Pollinator Drought Tolerant Deer-Resistant Fragrant Native

Styx River Rosemary

Conradina sp.

$23.00 Sold out
1 Gallon USDA Zones 7–9 Full Sun Matures 6–10 Inches

Conradina sp. is the Styx River rosemary, a rare ground-hugging false rosemary from southern Alabama, aromatic and drought-proof for hot, sandy ground.

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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Some years ago we introduced two selections of Conradina collected on the Styx River in southern Alabama, called 'Low Gray' and 'Low Green', and we hope those clones survive in cultivation somewhere still. On a return visit to the Styx River site we gathered several more cuttings from distinctly low-growing plants. This conradina haunts a sandy woodland and cutover near the Styx River, and may well represent a new, as yet undescribed species; what appears to be the same plant turns up some miles east on Blackwater State Forest in northwest Florida. The Styx River plant differs clearly from the taller, more upright Conradina canescens of the open Gulf Coast.

This is a fine, aromatic, ground-hugging shrub with short green or gray needle-like leaves and small purple flowers, releasing a clean, resinous, rosemary-like scent when brushed. Plant in sandy, well-drained soil in full sun, where the low, spreading habit can knit into a fragrant mat.

Site the Styx River rosemary where the trailing form and aromatic foliage earn their keep: a rock or gravel garden, a hot sandy bank, a dry sunny border, or spilling over a low wall. The flowers draw bees and butterflies, deer leave the scented leaves alone, and a settled plant asks almost nothing.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–9
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 6–10 Inches · Spread 18–30 Inches
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Design Notes

A ground-hugging aromatic native for a rock or gravel garden, a hot sandy bank, a dry sunny border, or the top of a low wall to spill over, where the trailing form knits into a fragrant mat. The Styx River rosemary wants sun and sharp drainage; pair with other sun-and-drought lovers, and keep richer, wetter soil away. Bees and butterflies work the flowers, and deer leave the scented leaves alone.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Purple, spring to fall

Flower. Small purple flowers over a long season from spring into fall, drawing bees and butterflies.

Foliage. Short, needle-like leaves in green to gray, releasing a clean, rosemary-like scent when brushed.

Habit. A low, ground-hugging, spreading evergreen mat six to ten inches high and wider across.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun.

Soil. Lean, sharp, sandy, well-drained ground; heavy or wet soil is poorly tolerated.

Water. Minimal once established; let the soil dry between waterings to avoid root rot.

Pruning. Shear lightly in early spring to keep the mat dense.

Hardiness. USDA zones 7 to 9.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.