is a beautiful plant for the landscape and has been used for hundreds of years in the kitchen for its unique flavor profile. I consider rosemary a subshrub in our region. Most cultivars reach 2 to 4 feet tall over time. Few other plants can offer the combination of evergreen foliage, attractive blooms, and fragrance you find with rosemary.

Because rosemary is on the edge of hardiness for many of us, plant it in late spring in the Southeast. This gives the plant the entirety of the growing season to get established. For most, the month of May is ideal. Cool, wet soil and temperature fluctuations can be hard on unestablished plants. Good drainage and full sun are the key ingredients to growing rosemary. Plant rosemary slightly above grade, mounding soil up to the roots. This will help with drainage, especially during winter. If you have a sunny hillside, this is an ideal location.

If you want to grow rosemary for culinary use, know that the very light pruning required to grab a few sprigs won’t hurt the