Leggy Growth in Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic Mediterranean shrub used extensively in cooking
Rosemary care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to leggy growth in Rosemary. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Rosemary
The plant becomes woody and sparse with growth only at the stem tips, losing its dense, shrubby form.
Common causes in Rosemary
Like other Mediterranean herbs, Rosemary becomes woody with age, and legginess is accelerated by insufficient sun or skipping regular light pruning that encourages bushy new growth.
How to diagnose leggy growth in Rosemary
Plants lean towards light source or grow tall and thin in low light conditions.
How to treat leggy growth in Rosemary
Move to a fuller-sun spot if needed, and prune lightly in spring, cutting back to just above where new growth emerges — avoid cutting into old bare wood, which often won't reshoot.
Preventing leggy growth in Rosemary
Provide at least 6 hours of full sun, and prune lightly each spring to prevent the woody, sparse growth that builds up over untrimmed seasons.