Rosemary

Rosemary for the Brisbane Garden

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is one of the most rewarding herbs you can grow in Brisbane's subtropical climate. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and wonderfully fragrant, it thrives in the warm, sunny conditions that South East Queensland delivers in abundance.

Brisbane's long, hot summers and mild winters suit rosemary perfectly — provided it has excellent drainage and plenty of sun. The biggest threat in our climate is humidity and waterlogged soil, so plant in a raised bed, a sloped position, or a well-draining pot. Once established, rosemary is remarkably self-sufficient and needs very little water.

Popular varieties for Brisbane:

  • Tuscan Blue — an upright, vigorous grower with deep blue flowers; ideal as a hedge or feature plant
  • Prostrate Rosemary — a low-growing, trailing variety perfect for retaining walls, pots, or ground cover
  • Blue Lagoon  — semi prostrate variety that grows outward and mounds in the centre with intense deep blue flowers
  • Officials Pink — a softer, pink-flowering variety that adds colour to the garden while still being highly aromatic
  • Roman Beauty — a dwarf compact variety highly prized for its neat mounded habit and fragrant spicy flavour with pale violet blue flowers. 

Harvest regularly to keep plants compact and encourage fresh, bushy growth. A light trim after flowering goes a long way. In Brisbane, rosemary can be harvested almost year-round, making it a kitchen staple straight from the garden.