Quick answer: Give rosemary a sunny position and freely draining soil. Water newly planted rosemary while it establishes; established plants tolerate dry conditions better. Protect container plants from prolonged winter wet and severe cold.
Botanical name
Rosemary is Salvia rosmarinus. The older name Rosmarinus officinalis is still common on labels.
Growing in a pot
Choose a container with drainage holes and a free-draining growing medium. Check moisture before watering instead of relying on a weekly timetable. Empty any saucer after watering.
Pruning and harvesting
Trim after flowering to maintain a compact plant, keeping cuts within leafy growth. Take small sprigs as needed. Cuttings can provide replacement plants as older shrubs become woody.
Winter care
Hardiness varies with the variety and growing conditions. In cold locations, use a sheltered position or winter protection. Avoid assuming a single temperature threshold applies to every plant.
Compare with mint in containers, which needs more consistent moisture.
Reference
RHS: Growing rosemary. Reviewed on 28 October 2026.
