Rosemary plant.

Overview

Rosemary is a perennial herb with pale blue flowers that's often used in savory cooking and healing remedies. Not only is rosemary a beneficial herb, it grows abundantly and easily in an herb garden. Many gardeners train rosemary plants into topiaries. With time and proper training, a rosemary topiary may grow to be several feet tall, and will add a lovely touch to your indoor or outdoor décor.

Step 1

Fill the container to the top with potting soil. Make an indentation in the soil and place the rosemary plant in the container so that it is at the same level it was in the temporary container. Lightly water the newly-planted rosemary plant.

Step 2

Insert a stake into the potting soil near the rosemary plant. Loosely tie the rosemary to the stake to train the rosemary plant to grow straight.

Step 3

Place the rosemary plant in a location where it will receive full sun. Rotate the container every week so that all sides of the plant receive balanced sunlight. Pinch any stems that grow out to the sides of the plant. Allow only the center stem to grow straight upward.

Step 4

Cut back the center stem when the rosemary plant is approximately 2 feet high. This will encourage the plant to fill out rather than upward.

Step 5

Check the twine ties holding the plant to the stake to make sure they are holding the plant firmly, yet loosely, and that no pests are hiding under the ties.

Step 6

Water the rosemary plant regularly to keep it evenly moist. Mist the foliage several times per week. Every fifth time you water the rosemary plant, fertilize it with a general fertilizer. Consult the fertilizer package for measurement recommendations for the size of your container.

Step 7

Train the rosemary plant to grow into the shape you want by pinching the growth back. Pinch off any stems or leaves that grow where you do not want them. Allow shoots to grow where you want the topiary to be fuller.