SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Prostratus

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Prostratus to a garden.

Fragrant, resinous rosemary needles spill a deep evergreen perfume with every touch, forming a low, trailing mound that looks as elegant as it smells.

Prostratus grows with a prostrate habit and dense, fine foliage—ideal for fresh sprigs that perfume the air, and for drying or roasting to carry its bold, piney character into savory preparations. Let this trailing rosemary become your garden’s living scent—an ornamental herb that rewards the senses season after season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 365 DaysHabit: Spreading

Botanical illustration of Prostratus

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Prostratus Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone Start Indoors Sow / Transplant Harvest
Zone 1a Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a Protected Environment Only
Zone 2b Protected Environment Only
Zone 3a Protected Environment Only
Zone 3b Protected Environment Only
Zone 4a Protected Environment Only
Zone 4b Protected Environment Only
Zone 5a Protected Environment Only
Zone 5b Protected Environment Only
Zone 6a Protected Environment Only
Zone 6b Protected Environment Only
Zone 7a Protected Environment Only
Zone 7b Protected Environment Only
Zone 8a Protected Environment Only
Zone 8b Protected Environment Only
Zone 9a Protected Environment Only
Zone 9b Protected Environment Only
Zone 10a Continuous Production
Zone 10b Continuous Production
Zone 11a Continuous Production
Zone 11b Continuous Production
Zone 12a Continuous Production
Zone 12b Continuous Production
Zone 13a Continuous Production
Zone 13b Continuous Production

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity365
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitSpreading
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)50
Min Night Temp (°F)40
Harden Off (days)7

Culinary Notes


Chef's Note

Prostratus is built for aroma—its resinous needles release fast, so you get a loud piney perfume without needing much. Use it early for infusions or throw sprigs into high-heat roasting, then remove to avoid that overly bitter, woody bite.

Best Uses

  • roast whole vegetables or potatoes with vigorous sprigs so the needles perfume the starch
  • dry-rub or infuse oil/butter for chicken, lamb, and mushrooms—then strain for a clean, piney hit
  • slow-simmer rosemary into braises and stews where it mellows into savory woodiness
  • chop fine and fold into focaccia or herb salt for a fragrant, evergreen crust

Flavor Profile

resinous pine-and-camphor perfume savory, slightly bitter herbal snap woody, needle-fibrous texture that softens with heat lingering aromatic finish

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil lemon lamb mushrooms white beans

Frequently Asked Questions


What pest or disease commonly affects Salvia rosmarinus ‘Prostratus’, and what should I do first?
In humid conditions, prostrate rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Prostratus’) often develops fungal leaf spots and can suffer from root rot. Remove and discard any yellowing or spotted stems, improve airflow around the plant, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. If the base stays soggy, cut back watering and ensure fast drainage; for persistent leaf-spot outbreaks, use a copper-based fungicide label-safe for edible herbs.
How often should I water Salvia rosmarinus ‘Prostratus’ during active growth, and how do I know the soil moisture is right?
During the main growing period, water only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, because Lamiaceae herbs like rosemary dislike consistently wet roots. When you water, soak deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let it dry down again before the next watering. In containers, check more frequently—allow excess water to drain completely and never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of water.
How can I tell when Salvia rosmarinus ‘Prostratus’ is ready to harvest?
Start light harvesting once the plant has formed sturdy, well-developed shoots and the leaves are fully sized and aromatic, usually after it’s established rather than at a single day count. For best flavor, harvest in the morning before the heat of the day and avoid pulling more than about one-third of the growth at a time. The plant is at peak harvest readiness when new growth is fresh and green and the stems snap slightly rather than bending limp.