The Best Cold Hardy Rosemary Varieties

As the Mediterranean is the source of so much goodness on our dinner tables, it’s hardly a surprise that the region is also home to rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), the pungent member of the mint family that adds the perfect flavor to many dishes.

While US gardeners who live in climates similar to that of the Mediterranean – one that’s warm and dry – are able to grow rosemary year-round, those in more northern climes may fear they are less fortunate.

But no!

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Mother Nature has gifted our northern friends with a number of rosemary varieties that can withstand the chill and still reward with garden interest and palate pleasure.

And while there are no varieties that are rated to consistently withstand the brutal chills of -10°F to -20°F temperatures that can occur in Zone 5 and below, with planning and preparation, gardeners in Zones 5, 6, and 7 have fairly solid odds of overwintering their plants.

Let’s learn more about rosemary varieties that – with a little TLC – will do well in cooler areas.

But first we’ll look at the best way to ensure success when growing rosemary in Zones 5 to 7.

If you’d like to learn all there is to know about rosemary, check out our complete growing guide.

Before you even install your rosemary plants in the garden, give the process some consideration.

The easiest way to ensure it survives the winter is to plant rosemary in a container, and overwinter it indoors.

If your potful of rosemary has gotten a bit unwieldy, as rosemary is wont to do, you can certainly give it a bit of a haircut before you bring it inside.

However