Q: What is going on with my rosemary bush? Two days ago I looked at the bush and discovered damage.
A:Â Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a shrub that grows well in the desert. The natural form is shaggier than the sheared version you have growing. The damage you are seeing is likely a result of regular shearing of the foliage. Often shearing creates a shell of green that prevents light from entering the inner parts of the plant. Eventually dead spots will occur and regrowth from those branches will not likely happen. A better treatment would be less frequent light pruning as necessary and in a more selective fashion to allow the plant to achieve its natural form and to open up the plant a bit to light, air, and water.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
