Reader Question: My rosemary, thought frozen and dead, is coming back to life! An Easter miracle? Should I cut it all back or just remove dead leaves? It's 15 years old.
Excellent news—your rosemary is bouncing back! As a horticulturist with years of experience helping evergreens recover from harsh winters, I've seen this often. Cold snaps leave many shrubs like rosemary with dry, crispy leaves, but they're not always goners.
Observe closely: new growth on live branches means it's regaining vigor. Resist cutting everything to the base now—it's risky for an established 15-year-old plant. Let it build strength and foliage first. By summer, prune only branches showing no green; they won't revive.
If the dried foliage bugs you, gently pluck off leaves by hand (gloves recommended). Skip pruning twigs—recovery takes time. Trust nature's pace for best results.
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