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How to rescue a rosemary topiary
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Posted by Jean eastern Pennsylvania (j.b.ager@att.net) on Mon, Jan 14, 02 at 10:44
I have just rescued a Tuscan Blue Rosemary topiary from a nursery where it was on clearance. It is about 16 inches high and is trimmed in a spherical shape. Several branches on one side have dried out and have lost their needles, but the remainder is green with some new growth. Beneath the plant are many dry needles, suggesting that it may have been dried out for some time. The topiary is currently beside (too tall to be placed under) a grow light in a 68 degree apartment. The light is left on 16 hours, supplementing the filtered southwestern light in the room.
I would appreciate please advice as to re-hydrating this rosemary and fortifying it before it is placed outdoors. It is said to be "hardy to -10 to 0 degrees F." When would it be best to set it outdoors on my deck?
Many thanks.
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: How to rescue a rosemary topiary
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| Since it has been inside for an indeterminate amount of time, consider it to be like any other plant which needs hardening off before planting out. On days which are above 40 degrees Farenheit, you may set it outside under partial or filtered sun. Gradually, increase the amount of sun to full sun, this will allow it to get all the sun it likes without burning it until it adjusts. Do not leave out yet when the temps. dip below 40. Eventually, especially if the pot is sunk into the ground, it will be able to stand the lower range temperatures, but this is not a bonsai, and was not meant to be left out to go dormant over the winter. It will appreciate the chill and shortened day lengths in the fall, and will reward you with flowers if you allow it to leave it's strictly sheared boundaries. |
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