Rosemary dieback - Ask Extension
I am attaching a picture of a rosemary plant that is starting to look bare in one area. I guess I should clarify that this picture shows where two sep...
Knowledgebase
Rosemary dieback #870137
Asked May 26, 2024, 11:09 AM EDT
I am attaching a picture of a rosemary plant that is starting to look bare in one area. I guess I should clarify that this picture shows where two separate trailing cultivars have grown together. The plant on the right has the most bare area, although both show this lack of foliage. They are about 7 or 8 years old, and I do not fertilize.
This has been a gradual decline. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Curry County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear David,
Thank you for writing about your rosemary. It is difficult to see whether an entire plant is affected, or just part of a few.
The weather this past winter caused damage to many rosemary plants in the valley. Also, rosemary tends to experience dieback on some branches as it ages. In either case, all that is needed is a little pruning to remove the dead areas or twigs. The new growth should eventually fill in the gaps.
If you like, you can take a few sample branches to a local Master Gardener plant clinic, or the Polk County Extension office for closer examination. However, I suggest pruning it out and see what happens.
Polk County Master Gardeners
https://www.polkmga.org/resources/help-desk-and-plant-clinics/
Polk County Extension Office
289 E. Ellendale, Suite 301
Dallas, OR 97338
Please write again any time you have gardening questions.
Thank you for writing about your rosemary. It is difficult to see whether an entire plant is affected, or just part of a few.
The weather this past winter caused damage to many rosemary plants in the valley. Also, rosemary tends to experience dieback on some branches as it ages. In either case, all that is needed is a little pruning to remove the dead areas or twigs. The new growth should eventually fill in the gaps.
If you like, you can take a few sample branches to a local Master Gardener plant clinic, or the Polk County Extension office for closer examination. However, I suggest pruning it out and see what happens.
Polk County Master Gardeners
https://www.polkmga.org/resources/help-desk-and-plant-clinics/
Polk County Extension Office
289 E. Ellendale, Suite 301
Dallas, OR 97338
Please write again any time you have gardening questions.
