Rosemary Browning in Florida: Diagnosing Death vs. Dormancy

Three-year rosemary turned completely brown after wet spring/summer in Florida screen porch. Likely dead, but verify.

Death Confirmation

• Scratch bark: green cambium = alive. Brown/tan = dead.
• Bend stems: snap = dead. Flexible = possibly alive.
• Check base: any green shoots from crown?

Probable Causes

1. Overwatering: Wet spring + screen porch rain + irrigation = root rot.
2. Powdery mildew (Jan): Weakened plant. Heavy pruning to remove it removed photosynthetic capacity.
3. Root binding: 3 years in same pot.
4. Irregular watering: Feast/famine cycles.

If Any Green Remains

1. Repot: gritty mix, larger pot, score roots.
2. Move: full morning sun, rain-protected.
3. Water: weekly only, no saucer.
4. Feed: fish fertilizer monthly.
5. Prune: dead wood only.

Realistic Outlook

All brown + sticky leaves = dead. Rosemary doesn't resprout from roots. Start fresh with 'Arp' or 'Hill Hardy' in gritty mix, morning sun, weekly water.