This rare shrubby mint endemic to the Cumberland Valley really does resemble its namesake – yes, you can use it in place of rosemary. It is also quite hardy here, and very easy to grow. My guess is populations are threatened by a number of factors, including succession. They want to grow in full sun, and well-drained conditions.
Yes, they do just fine in clay, but there is a trick to growing it. You need to mound it up as a berm. Any of the plants that want well-drained soil will do just fine as long as you don’t drown them, and definitely make sure you err on planting too shallow rather than too deep. Since this grows in potting mix, not soil, leave up to a third of the root system above soil level, and just hill up the soil around it. The potting mix will break down over time, causing the plant to sink to ground level.
These are one of the few rare species I offer as clonally propagated, not seed-grown. It isn’t for a lack of trying. These are often found growing in clonal populations, but they are obligate outcrossers. This year (2026) I did manage to source and add another to my garden which should be genetically different. If it is, I should hopefully be able to get seed off them, and then I will be able to grow future stock from seed.
For now, I have these, which are all clones of the same plant. They bloom prolifically, but will not reseed in your garden. Since they are quick to grow once established and do well when pruned, enjoy them as an addition to your spice cabinet. I’d say, you could potentially even replace rosemary entirely with this.
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