Half dead rosemary - next steps

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by himartinhere, Aug 10, 2025.

  1. himartinhere

    himartinhere Apprentice Gardener

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    My rosemary plant (purchased like this) looks half dead. I’ve potted, but want to know what to do with the dead side.

    thanks
     

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  2. Philippa

    Philippa Gardener

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    Other than taking it back and asking for a replacement, it doesn't look as if there is much you can do other than remove the dead stems and pinch out the growing tips of the green half in the hope of eventually getting a reasonable shape. Check all the dead stems thoroughly tho - possibly not all entirely dead and may regrow. Hard to tell from the photo. Once you have done that, give the pot a good soak and keep your fingers crossed. You could perhaps also use some of the tips as cuttings.
     
  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Did you buy it like that?

    Take some cuttings with a view of getting rid of it.
     
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    • Selleri

      Selleri Koala

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      @himartinhere , if you bought it full price, take it back for a refund. If it was discounted, it was probably a good find as the living part looks very healthy. :)

      Agree with Pete, take cuttings now and keep them sheltered over the winter. My Rosemary cuttings absolutely refuse to root in water when I ask them to, but root in a week when used as greenery in a flower vase :biggrin: .

      The easier method is to put the cuttings in pot with sandy soil and keep moist.

      The dead part will still probably have lovely scent so it could be used for that, a bunch hung in wardrobe or cleaning cupboard.

      Rosemary surprisingly does often sprout from dead wood, so cut the dead parts off leaving some growth nodes and hope for the best. The shape is unlikely to ever be a good lollipop though.
       
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      • Adam I

        Adam I Super Gardener

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        just prune the dead bits. eventually it should grow big and honestly being lopsided is more interesting. Mine is huge and leans over 1m onto the ground. lovely 20cm thick stem. but make sure to water it
         
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