Question
I got two rosemary cones as a gift in early Dec.  I had every intention of keeping them and planting them outside in early spring.  I left them outside on my doorstep (in lovely white urns-- quite a spectacle!) and unfortunately forgot to bring them in one night.  The temp was low and there was frost.  Overnight my cones both looked "burned", and very dry.  I know they are still viable, because I break off a small piece deep inside and it is flexible and still green inside the stem.  PLEASE tell me if you can what I can do to save them.  I feel I should prune them very harshly, pruning away the frostbitten parts.  I will be heartbroken if they are "finished".  But, I will follow what you say.  If you cannot help me with herbs, please refer me to someone who can.  Thank you so much.

Answer
Trish,

Unfortunately rosemary is very sensitive to frost. It the temperature was below 32 degres for more than a couple of hours then it is probably too late. However, I would be inclined like you to try pruning the frostbittten parts off and see what is left.  If there are some soft green normal peaves then it may come back.

Rosemary is from the Meriterranean area and likes very sandy soil, lots of sun and needs to dry out competely between waterings. So prune them first then give them as much sun as possible and keep them on the dry side and only time will show if they survive or not. Good luck.

Darlene