Rosemary, a hardy and fragrant herb beloved for its low-maintenance nature, can become woody and straggly if left unpruned. Gardening expert @gardening.with.ish has shared a simple pruning technique to rejuvenate the plant and encourage bushier growth.
The ideal time to prune rosemary is late spring, according to the expert. He advises cutting just above where the green softwood meets the brown hardwood, leaving some green growth on each stem. The softwood is green and pliable, while the hardwood is brown and solid.
Gardeners can remove as much softwood as they like, but should avoid cutting into the hardwood excessively. For unruly plants that require cutting into woody stems, the expert recommends making cuts above healthier woody stems to ensure continued vitality.
Another key step is to remove any dead stems at the base of the plant, which appear black and rotting. Removing these entirely will help the plant thrive, despite their toughness.
