How to Prune a Rosemary Bush for Health and Shape

Overview

Rosemary is a landscape favorite—fragrant, fast-growing, culinary, and beautiful with its draping form. A plant can live 15 years with minimal care once established. Pruning in early spring or late fall ensures continued healthy growth, whether grown in pots, along walls, or in the ground.

Pruning Steps

Step 1: Use Clean, Sharp Tools

Lightly trim soft new growth around the edges for culinary use.

Step 2: Remove Awkward Growth

Cut back stems growing at odd angles or overcrowding the plant, trimming to the base.

Step 3: Shape the Base

For mature plants (1+ foot tall), cut all base branches back 4–5 inches from tips. For younger plants, trim 2–3 inches.

Step 4: Even Out the Base

Repeat around the entire base for a uniform shape.

Step 5: Taper the Midsection

Prune the middle section about 1 inch further back than the base to create a tapered shape.

Step 6: Trim the Top

Cut the top ½ inch further back than the midsection. Continue clipping soft new stems as they grow for herbs and shape maintenance.