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Florida Rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides)

Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) is a shrub native to Florida's sandy coastal dunes, featuring needle-like leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full Sun

Watering

Drought Tolerant

Soil

Sandy, Well-drained

Temperature

Warm Climate

Fertilizer

Low

Care Requirements

Light Requirements

Full Sun

Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Watering Needs

Drought Tolerant

Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Soil

Sandy, Well-drained

Temperature Tolerance

Warm Climate

Prefers temperatures between 20-30°C; can tolerate short periods of cooler weather.

Fertilizer Needs

Low

Fertilize sparingly in early spring.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Garden, Pot

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

0.5-1.2 m

Spread

0.6-1.5 m

Growth Rate

Slow

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Needle-like

Flower Size

1-2 mm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

60000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Synonyms
Ceratiola falcatula Gand.
Empetrum aciculare Bertol.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderEricales
  • familyEricaceae
  • genusCeratiola
  • speciesCeratiola ericoides
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water Florida rosemary thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, typically during the active growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, as it tolerates drought well once established. Reduce watering significantly in cooler, dormant periods.

Prune Florida rosemary after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Lightly trim to remove spent flowers and any dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as it may not readily resprout from these areas.

Propagate Florida rosemary from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture until roots develop, which can take several weeks.

Repot Florida rosemary when it becomes root-bound, typically every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend, and a pot with adequate drainage holes. Repot in spring before the active growing season commences.

FAQs

What are the light requirements for Florida rosemary?

Florida rosemary thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

What type of soil does Florida rosemary prefer?

It prefers well-drained, sandy soils and is very tolerant of poor, nutrient-deficient conditions.

Is Florida rosemary drought tolerant?

Yes, Ceratiola ericoides is highly drought tolerant once established due to its adaptations to coastal environments.

Does Florida rosemary require much watering?

After establishment, it requires minimal watering. Overwatering can be detrimental.

What is the mature size of Florida rosemary?

Typically, it grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters with a similar spread.