Cutting back Rosemary

[Bad bird watcher]

Hi all, I have a large and sprawling rosemary bush which I have left to it's own devices for too long. When is the best time to cut it back and what is the best way to do it? I'm a bit nervous when it comes to woody shrubs as I have killed a few in the past by cutting into old wood and this one grew from a cutting from my old house. I don't want to do it at this time of the year as the flowers are attractive to early bees. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

[Kayleigh]

I used to cut mine back hard as it was growing over a wall, But I wouldn't recommend doing this...I ended up cutting all the flowering stems off..If I was you I would only lightly prune it after it has flowered

[GerryNick2]

I find that once Rosemary gets out of hand and a bit woody they can be a bit temperamental and may not recover from heavy pruning. I would suggest waiting until late spring when it is in full growth and cut back to new growth in stages over a period of time until you have the desired shape.

Gerry

[Susie]

I agree with Gerry, I would cut back a third to half of the woody stems reasonably hard this year after it has flowered, do the same next year, etc. Just to be on the safe side I would take a few cuttings too in case it doesn't like the pruning.

[Gill Catton]

I would also recommend keeping the wood to put on the BBQ as it smells wonderful when you burn it.

I bought three plants from the market that I put in my first ever garden and the quickly grew into monsters - fantastically producing more rosemary than I could ever use which is how I aim to have all my herbs I remember hacking one back quite hard in the late summer and it recovered quite well - but these did seem to be particulalr vigarous specimens the ones I have now are pretty wimpy in comparison - I'm not sure they would be happy with such treatment..

I miss my old herb garden sigh.......................

[aeshna5]

They often don't respond well to hard pruning- a little + often is the best policy. Either hang on to it for a few more months + take some cuttings late summer (they strike easily) or just dig it out + buy a new replacement. They grow pretty quickly.

The one problem we have around London (+ beyond) is that they are increasingly being attacked by Rosemary Beetles, Chrysolina americana, (which also nibble at lavenders, sage + other labiate herbs/shrubs). One ot 2 don't do too much harm, but a big infestation leaves a rather bedraggled looking plant!

[Jez]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

I would also recommend keeping the wood to put on the BBQ as it smells wonderful when you burn it.

love the sound of that Gill, can't wait for the summer now!!!

I also find the pine like leaves also make a good slug deterrent!

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Bad bird watcher

Hi all, I have a large and sprawling rosemary bush which I have left to it's own devices for too long. When is the best time to cut it back and what is the best way to do it? I'm a bit nervous when it comes to woody shrubs as I have killed a few in the past by cutting into old wood and this one grew from a cutting from my old house. I don't want to do it at this time of the year as the flowers are attractive to early bees. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

Pruning directly after flowering works fine. Cutting back by 'thirds' as others have suggested is a good guide - but the plant will eventually become overlly woody and it's simply a matter of planning for this and replacing with a fresh plant. Spring pruning provides plenty of material for taking cuttings so by next summer you should have healthy plants suitable to replace your existing one if it is coming to the end of its useful life.

CM

[Bad bird watcher]

Thanks for the replies. There sure are some knowledgable people on here!