Why is my rosemary plant leggy?
David Jones
Published May 30, 2026
Why is my rosemary plant leggy?
Most rosemary puts on new growth during the winter, but the stems are usually thin and leggy as the plant reaches for more light. Make it a habit to clip these off to use in cooking during the winter. Rosemary dries really quickly when it’s growing in a pot indoors.
Does rosemary grow tall?
Rosemary is a woody-stemmed plant with needle-like leaves that can commonly reach 3 feet in height, eventually stretching to 5 feet in warmer climates unless clipped. In zone 8 and farther south, rosemary bushes make a good evergreen hedge.
How do you keep a rosemary plant from growing?
To keep rosemary happy, give it six to eight hours of full sunlight each day. When growing it indoors, place it in a south-facing window for bright light, but don’t let it get too hot.
How do you trim potted rosemary?
For pruning, you must use sharp garden snips, shears or scissors like this. Trim about 2 inches of the root matter and side shoot section before repotting it. Keep the pruned shoots and roots in the shade for 2 to 3 days. This allows your rosemary to acclimatize to the changes.
What can you not plant next to rosemary?
Planting carrots, potatoes and pumpkins near rosemary is not advised as they make for poor companions. A visitor to Our Herb Garden warned us about planting mint around rosemary. Apparently, the roots of the mint invaded those of the rosemary and killed off a well-established plant.
What is the lifespan of a rosemary plant?
Rosemary plants tend to have a lifespan of around ten or more years, if the conditions are ideal.
How often should I water potted rosemary?
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.
Does rosemary grow back after cutting?
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.
How to care for a Rosemary plant in a pot?
If the top 1 to 2 inches 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.
Where does the Rosemary in my garden come from?
Rosemary is a native Mediterranean plant, hailing from a region of dry, well-drained soil and hot, sunny temps. Rather than getting its moisture from the soil, rosemary is accustomed to grabbing moisture out of the sea-sprayed air.
Can a Rosemary plant grow into a topiary?
You can even train rosemary into topiary shapes. Plants are tolerant of salt spray, making them a good choice for pots on the beach. With the right soil and water conditions, rosemary can grow into a large evergreen hedge in warm areas.
How long does it take for a Rosemary plant to grow?
In about 2 to 3 weeks, test for root growth by very gently tugging on the cuttings. Once the cuttings have roots, transplant them into individual pots about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Pinch off the very top of the cutting to encourage it to develop branches.
How tall does a Rosemary plant grow in a pot?
Basically, there are two types of rosemary, and all the varieties fall between them. There are shrub-like upright varieties that can grow up to 5-6 feet tall, and then there are prostrate varieties that are low growing and spread around, they usually don’t rise above one foot tall. In containers, you can grow any type of rosemary variety.
What to do with Rosemary that has outgrown the pot?
If so, it has outgrown the pot. Using sharp garden scissors, cut about 2 inches of root matter off the bottom and sides before repotting it with new soil. Keep the plant in the shade for a couple of days while it acclimates to the changes.
Can you grow Rosemary in the ground year round?
If you live in a frost-free area you can grow rosemary in the ground year-round, where it will grow into a lush, bushy shrub. In cold-winter climates, you can grow rosemary in the ground as an annual, or keep it in a container that you bring indoors well before the first frost. Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for Rosemary
Can you grow Rosemary in a terra cotta pot?
Terra-cotta pots are most suitable for planting as they readily absorb excess moisture in the soil. There are two ways to propagate rosemary. One is from seeds, and the other is from cuttings. Growing rosemary from seeds should be your last idea for its propagation because of the hassle you have to go through.