Does rosemary come back every year?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.The perennial character of rosemary is totally dependent on your climate conditions. In USDA zones 8-10, where winters do not drop below 15°F (-9°C), this herb winters reliably each spring. In colder zones, you need protective measures, such as heavy mulching or bringing them inside, to ensure they survive the winter.
Zone Requirements
- Perennial in zones 8-10 without special protection
- Marginally hardy in zone 7 with heavy root-zone mulch
- Annual in zones 6 and below unless overwintered indoors
Winter Protection
- Apply 4-6 inches of straw mulch before first frost
- Wrap plants in burlap during extreme cold snaps
- Use frost blankets for temperatures below 20°F (-7°C)
Container Strategies
- Move pots to unheated garages or sheds
- Reduce watering to monthly during dormancy
- Provide bright indirect light near south-facing windows
Container gardening is the best option for cold climates. I have several pots that stay out all summer and then spend winter in the sunny entryway of my house. This way, I can keep plants for years rather than having to buy new plants every year. Use smaller varieties, such as Blue Spire, to make the moving process easier.
When moving containers outdoors during the spring transition, keep a close eye on your plants. Gradually acclimate your plants over a period of seven to ten days to avoid shock. Prune any winter damage back to blackened stems. When the temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C), re-establish your regular watering routine.
Appropriate drainage of soil is important throughout the year. Add coarse sand to garden beds to reduce winter root rot. For containers, use terra cotta pots with a cactus mix. This effectively allows rosemary to thrive through the season and return stronger every year.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Steps: How to Grow Rosemary Perfectly
