How to Prune Rosemary
Keep rosemary compact and productive without killing it - the key is knowing where to cut
Critical Rule: Never Cut Into Bare Wood!
Rosemary does NOT regrow from woody, leafless stems. If you cut into brown bare wood, that branch will die. Always cut where there are still green leaves remaining on the branch.
How to Prune Rosemary
Identify Green Growth
Look at each branch and identify where green, leafy growth starts. This is your cutting limit - never go below this point into bare brown wood.
Cut Stem Tips
For regular harvesting and shaping, cut the tips of stems back by 2-4 inches. Always cut just above a leaf cluster where new shoots can emerge.
Shape the Plant
In spring, cut back the entire plant by up to 1/3 to maintain shape. Cut each branch back to a point with healthy green leaves. This encourages dense, bushy growth.
Remove Dead Wood
Cut out any completely dead, brown branches. These won't recover. Cut them back to where they meet a living branch or to the base.
Rejuvenating Old, Woody Rosemary
Old rosemary plants get woody and sparse. Here's how to rejuvenate over 2-3 years:
Year 1: In spring, cut back 1/3 of the oldest, woodiest stems to 6 inches above the soil. Leave the rest.
Year 2: Cut back another 1/3 of the old stems. The stems cut last year should be producing new growth.
Year 3: Cut back the final 1/3. The plant should now have mostly young, productive growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I prune rosemary?
Prune rosemary in spring after the last frost, and lightly throughout the growing season when harvesting. Avoid heavy pruning in fall or winter as new growth can be damaged by cold.
Can rosemary grow back from woody stems?
No! This is crucial - rosemary doesn't regenerate from bare wood. Always leave some green growth on each branch. If you cut into woody brown stems with no leaves, that branch will die.
How do I shape a rosemary bush?
Shape rosemary by cutting the tips of branches, always cutting back to a point where green leaves remain. Regular light pruning keeps plants compact and bushy. Avoid drastic cuts.
My rosemary is very woody - can I save it?
Woody rosemary can be rejuvenated gradually. Over 2-3 years, cut back 1/3 of the oldest stems each year to encourage new growth from the base. Never cut all the woody parts at once.