Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a hardy evergreen shrub surviving to -12°C across most UK regions. It demands full sun and sharp drainage, thriving in poor alkaline soil where other plants fail. Mature plants reach 1.5m tall and live 15-20 years with annual pruning. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings July to September. The main killer is waterlogged soil, not cold. Miss Jessopp's Upright is the most reliable all-round variety.
Key takeaways
- Hardy to -12°C — rosemary survives most UK winters without any protection
- Needs full sun and well-drained, poor soil — never plant in rich, wet ground
- Lives 15-20 years when pruned annually after flowering in late spring
- Take semi-ripe cuttings from July to September for free new plants
- Miss Jessopp's Upright is the best all-round variety for UK gardens
- Overwatering and heavy soil kill more rosemary than frost ever will
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Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
