High Country Gardens
Hill's Hardy Rosemary
Best cold-hardy evergreen for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden landscapes.
Hill's Hardy Rosemary is an upright, evergreen shrub celebrated for its exceptional cold hardiness, thriving in temperatures below 0°F. This intensely aromatic variety produces light blue flowers in early to mid-spring, attracting bees. Reaching a mature height of 36-40 inches and a spread of 36-48 inches, it performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. It's a waterwise selection, resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a low-maintenance addition to any garden.
$13.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-64%
Below average
Mature Height
3640
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Cold-climate gardeners seeking reliable evergreen herbs
- Home cooks wanting both culinary utility and landscape structure
- Xeriscape enthusiasts prioritizing water-wise garden designs
Who should skip it
- Extreme-cold residents in USDA Zone 5 or below
- Gardeners with heavy, moisture-retaining clay soil
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding regular plant shaping
Performance breakdown
Cold Hardiness
Survives sub-zero temperatures where most rosemary varieties would perish.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives with minimal water once established in the landscape.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits from grazing on your foliage.
Pollinator Appeal
Early spring blooms provide a vital nectar source for local bees.
Maintenance Ease
A low-effort shrub that requires very little pruning or attention.
Aromatic Intensity
Delivers a potent, classic fragrance that elevates any garden space.
Key Specs
Mature Height
36-40 inches
Mature Spread
36-48 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
6-10
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Types
Average Soil, Sandy Soil, Compost Enriched Garden Loam Soil, Low Fertility Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Water Tolerance
Low-Water
Sun Exposure Requirement
Full Sun
Growth Habit
Shrub
Features
- Exceptional cold hardiness for harsh winters
- Intensely aromatic evergreen foliage
- Blooms with light blue flowers in spring
- Highly attractive to bees
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Waterwise and drought tolerant
- Suitable for containers
- Fragrant foliage
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional reliability and quality of Hill's Hardy Rosemary. Reviewers frequently note its impressive ability to withstand challenging cold climates, confirming its true hardiness designation. The plants arrive healthy and establish quickly, providing vigorous growth and abundant flavor. This robust performance ensures excellent value, making it a highly trusted choice for gardeners prioritizing long term success.
Know before you buy
This variety is specifically bred for cold tolerance and can survive temperatures below 0°F. It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10, making it a much tougher option than standard rosemary cultivars.
Yes, Hill's Hardy Rosemary performs well in containers. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage and is placed in a location that receives full sun throughout the day.
This plant requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, average, or low-fertility soils, but it will not tolerate heavy, waterlogged clay.
No, Hill's Hardy Rosemary is primarily cultivated as an ornamental shrub for its cold hardiness, fragrance, and aesthetic appeal. It is not intended for culinary use.
Since this shrub reaches a mature spread of 36 to 48 inches, you should space them at least 4 feet apart to ensure proper air circulation and allow the plant to reach its full size.
Yes, the intensely aromatic foliage of this rosemary variety is naturally unappealing to deer and rabbits. It is a reliable choice for gardens where browsing animals are a common concern.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$14