Common Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
Pickup available at Aiken Nursery
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Rosemary is a timeless classic in both the garden and the kitchen, an aromatic evergreen shrub of the sun-baked Mediterranean coast, so distinctive that botanists long kept rosemary in a genus apart, Rosmarinus officinalis, before recent study moved the herb into the sages as Salvia rosmarinus. The old genus name means dew of the sea, for the plant's love of bright, salt-swept coastal hillsides. Slender, needle-like, deep green leaves clothe the woody stems the year round, and soft blue flowers open along them from winter into spring.
Few herbs carry so much lore. For thousands of years rosemary has stood for memory, loyalty, and protection: ancient Greek students wore sprigs in their hair while studying, Romans wove the herb into wedding garlands, and for centuries the plant was hung by doorways to guard against misfortune. That association with memory runs from Shakespeare's Ophelia, rosemary for remembrance, straight through to modern research into the plant's neuroprotective compounds.
In the kitchen rosemary is indispensable, the piney, resinous seasoning for roasted meats, breads, potatoes, and oils, and the leaves have an equally long place in traditional European medicine, taken as a tea to settle digestion and lift the spirits and applied to the hair and skin. Modern work has focused on the rosmarinic and carnosic acids behind the plant's antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The flowers and foliage also draw bees, and the aromatic leaves are reliably left alone by deer.
Give rosemary the hot, bright, sharply drained spot the plant evolved for: a herb garden, a sunny border, a gravel or Mediterranean planting, a raised bed, or a large container by the kitchen door. Full sun, lean well-drained soil on the neutral to slightly alkaline side, and room for air to move are the whole secret; overwatering and wet winter soil are the surest ways to lose the plant. Pair with lavender, sage, thyme, and other Mediterranean herbs, and where hard freezes threaten, grow rosemary in a pot that can shelter under cover.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 7–10
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Soil
- Well-drained, Neutral
- Mature size
- Height 2–4 Feet · Spread 2–3 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.
- Not a substitute for professional medical care
- Culinary amounts are safe; concentrated preparations and the essential oil should be avoided in pregnancy and by people with epilepsy
- The essential oil is for external use only and should be diluted
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
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.
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.
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.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
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.
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.