Aggressive Pruning to Tame an Overgrown Rosemary Bush

Spring Is the Time for Hard Cutting

A 1.5-meter-wide rosemary that's never been pruned needs bold action. Standard ⅓ pruning won't reduce size fast enough.

Step-by-Step Renovation

1. Now (spring): Cut ½ of each branch back to healthy wood. Remove dead, crossing, or ground-hugging stems entirely.
2. Every 3 weeks: As new growth appears, trim it by ⅓. This forces branching and densifies the shrub.
3. Top reduction: Remove 12–18 inches from the tallest leaders to lower overall height.
4. Harvest & share: Dry cuttings in brown bags, blend, jar, and gift to chefs or friends.

Maintenance Going Forward

Once the bush reaches your desired size, switch to the standard regimen: prune ⅓ of new growth every 3 weeks. Rosemary thrives on this discipline—it stays compact, productive, and woody-stem-free.

Don't be timid. Rosemary is tough; it will rebound with vigor.