How to Prune Rosemary after a Freeze

Rosemary is a genus of perennial herb subshrubs that grow in a range of climates, and as annuals in colder areas. Rosemary has a hardy constitution and can typically recover from frost and freezing temperatures provided the root system is at least partially undamaged. Due to the many species and cultivars, as well as plant sizes, pruning options and uses in the garden landscape are varied. Conduct recovery pruning after freeze damage after the last threat of frost has passed to prevent repeat cold injury to new growth.

Pruning shears or secateurs
Long-blade pruning shears (for topiary and hedging)

Instructions

- 1
  Snip selected discolored or misshapen individual plant tips, using small secateurs or shears to remove the freeze-damage. Cut back only dead or damaged tissue, collecting and discarding the cuttings as you work.
- 2
  Prune freeze-damaged stems down to healthy tissue or down to the base of the plant, just above the soil, if needed. Focus on removing dead tissue but try to distribute the pruning cuts throughout the plant to maintain some symmetry when new growth emerges.
- 3
  Shear the damaged tips on rosemary plants trained into globe topiary shapes, border edging or low hedging. Use long-blade pruning shears held roughly parallel to the plant surface and remove only as much plant tissue as has been damaged in an even, all-over trim.

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