Is Creeping rosemary good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Creeping rosemary is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Creeping rosemary?

Space Creeping rosemary about 34 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 48 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Creeping rosemary hardy on the Front Range?

Creeping rosemary is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Creeping rosemary need?

It needs low water once established.

Is Creeping rosemary native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

Can you walk on Creeping rosemary?

Creeping rosemary isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.

Will Creeping rosemary spread or stay put?

Creeping rosemary is trailing. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.

Does Creeping rosemary stay green in winter?

Creeping rosemary keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.

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Creeping rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-14

Creeping rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6 to 18 in tall and 24 to 48 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Hardy to about zone 6, needs a warm protected site to survive Front Range winters. 'Arp' and 'Madeline Hill' are the hardiest selections.

On the CSU listlow water6 to 18 in tall and 24 to 48 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: (c) zebedeugalinha, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: no rights reserved

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: moderate
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Hot south- or west-facing walls

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 6 to 18 in tall and 24 to 48 in wide
Growth habit: Trailing
Planting spacing: ~34 to 48 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid spring, late spring
Bloom color: blue, purple
Foliage: Evergreen
Winter cover: Partial winter cover

What it will do to your yard

Foot traffic: No foot traffic

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Using Creeping rosemary as a groundcover

Creeping rosemary trails and roots as it goes. It fills in to a moderately dense cover.

Planting & establishment

Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. Minimal water after, needs sharp drainage and tolerates true xeric conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Creeping rosemary good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Creeping rosemary is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Creeping rosemary get?: It matures to about 6 to 18 in tall and 24 to 48 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Creeping rosemary?: Space Creeping rosemary about 34 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 48 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Creeping rosemary hardy on the Front Range?: Creeping rosemary is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Creeping rosemary need?: It needs low water once established.
Is Creeping rosemary native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Can you walk on Creeping rosemary?: Creeping rosemary isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
Will Creeping rosemary spread or stay put?: Creeping rosemary is trailing. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
Does Creeping rosemary stay green in winter?: Creeping rosemary keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.