Rosemary in a container: too big?

13 years ago

I have rosemary that I planted in a container last year. Well, it certainly survived the winter well. It's huge now and I'm wondering: do I have to transplant it?

I really have enough for my use, so if I don't transplant it, will it die, or will the size of the container it's in cause it to self-limit but stay alive (which would be the ideal situation for me)?

Thanks in advance!

Comments (2)

flora_uk
13 years ago
How big is 'huge'? Some cultivars can get 4 or 5 feet high and wide. But you can trim it. Rosemary is very amenable to clipping.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
The root system that will need to be considered. You cannot expect to grow it (or any other plant) in the same container without some serious root pruning in order that the root system can be rejuvenated.

Since I can grow rosemary in the ground here and it over- winters beautifully, I have never had the opportunity to root prune one to see how it responds. I'm leaning in favor of the root pruning, since few plants I've ever worked with resent this procedure and nearly all thrive afterwards.

After the 'surgery', repot in the same container with some good, fresh potting mix.
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