Overwintering rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
Quick answer
Potted rosemary goes into winter quarters once nights fall to about 0 °C (32 °F). The ideal spot is bright, cool and frost free at 5 to 12 °C (41–54 °F). Established in the ground in a sheltered spot, it survives several degrees of frost. Water sparingly, because cold, wet soil rots the roots.
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Overwintering rosemary
5 to 12 °C (41–54 °F)
- 01
When to bring rosemary in
Potted rosemary goes into winter quarters once nights fall to about 0 °C (32 °F). The Bavarian horticulture institute (LWG) names a lasting frost below minus 5 °C (23 °F) as the limit, and 0 °C (32 °F) leaves a pot some margin. Bring it in as late as you can and check it for pests first.
In a pot it is far more vulnerable than in the ground, because frost reaches the pot from all sides and the root ball freezes quickly.
- 02
Can rosemary stay outside?
Established rosemary in the ground survives several degrees of frost in a sheltered, sunny spot. The RHS gives about minus 8 °C (18 °F) for established plants.
A pot can stay out in a mild winter if it is sheltered and wrapped: bubble wrap or a coir mat around the pot, with the drainage hole clear so no water collects.
- 03
Where: bright and cool
It overwinters best somewhere bright and cool at about 5 to 12 °C (41–54 °F): an unheated bright room, a stairwell or a garage with a window, always frost free.
A warm living room is hard on it: too warm, too dark and too dry. If that is your only option, use the brightest, coolest window.
- 04
Watering and feeding in winter
Cold, wet soil is more dangerous than dryness, because the roots rot. Water only when the top 4 cm (1.6 in) are dry, and then just enough that the root ball doesn’t dry out completely.
No feeding in winter.
- 05
Pests and mildew
Indoors, watch for aphids, mealybugs, whitefly and spider mites. Still air encourages powdery mildew, so air the room on mild days.
- 06
Pruning before and after winter
Don’t prune in autumn. Trim lightly in spring after flowering, without cutting into old, leafless wood.
- 07
When it can go back outside
In mild weather from March or April, first during the day and in light shade. Keep fleece ready for cold nights and bring it back in for frost.
- 08
Common mistakes
Too much water: cold, wet soil is the most common winter killer.
A warm living room: warmth, low light and dry air weaken it.
Pruning in autumn: wait until spring after flowering.
Common questions
Is rosemary hardy?
Partly. Established in the ground in a sheltered spot it survives several degrees of frost, about minus 8 °C (18 °F) according to the RHS. In a pot it is far more vulnerable.
How do I overwinter rosemary in a pot?
Bring it in once nights fall to about 0 °C (32 °F), keep it bright and cool at about 5 to 12 °C (41–54 °F), water sparingly and don’t feed.
Can rosemary overwinter in a living room?
Only if necessary, at the brightest, coolest window. Warmth, low light and dry air weaken it.
When should I prune rosemary?
In spring after flowering, lightly, and not into old leafless wood.
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