You know a woody rosemary when you see one. Stems harden, needles drop lower down, and the top can start to look sparse. While it can look a little sorry for itself, it can help to know that this happens to every rosemary plant over time. Knowing how to revive a rosemary plant starts with smart winter pruning that removes dead tips without killing the bush. You can rejuvenate rosemary quite easily by trimming just the right amount in late winter, then rooting some cuttings as backups.

Having the proper rosemary care keeps many problems away for longer, but older plants will eventually need this vital revival in order to keep those gorgeous fragrant oils flourishing at their best. Light pruning and rooting new starts can turn tired bushes into productive plants again – and late winter works best before sap rises. So commit to undertake a few smart cuts now in order to bring back your trusty rosemary’s bushy growth, faithful fragrance, and intense, moreish flavor by spring.

Why Woody Stems Reduce Flavor

A woody rosemary plant doesn’t just look a little sad and underwhelming. The more wood you see on a plant, the greater the chances that its natural aromas will be diminished. Woody stems mean that the plant focuses its energy on structure instead of new growth. Needles stay only at the tips, the flavor weakens, and the bush just looks tired. Old wood rarely sprouts again, and any pruning made into old wood just leaves scars.

The oils that give rosemary its sharp pine taste concentrate in fresh tips. Bare stems produce almost none, so any sprigs you steal for culinary purposes will lose their punch. Bushes over 4-5 years old will often hit this point, especially with rosemary grown in pots where roots can crowd. Flavor drops fast once woodiness takes over. The lower branches feel rough and dry, snapping easily instead of bending.

You may notice the change gradually – one season the plant fills a pot with abundance, and the next it looks sleepy and weather worn. Cold winters can speed this process. Frost damages the soft tips, leaving woody stubs behind. The cycle repeats until the bush barely produces usable leaves. At this point, rejuvenation of rosemary is essential. The good news is that it is also quite straightforward to revive rosemary, and winter is a great time to take action.

Why Late Winter is Best

It’s a great idea to prune rosemary in late winter (February or early March in most zones) right before new growth starts. Cold weather settles, but sap hasn't risen yet. Cuts heal clean without frost damage or summer stress. The plant stays dormant enough to handle surgery, then pushes new shoots hard in spring.

Pruning woody rosemary plants is best after the last hard freeze, but before buds swell. Fall pruning invites dieback and summer cuts burn in heat. Late winter timing feels perfect and the bush recovers fast. In mild zones, January works, while in colder spots, it’s wise to wait until March. The plant might look ragged after pruning, but patience pays off, and you should see thick new growth by May.

Skip pruning one year, and woodiness doubles the next. So it’s worth giving herbs a haircut on an annual basis to create the healthiest plant shape, vitality and oil production. Use sharp, clean pruners like Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears from Amazon, which cut cleanly through stems up to an inch (2.5cm) thick.

Prune to Green Revival

A good grasp of the pruning basics will make the process smart and safe. Look for green under the bark. Scrape lightly with a fingernail. Cut just above live wood, removing dead tips and leggy growth. Never cut into old brown stems, as they won't regrow. Take shears and snip back to where needles still grow thick, leaving two-thirds of the plant. Shape lightly for air flow; the bush will fill in bushy by summer.

Use sharp bypass pruners like your Fiskars models (or alternatively models by Felco, Corona or Okatsune) for clean cuts that heal quickly. Disinfect blades with alcohol between plants. The trimmed bush looks sparse at first, but new growth can potentially explode in weeks. Feed lightly after pruning with a balanced fertilizer like Happy Herbs General Purpose Organic Fertilizer from Amazon to boost root growth and natural oil production.

If growing herbs in containers, don’t forget to check the pot has good drainage. The plant should feel lighter, then heavy again as leaves return. Thin crowded centers so light reaches inside. Disease risk drops when air moves freely. A second light trim in midsummer keeps shape without stressing the plant.

Rosemary Propagation Backup Plan

Root plant cuttings while pruning. Winter wood roots slower than with cuttings made in summer, but rooting still works. Snip 4-6 inch (10-15cm) tips with green growth, strip lower leaves, and dip in rooting hormone. Stick cuttings in damp perlite or seed-start mix like FoxFarm Light Warrior Seed Starter Growing Medium from Amazon. A humidity tray can help to keep humidity high. Bottom heat speeds things up, too, so use a mat set to 70°F (21°C). Add a grow light dedicated to promoting early growth like the Epic Gardening Grow Light with Full Spectrum LED from Amazon. Roots form in 4-8 weeks, and you can pot up once strong.

By propagating rosemary now, any new plants can replace old bushes completely if your revival attempt fails. The cuttings should feel firm once rooted, ready for the garden or larger pots. Grow several extras and turn some into gifts, as well as some for insurance. Potted rosemary overwinters better when young and vigorous. The new bushes start producing usable sprigs in months. Layering works, too; bend a low branch to the soil, then pin it down, and it should root while attached.

Winter Care Essentials

Pruning woody rosemary and propagating fresh rosemary plants from cuttings, make sure you have these key cultivation essentials for continued health and vitality.

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Cultivated for over 5,000 years, the rosemary plant's history is understandably steeped in legend, myth, and folklore. Rosemary herbal uses run the gamut of medicinal remedies, culinary delights or even as a love charm. It's really no wonder why its stimulating aroma and flavor have continued to enchant people for centuries.

History of Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been used medicinally dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans in 500 B.C. Dried sprigs of rosemary even showed up in Egyptian tombs from 3,000 B.C.

Discorides, a contemporary of both Pliny the Elder and Galen, also wrote of rosemary in his opus De Materia Medica, the gold standard about the use and identification of medicinal herbs for 1,400 years.

Rosemary was cultivated by the Spanish in the 13th century where it became a popular condiment for salted meats from the 15th to 18th centuries. Actually, I suspect it was used less as a condiment and more to disguise the less-than-pleasant odor and flavor of rotting meat.

Its genus name, Rosmarinus, is derived from the Latin for "dew"(ros) and "belonging to the sea" (marinus) in reference to the warm Mediterranean region of its origin. The common name of rosemary is, of course, derived from the genus name but with a twist.

Legend has it that the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, as she fled from Egypt, sheltered next to a rosemary bush. She threw her blue cape onto the bush and the white flowers turned blue. Because of this, the herb has long been called "rose of Mary" even if the blooms look nothing like a rose but are rather more like the mint flowers to which rosemary is related.

Additional Rosemary Plant History

Rosemary is associated with remembrance. Its earliest use was probably by Greek students. They braided garlands of the aromatic herb into their hair, which is where rosemary's other common name "herb of crowns" comes from. I do something like this whenever I trim my rosemary - stick the herb into my sweaty, messy hair. I can't recall if it helps my memory, but it sure does improve my aroma.

Rosemary is also symbolic of fidelity or, put more romantically, love. During the Middle Ages, a bride would wear rosemary in her headpiece and the groom and guests would wear a sprig as well. Prosperous wedding goers might receive a rosemary branch gilt in gold. The newlyweds would plant rosemary on their wedding day in the hopes that it would be a good omen for their future. It was said if a person tapped another with a sprig of rosemary with an open bloom, they would fall in love.

Rosemary was also incorporated into doll's clothes to attract lovers. From all of these folkloric traditions arose the concept that rosemary was a love charm.

Rosemary Herbal Uses

Rosemary's medicinal history spans centuries and was probably first used for respiratory issues. During the 13th century, the Queen of Hungary apparently was paralyzed, but a concoction of rosemary and wine fixed her right up. For years thereafter, the concoction was used to cure baldness and dandruff as well as other skin ailments. Rosemary was placed under one's pillow to prevent nightmares and was hung outside homes to thwart evil spirits.

Of course, rosemary was also used between the sheets to repel moths. By the 16th century, the marital rosemary planted with such hope by the aforementioned newlyweds was being yanked out by husbands (due no doubt to an old common saying "where rosemary flourishes, the lady rules") which basically meant women, not men, ruled the home.

We have three rosemary bushes, just saying. In successive years, rosemary was used to treat the plague, melancholy, gout, epilepsy, arthritis and many other ills. Today, the herb is still used by many as a tea to treat sore throats, and head colds and to freshen bad breath.

Rosemary is often used in cooking, but that isn't the herb's only use. The aromatic essential oil derived from the plant is found in many toiletry products. In fact, a food preservative derived from the herb is used in cosmetics and plastic food packaging.

From love potions to plastic packaging, rosemary has come a long way. Who knows what uses we'll find for the herb in the coming years. Maybe scientists will discover that rosemary oil is a new biofuel. Could happen.

Mediterranean plants like rosemary impart herbal elegance to the landscape and aromatic flavor to cuisine. Rosemary is a relatively stoic plant with few pest or disease issues but occasionally they do have some problems. Sick rosemary plants need an accurate diagnostic prior to treatment for adequate control. Learn about the most common rosemary diseases and how you can combat any problems.

Is My Rosemary Sick?

Rosemary disease control is almost unnecessary since they are naturally resistant to almost all common plant plagues. However, fungal diseases of rosemary do occur as well as a couple of bacterial infections. The best defense is good cultural care and proper siting.

Questions regarding whether your rosemary is sick or not can be answered by first giving a thorough inspection of the plant. If plant stems, leaves, or tissues are discolored, it could be from the feeding activities of certain pests. Check carefully for tiny invaders.

If you see no insects, a closer look is required to decide which common rosemary diseases might be infecting the plant. To prevent disease, make sure your plants have plenty of circulation and are planted in a well-draining area. If overly wet soil occurs frequently, consider moving the plants to containers or raised beds.

Fungal Diseases of Rosemary

The most common fungal diseases are root rot and powdery mildew. The latter occurs in warm, wet periods and is characterized by a dusting of whitish, fine spores on all parts of the plant. It is most prevalent when the plant is in semi-shade and temperatures are 60 to 80 degrees F. (16-27 C.). An organic fungicide spray or a DIY mixture of baking soda and water can help combat the fungus.

Root rot will almost always kill the plant. The rosemary will become limp and terminal leaves and stems die off. This is because the roots are no longer able to uptake and move nutrients and water to the plant. Dig up the plant and prune out any infected roots and dust with fungicide powder. If the entire root system is black and mushy, discard the plant.

Sick Rosemary Plants with Bacterial Disease

Bacterial diseases are less common but may arise in favorable conditions and in contaminated soils.

Blight infections are both fungal and bacterial, and result in patchy leaf growth and yellowish spots. High humidity, too little sun, and lack of circulation are promoting factors. Prune to increase circulation and ensure the plant is in a sunny location.

Leaf spot is another disease that may stem from fungal or bacterial pathogens. Brownish black spots appear and the stems will wilt. Avoid watering plants overhead.

In most cases, rosemary disease control is a simple matter of correctly siting the plant, good care, and common sense. These are hardy perennials and rarely have any issues.

While you may be familiar with companion plants like the three sisters, herbal companion planting results in increased yield and fewer bad bugs. Plants that grow well with rosemary benefit from its strong scent and its low nutrient needs. Learn what to plant with rosemary for a healthier garden and one which profits from its aromatic and beautiful nature.

Herbal Companion Plants for Rosemary

Rosemary is good for more than the occasional chicken or potato dish. It has powerful scented oil which can attract or repel certain insects. Rosemary also keeps away some animal pests. It is even said to improve the flavor of sage when planted in proximity. So, the benefits to rosemary plant companions are numerous, plus you have another attractive herb that performs with honors in the kitchen. In a kitchen garden, the herb section is a must. Most herbs have low nutrient needs and perform well in dry, hot sites. Rosemary is also a perennial and evergreen in most regions and has year-around beauty. Some fun companions for rosemary are what I call the "Chicken Stuffing" herbs. These would be thyme and sage along with some alliums like onions or shallots. With these ingredients at hand, all you have to do is wash the chicken, put salt and pepper in and out, and then stuff it with handfuls of the herbs and alliums. Delicious, simple and easy once baked.

What to Plant with Rosemary

In deciding on your rosemary plant companions, consider their pest repelling properties. When you choose companion plants for rosemary, they should benefit from the plant's ability to fend off certain insects that attack crops. For instance, cabbage loopers, those little white moths that lay eggs on cruciferous vegetables, are repelled by the strong oils in rosemary. Any plant in the cabbage family, like broccoli, cauliflower and kale, can benefit from having rosemary nearby. Rosemary in proximity will prevent the rampant feeding of the larvae of these moths. It will also increase yields on carrots and beans by repelling certain beetles and carrot flies. Slugs and snails are also deterred from snacking on leafy greens when rosemary is nearby.

Tips on Growing Rosemary

More than enhancing the growth and health of plants that grow well with rosemary, the herb is a kitchen staple. Rosemary prefers a Mediterranean climate but certain varieties are quite cold hardy. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil with pH of 6 to7. The plant needs continuous, average moisture but should never be soggy, a condition that can cause root rot. Harvest leaves at any time and use fresh or dry them for later use. The flavor and aroma is a common addition to lamb and poultry but also perks up bread and even some desserts. Making a tea out of the leaves is supposed to enhance memory. Adding leaves to the bath refreshes and revitalizes skin while the scent calms and relaxes the mind.

Topiary rosemary plants are shaped, fragrant, beautiful, and usable plants. In other words, they have a little bit of everything to offer. With a rosemary topiary, you get an herb that smells lovely and that you can harvest to use in the kitchen. You also get a beautiful, sculpted plant that adds decoration to gardens and the home.

How to Grow a Rosemary Topiary

A rosemary topiary is simply a shaped rosemary plant. You can grow your own and practice the art of topiary, or you can buy one that is already shaped. The latter option does require that you prune to maintain the shape if you want to keep it looking neat and tidy. What makes a rosemary a good plant for topiary is the fact that it is a woody plant with dense growth. You can plant your topiary right in the garden if you have the right climate for rosemary, but it is more commonly grown in a pot. Start with good quality potting soil that has vermiculite or peat moss to keep it loose. Make sure you choose a pot that is big enough for the plant you’ll be shaping. Rosemary is a Mediterranean native, used to dry and hot conditions. Depending on your climate, you may be able to leave your potted topiary outside at certain times of the year, but most likely you’ll need to bring it in for the winter at least. When you do, give it a spot in a sunny window. Water regularly, but be sure the pot drains, and never overwater rosemary.

How to Shape a Rosemary Plant

Topiary is an art and a science, but with practice and a few rosemary topiary tips, you can make a beautifully shaped plant. Popular shapes for rosemary include a cone, like a Christmas tree, and a sphere. More complicated shapes can be attained using wireframes for support and training, but if you’re a beginner, a cone or sphere is easier. Pruning rosemary into topiaries requires some patience and time, but anyone can do it. If your rosemary plant is still fairly small, start by trimming off lateral shoots regularly. This will encourage the plant to grow upright. You want a foot or two (31-61 cm.) of height to have a good plant to shape. Once your plant is the size you want it to be, and tall enough for the shape you have planned, simply prune it into shape. Rosemary withstands a lot of pruning, so don’t be afraid to clip away. Just avoid pruning while it’s flowering. Once you have the right shape, trim it regularly to maintain it and promote full, bushy growth.

Can rosemary survive outside over winter? The answer depends on your growing zone, as rosemary plants are unlikely to survive temperatures below 10 to 20 degrees F. (-7 to -12 C.). If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 or below, rosemary will only survive if you bring it indoors before the arrival of freezing temperatures. On the other hand, if your growing zone is at least zone 8, you can grow rosemary outdoors year-round with protection during the chilly months. However, there are exceptions, as a few newer rosemary cultivars have been bred to survive temperatures as low as USDA zone 6 with ample winter protection. Ask your local garden center about ‘Arp,’ ‘Athens Blue Spire,’ and ‘Madeline Hill.’ Read on to learn about protecting rosemary plants in winter.

How to Protect Rosemary in Winter

Here are some tips for winterizing rosemary plants: Plant rosemary in a sunny, sheltered location where the plant is protected from harsh winter winds. A warm spot near your house is your best bet. Prune the plant to about 3 inches (8 cm.) after the first frost, then bury the plant entirely with soil or compost. Pile 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) of mulch such as pine needles, straw, finely chopped mulch, or chopped leaves over the plant. (Be sure to remove about half of the mulch in spring.) Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that your rosemary plant will survive a cold winter, even with protection. However, you can add a bit of extra protection by covering the plant with a frost blanket during cold snaps. Some gardeners surround rosemary plants with cinderblocks before adding mulch. The blocks provide extra insulation and also help hold the mulch in place.

Rosemary is a great plant to have around. It’s fragrant, it’s useful in all kinds of recipes, and it’s quite tough. It likes full sun and well-drained soil. It can only survive down to 20 degrees F. (-7 C.), so in cool climates, it’s best grown as a container plant. In mild climates, however, it makes a great shrub in outdoor beds, where it blooms spectacularly in the winter. One very good variety for colorful blooms is the Tuscan blue. Keep reading to learn more about growing Tuscan blue rosemary and how to care for Tuscan blue rosemary plants.

Growing Tuscan Blue Rosemary

All varieties of rosemary bloom with delicate flowers. The color of the flowers can vary from type to type, ranging from shades of pink to blue to white. Tuscan blue rosemary plants (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue'), true to their name, produce deep blue to violet flowers. The plant should bloom from winter to spring. Flowers may come back again for a smaller showing in summer or autumn.

How To Grow Tuscan Blue Rosemary Plants

Tuscan blue rosemary care is relatively easy. Tuscan blue rosemary plants grow in a more upright pattern than many other rosemary varieties. They can grow up to 7 feet (2 m.) tall and 2 feet (61 cm.) wide. If you want to keep your plant more compact, you can prune it back heavily (by as much as ½) in the spring, after it has finished blooming. Tuscan blue rosemary hardiness is a little better than that of other rosemary varieties. It should be able to survive down to about 15 degrees F. (-9 C.), or USDA zone 8. If you live in a colder climate than that, you may be able to overwinter your Tuscan blue rosemary by heavily mulching it in the fall and planting it in a spot that’s sheltered from the wind but still receives full sun. If you want to be sure your rosemary survives the winter, you should grow it as a container plant and bring it indoors for the cold months.

Most rosemary plants have blue to purple flowers, but not pink flowering rosemary. This beauty is as easy to grow as its blue and purple cousins, has the same fragrant qualities but with different hued blossoms. Thinking about growing rosemary with pink flowers? Read on for information about growing pink rosemary plants.

Pink Flowering Rosemary Plants

Rosemary(Rosemarinus officinalis) is an aromatic, perennial evergreen shrub that is steeped in history. The ancient Romans and Greeks used rosemary and associated it with love of their deities Eros and Aphrodite. You are likely to love it as well for its delicious flavor, scent and ease of growing. Rosemary is in the mint family, Labiatae, and is native to the Mediterranean hills, Portugal, and northwestern Spain. While rosemary is primarily used in culinary dishes, in ancient times, the herb was associated with remembrance, memory and fidelity. Roman students wore sprigs of rosemary woven into their hair to improve memory. It was once also woven into a bridal wreath to remind the new couples of their wedding vows. It was even said that just a light touch of rosemary could render one hopelessly in love. Pink flowering rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis var. roseus) has a semi-weeping habit with typically small, needle-like, resinous leaves. With no pruning, pink flowering rosemary sprawls attractively or it can be tidily pruned. The pale pink blossoms bloom from spring into summer. It may be found under names such as ‘Majorca Pink,’ ‘Majorca,’ ‘Roseus,’ or ‘Roseus-Cozart.’

Growing Pink Rosemary

Pink flowering rosemary, like all rosemary plants, thrives in full sun and is drought tolerant and hardy down to 15 degrees F. (-9 C.). The shrub will grow to about three feet in height depending upon pruning and is hardy to USDA zones 8-11. This fragrant ornamental has few pest issues, although the usual culprits (aphids, mealybugs, scales and spider mites) might be attracted to it. Root rot and botrytis are the most common diseases that afflict rosemary, but other than that the plant is susceptible to few diseases. The number one problem resulting in plant decline or even death is overwatering. Once the plant is established, it requires very little care. Water only when the weather has been extremely dry. Prune the plant as desired. To harvest for use in food, only take 20% of the growth at any one time and don’t cut into the woody parts of the plant unless you are pruning and shaping it. Cut sprigs in the morning before the plant has flowered for the best flavor. The sprigs can then be dried or the leaves stripped from the woody stem and used fresh.

White flowering rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘albus’) is an upright evergreen plant with thick, leathery, needle-like leaves. White rosemary plants tend to be lavish bloomers, producing masses of sweetly scented white flowers in late spring and summer. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, you should have no trouble growing white flowering rosemary in your garden. Birds, bees, and butterflies will thank you! Read on to learn more.

Growing White Flowering Rosemary

Although white flowering rosemary tolerates partial shade, it thrives in full sunlight. This drought-tolerant Mediterranean plant needs light, well-drained soil. Add fertilizer such as a water-soluble fertilizer, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, or fish emulsion at planting time. Allow at least 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm.) between plants, as rosemary needs adequate air circulation to remain healthy and disease free.

Caring for White Rosemary

Water white flowering rosemary when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water deeply, and then let the soil dry before watering again. Like most Mediterranean herbs, rosemary is susceptible to root rot in soggy soil. Mulch the plant to keep the roots warm in winter and cool in summer. However, don’t allow mulch to pile up against the crown of the plant, as moist mulch may invite pests and disease. Fertilize white rosemary plants every spring, as directed above. Prune white flowering rosemary lightly in spring to remove dead and unsightly growth. Trim white rosemary plants for use as needed, but never remove more than 20 percent of the plant at once. Be careful about cutting into woody growth, unless you are shaping the plant.

Uses for White Flowering Rosemary

White flowering rosemary is often planted for its ornamental appeal, which is considerable. Some gardeners believe white flowering rosemary plants, which can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet (1-2 m.), may have pest-repellent properties. Like other types of rosemary, white rosemary plants are useful in the kitchen for flavoring chicken and other dishes. Fresh and dried rosemary is used in potpourris and sachets, and the aromatic oil is used for perfume, lotion, and soap.

I love the aroma and flavor of rosemary and use it to flavor several dishes. When I think of rosemary, however, I just think…rosemary. I don’t think of different rosemary plant varieties. But there are a number of rosemary plant types to choose from. Read on to learn more about the varieties of rosemary.

Are There Different Types of Rosemary Plants?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has a wonderful and lengthy history. It has been nurtured by cooks and treasured by apothecaries for centuries. Although native to the Mediterranean, rosemary has been cultivated for so long that natural hybrids have developed. So yes, there are different types of rosemary, but what types of rosemary are there?

Types of Rosemary to Grow

There are basically two types of rosemary, those that are upright shrubs and those that grow as ground covers. Beyond that things get a little more complex, especially since one variety may be sold under several different names. In cold climates, rosemary wouldn’t survive the freezing temperatures and is more often grown in a pot that is moved inside for the winter. 

However, some varieties are more cold hardy than other types. In warm regions, rosemary thrives outside and may grow into tall shrubs. For example, upright rosemary plant varieties run the gamut from 6- to 7-feet (2 m.) tall to smaller ones reaching around 2-3 feet (0.5-1 m.) in height. 

Here are some common rosemary plant types:

‘Arp’ is a cold hardy rosemary that was named for the Texas town of Arp’s newspaper editor, also by the name of Arp.

It was discovered by a woman by the name of Madalene Hill. Later on yet another cold hardy rosemary was named after her, the ‘Madelene Hill.’ ‘Joyce de Baggio’ also known as golden rain or golden rosemary, is indeed somewhat gold in color.

Sometimes mistaken for a variegated plant, the leaf color actually changes with the seasons. Its leaves are bright yellow in the spring and fall and become a dark green during the summer.

Blue Boy rosemary is a slow-growing herb that works well in containers or as a border plant. The tiny leaves are edible; you just need a lot of them.

Creeping rosemary does exactly what it sounds like it does, and makes a lovely scented ground cover. Pine scented rosemary has wispy or feathery looking leaves.

One of the creeping types of rosemary to grow, pink rosemary has small leaves and pale pink flowers that bloom in late winter. It can become a bit out of hand if not pruned frequently, but luckily this rosemary suffers no ill effects from pruning.

‘Santa Barbara’ is another trailing rosemary that is a vigorous grower that can reach lengths of 3 feet (1 m.) or more.

‘Spice Islands’ rosemary is a very flavorful herb that grows as an erect, four foot shrub that blossoms with dark blue flowers in the late winter and early spring.

Upright rosemary has wonderfully flavored leaves and dark blue flowers, while white rosemary, as its name suggests, blooms with a profusion of white flowers from mid-winter to late spring. It is also very aromatic and is a bee magnet.

Rosmarinus officinalis is the herbal rosemary that most of us are familiar with, but if you add "prostratus" to the name you have creeping rosemary. It is in the same family, Lamiaceae, or mint, but has a broader growth habit and may be used as an elegant groundcover. The aromatic leaves and stems are still useful in culinary application and the lovely pale blue flowers are especially attractive to bees. Read on for more trailing rosemary plant info and tips on how to use this plant to enhance your garden.

Trailing Rosemary Plant Info

Trailing, or creeping, rosemary is a cultivar of the herbaceous shrubs of Mediterranean origin. The evergreen perennial is useful trained over fences, rockeries, and raised beds. It is an attractive groundcover over time with its fine, leathery foliage and sweet flowers. Rosemary groundcover provides scented foliage which helps minimize weeds and is an excellent foil for other dry landscape plants. Rosemary is an excellent xeriscape plant with high drought tolerance once established. It combines well with most other perennial herbs and drought tolerant plants. Prostrate rosemary plants can grow up to 3 feet (91 cm.) in height and 4 to 8 feet (1-2 m.) in width with beautiful trailing stems that arch over and have a useful draping nature. Leaves are leathery, pale grayish green, and have a pungent scent and flavor. Rosemary groundcover is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 10 but can be used in colder climes in containers and brought indoors for winter. It has numerous uses, from culinary to decorative, and rosemary was also thought to improve memory.

How to Grow Creeping Rosemary

The key to knowing how to grow creeping rosemary is to ensure superior drainage, as they are very susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. Plants can thrive in compacted soil once established but young plants must be in loose soil to encourage root growth. In compacted soils, aerate around the root zone to encourage porosity and allow roots oxygen. Prostrate rosemary plants are native to dry areas of the Mediterranean. As such, it requires well-drained soil and even thrives in areas of low fertility. Plant in light, porous soil, adding some sand or grit as needed to increase percolation. The shrub does well in containers but be careful not to overwater. Allow soil to dry out completely before adding moisture. Choose a location with six to eight hours of bright sunlight. Rosemary can be challenging to grow in the home interior. Where possible, place container plants in a sunny location where humidity is not high. In shoulder zones, you can plant the herb in a sheltered location and mulch heavily around it, covering the plant at night during cold snaps and it should survive light freezes. If some stems succumb to cold weather, trim them off and allow new growth to come from the base. You can prune the plant lightly to encourage branching or even train it over a structure for an appealing effect. Rosemary groundcover can also be left to scramble over rocks and other areas as an effective herb barrier and attractive living mulch.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a savory kitchen herb with a pungent flavor and attractive, needle-like leaves. Growing rosemary in pots is surprisingly simple and you can use the herb to add flavor and variety to a number of culinary dishes. Read on for tips about growing potted rosemary herbs.

Planting Rosemary in a Pot

Rosemary in a pot requires a good quality commercial potting mixture with ingredients such as fine pine bark or peat moss with vermiculite or perlite. Growing rosemary in a pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches (30 cm.) allows enough space for the roots to grow and expand. Be sure the container has a drainage hole because rosemary grown in containers will rot in soggy, poorly drained soil.

The easiest way to grow rosemary in a pot is to start with a small bedding plant from a garden center or nursery, as rosemary is difficult to grow from seed.

Plant the rosemary at the same depth it is planted in the container, since planting too deeply may suffocate the plant. Rosemary is a Mediterranean plant that will thrive in a sunny location on your porch or patio; however, rosemary isn't cold-hardy. If you live in a climate with chilly winters, bring the plant indoors before the first frost in autumn. If you prefer not to grow rosemary indoors, you can grow the herb as an annual and start with a new rosemary plant every spring.

Rosemary Container Care

Caring for rosemary grown in containers is easy enough. Proper watering is the key to growing potted rosemary herbs, and the best way to determine if the plant needs water is to insert your finger into the soil. If the top 1 to 2 inches (3-5 cm.) of soil feels dry, it's time to water. Water the plant deeply, then let the pot drain freely and never let the pot stand in water. Use care, as overwatering is the most common reason rosemary plants don't survive in containers.

Rosemary in pots generally doesn't require fertilizer, but you can use a dry fertilizer or a dilute solution of a water-soluble liquid fertilizer if the plant looks pale green or growth is stunted. Again, use care, as too much fertilizer may damage the plant. Too little fertilizer is always better than too much. Always water the rosemary immediately after applying fertilizer. Be sure to apply fertilizer to the potting soil - not the leaves.

Maintaining Potted Rosemary Herbs in Winter

Keeping a rosemary plant alive during the winter can be tricky. If you decide to bring your plant indoors during the winter, it will need a bright location. A sunny windowsill is a good place as long as the plant won't be chilled by cold air. Be sure the plant has good air circulation and that it isn't crowded with other plants. Be careful not to overwater.

Rosemary is a magnificent fragrant herb that is native to the Mediterranean. During the Middle Ages, rosemary was used as a love charm. While most of us enjoy the aroma of fresh rosemary, today most people grow it for its culinary uses and ornamental qualities. There are several easy to care for varieties in this family of Lamiaceae, one of which is the creeping or prostrate rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis "Prostratus"). So, what is creeping rosemary, and is prostrate rosemary suitable for your landscape?

Creeping Rosemary Information

Prostrate rosemary in the landscape is an easy to care for creeping perennial herb suitable for the herb garden, perennial beds, containers, and rockeries. A low growing herbaceous shrub, prostrate rosemary plants can be grown throughout USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 10. The plant only grows to a height of about 2 inches to 1 foot tall (5-30 cm.) and will spread 4 to 8 feet (1-2 m.) if left unchecked. The best time to plant prostrate rosemary is in the fall. Plant your creeping rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus') in full sun to part shade in well draining soil, although it will do well in almost any type of soil so long as it is not allowed to become sodden. You will be rewarded with an aromatic evergreen with gray green leaves reminiscent of pine needles and attractive light purple flowers.

Growing Prostrate Rosemary Plants

Prostrate rosemary plants can be purchased at the local nursery and may also be found under the names Blue Agave, American Aloe or Maguey. Conversely, you can propagate rosemary by clipping 2 inches (5 cm.) of soft, new growth. Remove the lower inch of leaves, dip in rooting hormone and then place the start in damp, sterile seed mix. Place the new plant in indirect sunlight in a warm area and mist daily. Roots should begin to form after about two to three weeks, at which time you can transplant into pots to continue to grow. After three months, the rosemary is big enough to transplant outdoors in a full sun exposure, four to six hours per day. Trim any extra long or damaged branches on the rosemary. Dig a hole a couple inches deeper than the root ball of the herb. Mix 2 to 4 inches (2.5-10 cm.) of shredded bark or gravel into the soil to provide better drainage. Plant the rosemary and back fill the hole. Water the plant in, taking care not to drown it. Additional plant should be space 24 to 36 inches (60-90 cm.) apart in the garden.

Care of Trailing Rosemary

The care of trailing rosemary is quite simple. Water, but don't drown the plant. Remember, rosemary is used to dry conditions. Fertilize rosemary with 1 ½ tablespoons (22 mL.) of slow release 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant and work in lightly with a hand cultivator. Follow up with some water to activate the fertilizer. Not only is prostrate rosemary a no-fuss herb, it is also drought tolerant and primarily pest resistant. That said, keep weeds away from around the base of the rosemary. Spittle bugs, the one pest rosemary doesn't seem to be resistant to, may use the weeds as living quarters while they snack on your rosemary. A spray from the hose may be enough to wash them off. A half inch (1 cm.) layer of white sand around the rosemary's base will also reduce weed growth and decrease the possibility of root rot. Your new rosemary herb can be used either fresh or dry with foods such as roasted potatoes, lamb, pork, fish and poultry dishes and veggies. You can also throw some on the grill when barbecuing to impart a lovely flavor or even use mature woody stems as skewers over the grill.

Given the right conditions, rosemary plants thrive, eventually reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet (2 m.). They grow out as well as up, sending out stems that seem determined to explore their surroundings and invade the space of adjacent plants. 

If your rosemary plant has grown out of control, it's time to take drastic action. Rejuvenation pruning of rosemary may be needed.

Can You Hard Prune Rosemary?

Gardeners are sometimes hesitant to make drastic cuts on rosemary shrubs because a few herbs with similar, woody stems don't recover if you make severe cuts. A mature rosemary plant, however, tolerates this drastic pruning, even into the woody parts of the stem. 

You can do light pruning and harvesting any time of year, but a rosemary plant responds best to hard pruning in winter when it isn't actively growing. When pruned in winter, the plant grows back in spring looking better than ever. Read on to find out how to rejuvenate a rosemary shrub. 

Note: For most people who grow rosemary, the plant will go through a cold period. It isn't a good idea to prune any herb, rosemary or otherwise, shortly before or during cold because it will cause the plant to grow new shoots, which are very vulnerable to cold damage.

In warmer areas where rosemary is more apt to grow to the size in which rejuvenation pruning is needed, the plant is not experiencing the same killing cold, so winter pruning while it's in dormancy is best. That being said, for those of us NOT living in such areas, stick to spring pruning after the threat of frost has passed.

Rejuvenating Rosemary Plants

The first step in rejuvenating rosemary plants is to determine the size at which you want to maintain the plant. Cut the shrub back to about half of the desired size, and by the end of spring it will fill the allotted space. You can maintain the size of the shrub through summer with light pruning and harvesting. 

Cutting through the thick, woody parts of the stem on a mature rosemary shrub may be too much for your hand pruners. If you find the stems hard to cut, use loppers with long handles. The length of the handles gives you more leverage and you'll be able to make the cuts easily. 

When tender new shoots replace the old growth, you'll be able to make cuts easily with hand pruners. Don't toss the prunings on the compost pile! Save the best tips to start new plants, and strip the needles off the remaining stems for drying. The tough stems make excellent kabob skewers.

It's Christmas time again and maybe you are looking for another decorating idea, or you live in a small apartment and just don't have the room for a full size Christmas tree. Of late, rosemary Christmas tree plants have become popular nursery or grocery store items. Not only is rosemary used as a Christmas tree a festive ornamental for the season, but it is predominantly disease and pest resistant, aromatic, a culinary treasure, and responds beautifully to pruning to maintain the shape. Additionally, a rosemary tree for Christmas can be planted in the garden to wait for the following holiday season while maintaining its role as an indispensable herb.

How to Create a Rosemary Tree for Christmas

With the burgeoning popularity of rosemary as a Christmas tree, you can easily purchase one for use during the holidays. However, if you have a bit of a green thumb, it's also fun to know how to create a rosemary tree for Christmas. If you aren't a big fan of rosemary, other herbs such as Greek Myrtle and Bay Laurel are also suitable for small living Christmas trees. Initially, the purchased rosemary tree has a lovely pine shape but over time as the herb matures, it outgrows those lines. It is very easy to prune the rosemary to help it maintain its tree shape. Take a picture of the rosemary Christmas tree, print it out, and draw an outline of the tree shape you wish the herb to have with a permanent marker. You'll notice that outside of the marker lines there are branches. These are the branches that need to be pruned back to regain the tree shape. Use your photo as a template to show you where to prune, clipping the branches all the way to their base near the trunk of the rosemary. Don't leave nubs, as this will stress the herb out. Continue to prune every three to four weeks to maintain the desired shape.

Care for a Rosemary Christmas Tree

Keeping a rosemary tree for Christmas is extremely simple. Continue with the pruning schedule and mist the herb after pruning. Keep the plant in a sunny window or outside in full sun. Keeping rosemary for Christmas healthy requires regular watering. Rosemary plants are drought tolerant, but this doesn't mean they need no water. It is difficult to tell when to water rosemary as it doesn't wilt or drop leaves as other plants do when in need of water. The general rule is to water every week or two. The rosemary Christmas tree will have to be repotted at some point or planted outdoors until the following Christmas. Keep shaping the plant from spring through fall and then bring indoors again. Repot in a larger clay pot to aid in water retention with a lightweight potting mix that provides good drainage.

Few things are as rewarding as brushing your hand against a lush rosemary bush and inhaling that piney Mediterranean scent. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is known for being an enduring perennial that’s as tough as nails. However, even this hardy herb has its breaking point. If you’re worried about your rosemary turning brown, you can turn things around if you act fast.

When those signature needle-like leaves begin to lose their silver-green sheen and turn a crisp, unsightly brown, it’s a clear SOS from your plant that something is wrong. If you’ve noticed your rosemary plant turning brown, you aren’t alone. It is one of the most common complaints among herb gardeners who grow rosemary, particularly when growing in containers or in regions with humid summers and harsh winters.

The good news is that unless the plant is brittle to the core, there is often a way to pivot your care routine and save your precious herbs. From the complexities of wet feet to the hidden dangers of indoor heating, we’ll help you identify exactly what is ailing your herb and provide a step-by-step roadmap to restoration.

Why Is My Rosemary Turning Brown?

When you first spot brown tips or patches, your immediate fear is probably that the plant is already on its way out. However, rosemary is a woody perennial, and it’s important to distinguish between seasonal shedding and terminal decline. Whether you are growing rosemary in containers or in the ground, there are often simple explanations. Sometimes, the interior of a very large, old rosemary bush will turn brown simply because sunlight can’t reach the inner stems. This is natural, and nothing to fear.

To tell if your rosemary is truly dying or just stressed, perform the scratch test. Use your fingernail to lightly scratch a small section of the main stem. If you see green, moist tissue underneath, the plant is still alive and circulating nutrients. If the stem is snap-dry and brown all the way through, that specific branch is dead. If the entire plant (from the tips to the base) is brittle and the scratch test reveals only dry wood, it may be beyond saving. But if there is even a hint of green, there is hope!

7 Common Reasons Why Rosemary is Turning Brown

There are other reasons for rosemary leaves turning brown. Identifying the culprit is half the battle. Because rosemary evolved on the rocky, dry hillsides of the Mediterranean, its needs are very specific. Most issues stem from a mismatch between its native environment and its current home, whether that’s down to an issue specific to hardiness zone, or to the way you have filled or placed a container.

Fortunately, many of these issues can be remedied – and avoided in future. Here are the 7 most frequent reasons your rosemary is losing its color (and what you can do to restore it to its former glories).

1. Root Rot

The first sign of root rot is that the leaves turn a dull, sickly yellow before turning soft brown. The plant may look wilted, even though the soil is wet. Root rot is almost always caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Rosemary hates wet feet. Rosemary requires exceptionally well-drained soil. If your plant is in a pot, ensure it isn't sitting in a saucer of water. If you sense excess moisture is the issue, allow the soil to dry out completely. If the case is severe, you may need to repot the plant into a fresh mix of 50% potting soil and 50% sand or perlite.

This issue is most common in the clay-heavy soils of the US Midwest or Southeast during rainy spring months. Container plants are especially at risk if they lack large drainage holes. A dedicated moisture meter like the XLUX Long Probe Soil Moisture Meter from Amazon can help you verify soil dampness.

2. Winter Burn and Cold Damage

Your rosemary plant may turn brown suddenly after the first hard frost, or the tips may look scorched in early spring. Most rosemary varieties are only hardy to USDA Zone 7 or 8 (about 10–20°F). If you live in a colder zone, the cell walls of the needles rupture during a freeze. To prevent this, try mulching the base of ground-based rosemary with straw or evergreen boughs. For container plants, move them into a sheltered garage or indoors before the first frost hits.

Upright varieties like 'Tuscan Blue' are often more susceptible to cold than prostrate (creeping) varieties. In northern US states, consider growing 'Arp' or 'Hill Hardy,' which are bred for better cold tolerance. To protect outdoor plants, a frost blanket or burlap wrap can provide a crucial few degrees of warmth during a cold snap. You can buy Greenscapes Frost Shield Frost Protection Bags from Lowe’s.

3. Extreme Dehydration

The leaves become very brittle, dry, and turn a light tan-brown. This usually starts at the tips. While rosemary is drought-tolerant once established, it isn't a cactus. This is especially true for container-based rosemary, which dries out much faster than ground-based plants. Use the finger test – if the soil is dry 2 inches (5 cm) down, give it a deep soak. Knowing when to water rosemary can greatly reduce the risk of browning. Avoid sip watering (giving a little every day). Instead, water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.

This is a frequent culprit in the arid southwest or during summer heatwaves in southern California. Potted plants in terracotta containers are most prone to this, as the porous clay allows water to evaporate through the sides. To help retain just enough moisture, adding a layer of organic mulch or using a high-quality potting mix like Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose from Amazon can create a more stable environment for the roots.

4. Fungal Diseases

You might see a white, flour-like dusting or grey mold before the leaves turn brown and drop. This could be powdery mildew or botrytis. These common plant diseases are a major issue in humid climates (like the US southeast). Rosemary needs high air circulation. If your plants are crowded, prune them back to allow air to flow through the center. Avoid overhead watering – always water at the base to keep the foliage dry.

Indoor rosemary is particularly susceptible in winter, when home air is stagnant. If you notice white spots or fuzzy growth, treat the plant immediately with a fungicide like Bonide Ready-to-Use Neem Oil Spray from Amazon. Prostrate varieties that grow low to the damp ground are more likely to encounter fungal spores than upright, airy shrubs.

5. High Humidity Stress

You may notice rosemary leaves turning brown in the middle of a hot, humid summer. Native to dry Mediterranean air, rosemary can suffocate in high humidity. For ground-based plants, ensure they aren't crowded by taller perennials. For potted rosemary, move the container to a spot with a light breeze or use a small fan if keeping the plant in a greenhouse.

This is a seasonal struggle for gardeners in the gulf coast and Florida, where the air rarely dries out. In these regions, planting rosemary in raised garden beds or in highly porous breathable pots is essential to help the root system breathe despite the heavy atmospheric moisture. You can buy Ophelia & Co Terracotta Pots from Wayfair in packs of 4 with saucers and generous drainage holes.

6. Spider Mites and Stress

Tiny yellow stippling (dots) on the leaves that eventually turn brown. You may see fine webbing between the needles. Spider mites love the dry, dusty conditions often found on indoor rosemary. Give your plant a shower in the sink to knock the mites off, or use an organic neem oil spray. Regular misting (only when indoors in dry heat) can actually help deter these pests. You can get color-coded Bealee Misting Bottles from Amazon to keep your plants in check.

These pests are most active during the late winter months (January-March) when indoor heating is at its peak and the air is bone-dry. Keep a bottle of insecticidal soap or neem oil on hand from Amazon to treat the plant at the first sign of webbing before the browning spreads to the entire branch.

7. Nitrogen Deficiency or Soil pH Issues

Soil issues usually manifest as a general yellowing that leads to a stunted, brown appearance. Rosemary prefers a slightly alkaline soil (pH 6-7). If the soil is too acidic, the plant can't take up nutrients. While rosemary doesn't need much fertilizer, a boost of fish emulsion in the spring can help ground-based plants regain their vigor. You can buy TPS Nutrients Fish Emulsion Fertilizer from Amazon.

This is often an issue in the Pacific northwest where heavy rains can leach nutrients from the soil or in the northeast where soils tend to be more acidic. For a quick fix, repotting with a fresh, nutrient-rich mix or using a slow-release natural fertilizer from Burpee can restore the deep green color your rosemary is known for.

Prevent Rosemary Turning Brown

The best way to keep your rosemary green is to mimic the Mediterranean. This means prioritizing three things: drainage, light, and air. First, never plant rosemary in heavy clay soil without amending it. Use a raised bed or a gritty potting mix to ensure water moves away from the roots quickly.

Secondly, remember that rosemary is a sun-worshipper. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. If you are moving a plant indoors for the winter, a south-facing window is rarely enough; you will likely need a supplemental LED grow light to prevent the winter browns. Finally, be mindful of transition shock. When moving rosemary between outdoors and indoors, do it gradually over 10 days to let the plant acclimate to the change in humidity and light.

Shop Rosemary Care Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions

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Rosemary is a hardy, evergreen herb that is vigorous and fragrant. The needle-like foliage is full of aromatic oils that release in stews, soups, and sauces. Drying rosemary can help capture that aroma and flavor. Harvesting rosemary in summer for drying protects the essence of the plant and brings it conveniently to your spice rack.

Harvesting Rosemary

Tips on how to dry rosemary must include a talk on timing. Most herbs are best just before flowering when the oils are at their peak. Cut the stems in the morning just after the dew dries and before the heat of the day is at its height. Use pruners when harvesting rosemary from mature plants with woody stems. Wash the stems before you begin drying rosemary.

How to Dry Fresh Rosemary

Fresh rosemary is easiest to use because the leaves are soft and pliable. It's easy to preserve the flavor of the herb, but drying rosemary makes the leaves hard and woody. The process of how to dry rosemary can include grinding the dry needles into powder for use without the hard texture. You can just leave a stem of rosemary on the counter and it will dry, but to ensure safety and quality, a food dehydrator is useful. Dry the stems in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Pull off the leaves after they are dry and store rosemary whole or ground. Other methods of how to dry rosemary can be done by hanging on a clothes hanger or pulling off the leaves and letting them dry in a single layer on a cookie sheet. A pretty and easy way of drying rosemary is to make tied bouquets. The herb is attractive with numerous leaves and a rich, green color. When bundled and tied with a bright ribbon, the bouquet emits a fresh evergreen scent as it dries. Hang the bundles in a warm, dry area until the needles start to fall off, then remove the leaves by rubbing the stem upwards over a bowl or bag.

How to Store Rosemary

Storing herbs properly is crucial to retaining their flavor and usefulness. Herbs like rosemary keep best in cool, dark locations. Store rosemary in a tightly sealed container to prevent moisture from entering and causing mold. Dried herbs keep many times longer than fresh, but don't last forever. It is best to clean out your unused herbs and spices twice per year to ensure they are at their best.

How To Prune Rosemary For An Endless Supply Of Fresh Herbs

You may be wondering how to prune rosemary, especially if it’s one of your favorite herbs. Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is popular for its wide range of culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses. Its botanical name, Rosmarinus, Latin for “dew of the sea” is such a pretty name for a truly rugged plant. This fragrant herb is low maintenance and hardy in USDA zones 7-9 and on occasion, even into zone 6b. If you’re nurturing this well-loved herb, it’s worth learning how to trim rosemary.

Reasons for Pruning Rosemary

There are a few reasons why you might want to prune rosemary. For one, left unpruned, rosemary can become scraggly and rather unsightly. Pruning the plant keeps it tidy and compact. Of course, this isn’t strictly necessary if you would rather have a wilder, more untamed look.

Rosemary is often grown as a beautiful topiary which does require some pruning or tip pinching to train the plant into the desired shape.

Rosemary plants may end up with winter damage like broken tips or branches. In this case, it is best to cut the damaged part of the plant out, if only to avoid opening it up to disease.

The last reason to cut rosemary is to propagate it. Even the best cared for plant begins to die back after about 5-10 years. An easy way to continue to have rosemary in the garden or home herb planter is to propagate by cuttings.

When to Prune Rosemary

To control the shape and size of a rosemary plant, plan on pruning the plant back in the late spring or early summer. During the summer, you can also tip prune to control overgrown plants at any time, although ideally, you are harvesting from the plant, in which case it won’t likely need to be trimmed.

If you want to cut rosemary back in the fall, the plant requires 6-8 weeks to allow the growth to harden off before the first frost, so prune no later than early September.

If your plant has winter damage, cut back injured stems in late winter before new spring growth appears.

For propagation, take cuttings when the plant is actively growing but hasn’t bloomed in the late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in the late summer.

How to Prune Rosemary

When pruning your rosemary, never prune out more than 1/3rd of the plant. It won’t come back. Trust me on this. I’ve had a disastrous experience many years ago early in my gardening, hacking back half or over half the shrub and then wondering why it never came back.

In fact, I find that less is more. Prune judiciously and sparingly, especially if the plant is older and woody. Stick to removing the malleable tips of the plant rather than the woody branches. If you think you must prune more, take a cutting and start another plant before lopping the herb back.

To propagate the plant, take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cutting from a green, shoot in late spring up until early summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Trim Rosemary So It Keeps Growing?

Ideally, you will be using this aromatic herb and routinely trimming back the succulent, green tips which will keep it shaped and growing. If you haven’t used your rosemary and the plant is overgrown, cut it back by half, taking only the green, not woody portions of the stem in late spring or early summer.

Where Is the Best Place to Cut Rosemary?

The best place to cut rosemary is at the malleable, green tip. Avoid cutting into woody branches. Rosemary doesn’t take kindly to hard pruning. If you must cut out woody areas, try to stick to those that are withered, old, and/or diseased.

Growing rosemary indoors is sometimes a tricky thing to do. Many good gardeners have tried, and, despite their best efforts, end up with a dry, brown, dead rosemary plant. If you know the secrets to the proper care of rosemary plants growing inside, you can keep your rosemary plants growing happily indoors all winter long.

Tips for Growing Rosemary Indoors

Most often, there are four things on the list of what kills rosemary plants indoors. These are:

• lack of sunlight
• poor watering practices
• powdery mildew
• pests

If you can avoid these issues, your rosemary plant will live happily inside. Let's look at how to avoid each. Lack of Sunlight Most people aren't aware that the lack of sunshine is the most common reason for a rosemary plant growing indoors to die. Often, rosemary plants are brought indoors without any acclimation. They go from six to eight hours of strong, direct light to four to six hours of weak or indirect light. The rosemary plant is unable to produce enough energy to stay alive on this amount of weak light and simply dies. The first step to preventing rosemary light starvation is to put your rosemary on a sunlight diet before you bring it indoors. Several weeks before you plan on bringing the rosemary inside, move the plant to gradually shadier areas of your yard. This will force the rosemary plant to grow leaves that are more efficient at turning light into energy, which will help it cope with weaker indoor light when it moves inside. Once your rosemary moves indoors, make sure that you place it in the brightest window in your house, which is normally a south facing window. If your rosemary plant is not getting at least six to eight hours of light a day, place a lamp with a fluorescent light bulb as close as possible to the plant to supplement the sunlight. Poor Watering Practices The second most common reason for an indoor rosemary dying is watering practices. Often, indoor rosemary plants are watered too little or too much. Make sure that the drainage on the container with the rosemary is excellent. Only water the soil when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. But, that being said, never let the soil dry out completely. In the winter, rosemary plants grow much more slowly and need much less water than they do in the summer. Watering too often will cause root rot, which will kill the plant. On the other side, if the soil of the rosemary plant is allowed to dry out completely, the roots will die back and the plant will not have enough roots to support itself. Powdery Mildew Indoors or outdoors, rosemary plants are very susceptible to powdery mildew. Most homes don't have the same air circulation as the outside world does, which makes this an even worse problem for the plant inside. The best way to drive away powdery mildew on rosemary plants is to increase the air circulation around it. Letting a fan blow on it for a few hours a day or taking it out of more high humidity rooms, like the bathroom or kitchen, will help improve the air circulation. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide to help keep away the powdery mildew. Pests To be honest, while pests may get the blame for killing a rosemary plant, most pests will only infest a plant that is already weakened. Unfortunately, most rosemary growing indoors, despite all best efforts, are growing in a somewhat weakened state. The stricter you are with yourself about making sure that your rosemary plant is watered properly and gets enough light, the less likely pests will bother the plant. But, if your rosemary is infected with pests, use a houseplant pesticide to remove them. Since rosemary is an herb and it is mainly grown to be eaten, look for organic pesticides. One that is growing in popularity is neem oil, as it is very effective against pests but is completely harmless to humans and pets.

Rosemary is a popular culinary herb in the home garden. It can be planted either in the ground or in containers, but depending on how you grow this herb, how you water your rosemary plant differs.

How to Water a Rosemary Plant in the Ground

Rosemary is a plant that is easy to grow in the ground, mostly because it's rather drought tolerant. A newly planted rosemary needs to be watered frequently for the first week or two to help it become established, but after it's been established, it needs little in the way of watering other than rainfall. Rosemary is drought tolerant and can go quite some time without being watered when planted in the ground. In fact, often what will kill a rosemary plant growing in the ground is too much water, and rosemary is very sensitive to drainage. It doesn't like to grow in soil that doesn't drain well and can succumb to root rot if left in soil that stays too wet. It is because of this, you should make sure to plant your rosemary in well draining soil. After it's established, only water in times of severe drought.

Watering Rosemary Plants in Containers

While rosemary grown in the ground needs little water from the gardener, rosemary grown in containers is another matter. A rosemary plant in a container doesn't have the chance to grow an extensive root system to seek out water like the plants in the ground. Due to this, they are far less drought tolerant and need to be watered frequently. Like ground-planted rosemary, those grown in containers are also sensitive to drainage. With container-grown rosemary, water the plant when the soil is just dry to the touch on the top. It's important that you don't let the soil dry out completely as rosemary plants lack signals like droopy leaves or wilted stems to let you know they are dangerously low on water. They can actually die before you realize there was ever a problem. Therefore, always keep the soil of your potted rosemary at least a little moist. On the flip side, make sure the pot has excellent drainage. If the soil becomes too wet, the plant can easily develop root rot and die.

A lot of people enjoy having small kitchen window sill plants like rosemary. However, although they are easy to grow, they aren't without faults. Often you'll find there are problems with growing rosemary, one of them being a common fungus.

Powdery Mildew on Rosemary

Perhaps you've noticed a white powder on your rosemary plants in your kitchen. If so, you aren't alone. The white powder is actually powdery mildew on rosemary, a common plant ailment. It is caused by many different fungi that are closely related.

This is one of the most common problems with growing rosemary plants, and all indoor plants actually. Each indoor plant has a white powdery mildew that is specific to that particular plant. Rosemary is no different.

Powdery mildew won't kill the rosemary plant, but it will weaken it. This is one of the easiest plant diseases to diagnose. Powdery mildew appears as a white powder which coats the leaves of the plant. The powder is actually thousands of little spores and can spread to other plants if severe enough.

How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew on Rosemary

Powdery mildew can be partially removed if you rub the leaves of your rosemary plant carefully. If you don't try to remove some of it, the white powder on rosemary can result in leaf drop. The powdery mildew on rosemary can rob the plants of the nutrients they need to grow.

Powdery mildew can definitely make the plant look a little ragged, but it shouldn't kill it. Pick up any infected leaves that have fallen off the plant. Also, take infected plants out of high humidity rooms, like the bathroom or kitchen. Rosemary prefers drier conditions.

Finally, spraying the rosemary with a fungicide, such as neem oil, will help to kill the fungus. You might want to try spraying water on it first every few days to knock the mildew off before resorting to fungicide.

You may need to repeat this every few days for it to be effective, but be careful not to overwater the plant itself or you will end up with root rot, another of the common problems for rosemary plants or other indoor houseplants.

Preventing Powdery Mildew on Rosemary

One of the best ways to treat powdery mildew is to prevent it in the first place. Even if you still have an outbreak, with a few precautions beforehand, the fungus will not have as good a stronghold, making its treatment even easier.

• When it comes to the prevention of powdery mildew, the use of bicarbonates seems promising, at least for many people.
• Since powdery mildew fungus thrives in moist, humid conditions, ensure that your plant has plenty of light and well-draining soil. Only water the plant as needed to avoid overly saturated soil and keep the water off the foliage.
• Keep your rosemary plants well ventilated too, meaning do not overcrowd them with other plants. This only creates a moist environment for the fungus to thrive in.
• Oftentimes, powdery mildew attacks new growth, so avoiding excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers should help limit this growth.
• Purchasing plants that are resistant to the disease, whenever available, is a good idea too.

Now that you know what the white powder on rosemary is and how to treat or prevent it, you can go back to enjoying your rosemary plant indoors or in the garden.

The piney scent of a rosemary plant is a favorite of many gardeners. This semi hardy shrub can be grown as hedges and edging in areas that are USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6 or higher. In other zones, this herb makes a delightful annual in the herb garden or can be grown in pots and brought indoors. Because rosemary is such a wonderful herb, many gardeners want to know how to propagate rosemary. You can propagate rosemary from either rosemary seeds, rosemary cuttings, or layering. Let's look at how.

Step-by-Step Instructions Stem Cutting Rosemary

Rosemary cuttings are the most common way to propagate rosemary.

1. Take a 2- to 3-inch (5 to 7.5 cm.) cutting from a mature rosemary plant with a clean, sharp pair of shears. Rosemary cuttings should be taken from the soft or new wood on the plant. The soft wood is most easily harvested in the spring when the plant is in its most active growth phase.
2. Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting, leaving at least five or six leaves.
3. Take the rosemary cuttings and place it in a well-draining potting medium.
4. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to help the cuttings retain moisture.
5. Place in indirect light.
6. When you see new growth, remove plastic.
7. Transplant to a new location.

How to Propagate Rosemary with Layering

Propagating a rosemary plant through layering is much like doing so through rosemary cuttings, except the "cuttings" stay attached to the mother plant.

1. Choose a somewhat long stem, one that when bent over can reach the ground.
2. Bend the stem down to the ground and pin it to the ground, leaving at least 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm.) of the tip on the other side of the pin.
3. Strip away the bark and leaves that are 1/2 inch (1.5 cm.) on either side of the pin.
4. Bury the pin and the bare bark with soil.
5. Once new growth appears on the tip, cut the stem away from the mother rosemary plant.
6. Transplant to a new location.

How to Propagate Rosemary with Rosemary Seeds

Rosemary is not typically propagated from rosemary seeds due to the fact that they are difficult to germinate.

1. Soak seeds is warm water overnight.
2. Scatter across the soil.
3. Cover lightly with soil.
4. Germination may take up to three months

Rosemary is known for adding beautiful aroma and flavor to culinary dishes, but it's not just a delicious herb! Rosemary shrubs can be grown in ornamental gardens, too. It makes for a robust and fragrant perennial shrub in warmer climates and can even serve as erosion control.

Rosemary has been used medicinally at least from the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans around 500 B.C. Native to the warm Mediterranean region, rosemary is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. In cooler regions, it is typically an annual plant but it can be wintered indoors when potted.

With the proper light, water, temperature, soil, and fertilizer, rosemary has been known to live as long as 30 years.

Quick Rosemary Facts

How to Care for Rosemary

Rosemary plants are fairly low maintenance and make a wonderful addition to any herb garden. They are drought tolerant and thrive indoors and out with little tending. The most important thing is to ensure rosemary plants don't get overwatered or soggy.

Rosemary Light Needs

Rosemary should be grown in full sun; at least 6 hours of direct sun. If growing it indoors, rosemary needs a south-facing window and often supplemental grow lights. Barrina T5 grow lights, available from Amazon, are full spectrum and will give your rosemary proper light conditions indoors.

Watering Rosemary

Rosemary prefers its soil on the dry side. It should be watered every week and a half to two weeks in the ground and once a week if it is container-grown. Before watering rosemary, check the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil with your finger. If it is dry to the touch, water the herb. Avoid overhead watering as its can lead to fungal infections. Bottom-watering potted rosemary can ensure the foliage stays dry.

Temperature & Humidity

Rosemary likes warm temperatures with moderate humidity. Rosemary plants can have fungal problems when humidity is too high. They are native to the Mediterranean so it is best to mimic those conditions; dry, breezy and warm. Proper air circulation is important for success. Prostrate rosemary plants, or creeping rosemary, are most likely to encounter issues from humidity and damp.

While most varieties tolerate high temperatures, they prefer a range of 55-80 F (13-27 C). Most varieties will die at temperatures below freezing. You can winterize rosemary plants to protect them from moderate cold, or just bring potted rosemary indoors in the colder months.

Rosemary Soil Needs

Most cultivars of rosemary thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It tolerates drought well which makes it a nice addition to a water-wise garden. If you are planting rosemary in containers, a well-draining herb mix like this Rosy Soil herb potting mix from Amazon is a good choice. You should also ensure your container has a drainage holes to avoid soggy soil.

Fertilizer for Rosemary

Generally, rosemary grown in the ground will not need fertilizer however, even they will benefit from light fertilization. Feed them with a slow-release fertilizer for shrubs and trees or an organic fertilizer in the late winter or early spring. Sap-sucking pests are attracted to plants that have had too much nitrogen fertilizer applied.

Rosemary Pests & Diseases

Rosemary is quite resistant to pests however, spider mites, mealybugs or scale insects may attack the plant. A good spray of water or insecticidal soap can remove the majority of sap-sucking insects. Scales can easily be removed by pruning the tips of the plant where these sedentary pests are found.

Overwatering encourages root rot. The entire plant will become limp and its terminal shoots die off. Dig up the plant and prune out infected roots then dust with fungicide powder. If the root system is black and mushy, throw the plant away.

Brown rosemary plants signal issues like root rot, extreme dehydration, winter burn, high humidity stress, or soil pH issues.

Planting Rosemary

Rosemary can be planted in the garden proper or grown as a container plant either indoors or outside. It can be grown in dry to medium soil that is well-draining, in full sun although it will tolerate light shade. Heavy clay soil should be avoided.

Growing Rosemary in Pots

Rosemary is often grown in containers, especially in areas where it's considered an annual. Containers should have adequate drainage holes.

The potted rosemary can be grown outside until temperatures begin to drop in the fall and then brought indoors and placed in a sunny southern window that provides at least 6 hours per day of full sun. Supplemental light may be needed in the form of grow lights.

Plants in pots generally need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground and this is true of rosemary when it is outside. However, avoid overwatering which can foster fungal diseases. Only water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch.

Take overwintered rosemary outside again in the mid-spring when temps have warmed and the last frost has passed.

Repotting

Rosemary should be repotted each year in the spring. Remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots gently, and place it at the same depth in a new pot that is one size up from the last, then fill in around the plant with fresh potting medium.

Overwintering

Overwintering rosemary is an option for plants that are in slightly cooler than ideal climates. Rosemary should be moved if it is in an area that gets freezing temperatures. If it is container grown, the plant can be moved inside and cared for much as a houseplant or, it can go in a protected garage or shed and be allowed to go dormant until spring.

Plants that remain in the ground can be covered with burlap bags or chicken wire enclosures filled with dry leaves to protect them from the cold. It is also best to situate plants on the south or west side of the house so they can benefit from the protection of the foundation.

Also protect the roots of the plants by covering them with 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) of wood chips.

Pruning Rosemary

To get a bushier plant, prune rosemary after it blooms to encourage new growth. Since this is a woody herb, always use very sharp, sterile pruning shears to make your cuts.

Rosemary may be pruned at any time during the spring or summer; up until 4-6 weeks prior to the first frost for your area. Do not prune the plant after this point as pruning facilitates new growth which could then freeze and harm the plant. Reviving woody rosemary in late winter is another option that can rejuvenate rosemary plants.

Rosemary plants can be pruned into topiaries, but never remove more than 1/3rd of the foliage at any one time. Doing so can kill the plant.

How to Propagate Rosemary

Rosemary can be grown from seed although germination rates are low and it takes some time (up to three years) for the herb to grow large enough to harvest from. Otherwise, rosemary propagation is more commonly done through cuttings.

Cuttings should be taken from mature plants. With a sharp, sterile knife or pruning shear, cut a 4-6 inch cutting in the late spring to early summer. Be sure your cutting is not blooming.

Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and place it immediately into a room temperature glass of water. In warmer temperatures, roots should grow within a few weeks; longer if it's colder.

When the roots are half an inch long, its time to transplant them into a well-draining, sandy soil medium and place them in a sunny area.

Rosemary Varieties

There are many varieties of rosemary, some upright and some prostrate in habit. Their blooms may be blue, pink or white, and some cultivars are more hardy than others.

Some of the more common cultivars include Albus, Arp, Collingwood Ingram, Creeping, Gorzia, Lockwood de Forest, Majorca Pink, Officinalis, Salem, Spice Island or Tuscan Blue. 'Tuscan Blue' rosemary plants, available from Fast Growing Trees, are wonderfully aromatic plants and easy to care for.

Companion Plants for Rosemary

Rosemary is a good companion plant for most herbs such as basil, sage, thyme and oregano. It also makes a good companion plant for bloomers such as sunflowers, marigolds, and nasturtiums and settles in nicely with root veggies like carrots.

Rosemary Plant Uses & Benefits

In the garden, rosemary is suited for use in rock, winter, edible, cutting, pollinator, butterfly, childrens and other gardens. It does well in containers or as a border or low hedge as well as areas where it can trail.

Leaves can be used either fresh or dried in a variety of menus from steaks to stews to breads, herbal butters or vinegars. The flowers and leaves are used in sachets and potpourri and the oil is pressed for use in a variety of cosmetics and toiletries. Sprigs of rosemary make wonderful additions to winter simmer pot recipes. You can even use rosemary to decorate for the holidays!

Rosemary has a long history of use medicinally. It is said to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It is also purported to aid in alleviating pain, improving memory, promoting hair growth, and improving circulation.

Rosemary is also a good plant for areas with deer as they avoid the plant.

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Frequently Asked Questions