How to Split Rosemary Plants

The beautiful blue-green needle-like leaves of rosemary are a perfect accent in a herb or flower garden. This hardy bush is a woody shrub that can grow to 4 feet tall and 6 to 7 feet across. It should be pruned every three to five years to allow good air circulation and prevent fungal growth. Dividing woody shrubs isn’t recommended. However, many woody shrubs have layered roots. These are stems that have made contact with the soil and formed roots. These layers can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted. This should be done in the fall to allow vigorous root growth before new top growth starts to form.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp shovel or garden fork
• Sharp knife
• Watering can or garden hose

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Water the plant well the day before you plan to divide it.

   • 2

     Dig the hole for the new rosemary plant with the shovel.

   • 3

     Gently loosen the soil around the layered root system using the shovel or garden fork.

   • 4

     Cut the layered root from the mother plant with a sharp knife.

   • 5

     Gently shake most of the dirt from the root system and spread the roots in the bottom of the prepared hole.

   • 6

     Cover the roots with dirt and gently pack it.

   • 7

     Gently water the new plant until the soil is very moist. You can use a watering can or a garden hose. Adjust the water pressure on the hose to a stream the size of a pencil to prevent eroding the soil around the new plant.