Splayed Rosemary bush

Question

My question is about my rosemary plant, which is large and lush and is able to withstand winters but it is splaying all over the place: horizontally. Is there way I could safely get it in upright position by bringing all major branches together?

Answer 1

Well, it depends. First, it may simply be a variety that grows downward or outward rather than upward. There are a few prostrate varieties like this. If you don’t feel this is the case, then it is just a matter of pruning.

Just start pruning away any growth that does not go in the direction that you want (but no more than 1/3 of the plant). This will have a 2 fold effect. First, it will remove growth than is not going in the direction you would like, second, it will encourage secondary buds to grow, most of which will grow upright.

Wait until spring to do this kind of pruning. It can harm the plant to prune in fall or winter.