Question
I bought a beautiful healthy topiary Rosemary plant in the shape of a Christmas tree about 3 weeks ago (late October)
I am upset to see that it appears to be drying out from the "trunk" outward. It hasn't turned completely brown but it is starting to look as if it will soon. I know a brown rosemary is a dead rosemary so I want to try to save it from the compost heap before it is too late. My husband said give it plant food but I don't know if I should. Please help me save my plant! How much water should it get? Temperature? Light? Do you think it might be too late to save it?

Answer
Marie:
The rosemary is probably pot bound. Try re-potting it to a next size larger pot. Cut 1/3 off the bottom of the root ball. Cut 1-2" into all 4 sides of the ball. Place on the east or south side of the house. If it is not a hardy rosemary("arp or Hardy hill") then it should be indoors or a cool sunny, porch if in a mild winter climate. Water it very sparingly,like once a week. Never water it till its soggy. Trim brown branches no more than 1/3 from the top down. No fertilizer until spring.Use an organic fertilizer like liquid fish now at home depot/lowe's. I hope his will save it. Your re-potting soil should have sand or perlite in it for drainage.

Leroy