Boule Rosemary

Boule Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Boule') grows into a neat, rounded dome about 60cm high and 60cm wide, named for the French word for ball. It has the usual aromatic, needle-like leaves and lilac-blue summer flowers, but on a mounding, slightly trailing frame that suits rockeries and dry gardens. It is drought tolerant once mature.

Why you'll love it

• A shape that comes built in. The half-dome habit stays compact and tidy with very little clipping.
• Small enough for anywhere. At 60cm by 60cm it fits rockeries, pots and the front of a dry bed.
• Drought tolerant once mature. Established plants cope with long dry spells, which makes it a good low-water feature.
• Scent and flowers. The familiar rosemary fragrance, with lilac-blue flowers in summer.
• Seaside ready. It suits coastal plantings as well as inland dry gardens.

Where it works best

Rockeries. The mounding, slightly trailing habit softens stones and spills a little over the edges. Plant 60cm apart.

A feature in a dry garden. A single dome among gravel, grasses and succulents gives structure without any fuss.

Seaside and cottage borders. It copes with coastal conditions and brings a fragrant, rounded form to a mixed border.

Growing Boule Rosemary in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It likes dry summers, so it suits Mediterranean, arid and cool temperate gardens, and does well on the coast. Rosemary is hardy to about -6C once established. In humid subtropical gardens give it the airiest spot you have.

Soil. Free-draining soil is essential. Gravelly or sandy ground is ideal, and a raised bed or mound helps on clay.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well while the young plant establishes, then step back. Once mature it is drought tolerant and rarely needs feeding.

Pruning. Clip after flowering to maintain compact growth and accentuate the rounded shape. Keep to light clips of soft growth, rather than cutting into bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Boule Rosemary as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is in the ground. This rosemary comes as a young plant that is still finding its dome shape. A light clip after its first flowering starts the ball form.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Rosemary care guide
• Plants for rockeries
• Drought tolerant plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants

Common questions

Does it trail?

Slightly. The habit is a mounding half-dome, with the outer branches trailing a little over the edge of a wall or pot.

How do I keep the ball shape?

Clip lightly after flowering each year, taking soft growth only. That keeps it compact and emphasises the rounded form.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Rosemary is not toxic to cats or dogs, so a pet-friendly garden can include it.