Winter Care for Rosemary Plants
Rosemary is a tender perennial herb. While rosemary thrives in cool temperatures, it does not tolerate freezing in winter so must be protected in many areas of the country. In areas where it remains below freezing for much of winter, planting rosemary in pots is preferable to ensure survival. Rosemary is an evergreen, so leaves remain green year-round though the plant goes dormant in winter and stops all growth until spring. Winterize your rosemary plants in fall to ensure they remain healthy throughout winter and into spring.
Garden Rosemary
Cut back bed-grown rosemary in fall after the first frost, leaving only 3 to 6 inches of the plant remaining. Use sharp, clean shears to trim.
- Rosemary is a tender perennial herb.
- Rosemary is an evergreen, so leaves remain green year-round though the plant goes dormant in winter and stops all growth until spring.
Place a wire cage around the plant. Use a tomato cage or make your own by wrapping a cylinder of chicken wire around the rosemary.
Fill the cage with straw mulch or dead leaves. Mulching protects the rosemary from winter burn and helps maintain the soil temperature.
Water the rosemary during winter when the soil is dry and isn't frozen. Drought stress, even in winter, can damage the herb.
Potted Rosemary
Bring potted rosemary in after the first frost in fall. Do not prune it back severely, though harvesting some leaves for drying or preserving is fine.
- Place a wire cage around the plant.
- Water the rosemary during winter when the soil is dry and isn't frozen.
Place the rosemary in a cool place for at least two weeks. An unheated covered porch, garage or shed is sufficient as long as the rosemary receives bright light during this period.
Bring the rosemary into the home after the two-week period. Place it in a brightly lit window.
Water the rosemary when the top layer of soil dries out. Provide water until it drains from the bottom of the pot, then hold off on watering until the soil dries again.
Tip
Rosemary is usually hardy down to 10 degrees F. Only plant in pots if your winters are often colder than that.
Remove any mulch as soon as the plant begins actively growing again in spring.
Warning
Avoid placing potted rosemary in areas where it is subject to drafts from air vents or windows.
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References
Tips
- Rosemary is usually hardy down to 10 degrees F. Only plant in pots if your winters are often colder than that.
- Remove any mulch as soon as the plant begins actively growing again in spring.
Warnings
- Avoid placing potted rosemary in areas where it is subject to drafts from air vents or windows.
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.
