Water-Wise Gardening

California-Friendly Plant: Rosemary

The Greeks believed that rosemary was a gift from Aphrodite, symbolizing love and beauty. More than 11 centuries later, the herb has now become a symbol for yet another important virtue: conservation and wise water use.

Originating in the Mediterranean, rosemary is an evergreen perennial with fragrant and needle-like leaves that require very little water. The herb flowers in the spring and summer with blooms that can be white, pink, purple or blue, dependant on the variety. As it matures, rosemary will grow to a height of three to five feet, and is an excellent addition to a water-wise garden.

Some people grow rosemary for use in their favorite dishes, while others grow it because it adds great color and fragrance to their yards. It appreciates full sun in a location that is sheltered with well-drained soil. In our warmer, Mediterranean climate, a rosemary plant can live outdoors in the same location for up to 30 years – using very little water along the way!