Question
I have just planted a Tuscan Blue Rosemary, (lovely thing) according to the instructions on the label, (Monrovia) but when I got it in the ground the lower branches are trailing on the soil. It says in the information to add a 1-2 inch layer of mulch. Do I cut all the lower branches off? I am very reluctant to do this since the shrub looks so good but please let me know whether this is the thing to do, there is no room to put in any mulch at the moment. The shrub is planted on a slight slope for good drainage. I live in Alabama so it is very hot, I have been watering it twice a day in its pot waiting to be planted, now I am not sure what to do.

Answer
Patty:
Yes! you may cut off branches that are touching ground. Take from pot now and plant. Mulch after planting with light cover. Feed with organic fertilizer now & every 3 weeks. Prune each branch from the top down by 1/3 & every 3 weeks. Water once a week, rosemary hates too much water. Let nature do the rest. Your variety is tender & may not make it thru winter. Be sure it is planted on the east or south. Protect from the north winds.Liquid fish fertilizer can be bought from home depot/lowe's or whole foods. You can mist it daily if you like with fertilizer. Fertilizer with seaweed mix will help the plant to stay stronger & healthy.

Leroy