Creeping Rosemary Plant

Medicinal Properties

• Rosemary may provide health benefits when inhaled or applied topically. Rosemary's essential oils may reduce stress and enhance memory. Although more research is necessary, topically applied rosemary may help restore hair growth in sufferers of alopecia, increase circulation and reduce arthritis and muscle pain. Preliminary lab studies indicate that rosemary is an antioxidant and neutralizes damaging free radicals. In addition, it shows antimicrobial activity against fungi and bacteria in test tubes.

Growing Conditions

• As a native to North Africa and the Mediterranean, creeping rosemary prefers hot, dry summers and mild winters. Creeping rosemary requires well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline. Rosemary's hardiness varies among its cultivars. Most grow best in hardiness zones 7 to 10. With a slow hardening off in autumn, some rosemary plants survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees. Although creeping rosemary can grow indoors, it may suffer more pest and health problems than it would experience in outside containers or gardens. When first planted, and throughout the growing season, creeping rosemary requires water every three to five days. Established plants require supplemental irrigation during times of drought or if they appear wilted.

Physical Characteristics

• Creeping rosemary can reach a height of 2 feet. Depending on the variety, it can spread 4 to 8 feet. Its dark-green leaves are short and slender. Rosemary produces small, violet blooms in early spring. Varieties of creeping rosemary include "Blue Boy," "Huntington Carpet," "Collingwood Ingram" and "Miss Jessup."

Pests

• Creeping rosemary is susceptible to common household and garden pests, including thrips, spider mites, mealy bugs and white flies. In small numbers, these pests are removable by hand or gently spraying plant with water from a hose. Since this is an edible herb, use only safe, nontoxic insecticides to remove pests from rosemary plants.

Culinary Properties

• Creeping rosemary's essential oils add flavor to stews, meats, teas and vegetables. Owing to its potent flavor, small amounts of rosemary, whether fresh or dried, go a long way. To dry creeping rosemary, hang the harvested stems upside down, in a well-ventilated room. The herb is fully dry when the stems and leaves snap and crumble when rubbed between fingers. Freezing stems in an airtight bag also preserves rosemary's flavor.