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Gorgeous Rosemary Plant!

  • PC404
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Gorgeous Rosemary Plant! was created by PC404

Posted 1 month 1 week ago #85052
Happy Monday everyone!
About four months ago I discovered that my mother had this beautiful rosemary plant. It has a thick trunk and a nice shape and branch distribution. Yesterday I dug it up, potted it, and put it in my plant room/greenhouse/shed. I waited until now because today in South Texas we had a pretty bad cold snap, and I knew I couldn't leave the rosemary to die.
The attached picture is after repotting and basic pruning so I could get a better view of the trunk and make the plant less top-heavy. I'm thinking of going for an informal upright style due to the natural trunk shape. (Please ignore the little wooden sign I used as a stake; it was very impromptu.)
I know rosemary to be pretty hardy and I understand the basic needs of the plant, but if anyone who has worked with rosemary as a bonsai has any tips on shaping or care, I would be very thankful!
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  • BonsaiLearner
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Replied by BonsaiLearner on topic Gorgeous Rosemary Plant!

Posted 1 month 1 week ago #85058
Rosemary can die easily if pruned too harshly or if its roots are disturbed too much. It's not ideal for bonsai but can absolutely become a nice tree if you put in the effort.

All photos I can find of older and more refined specimens are in deeper pots than standard, which I'd guess is because you can't prune the roots too much. 

Avoid cutting back to old wood and trim lightly after the flowers have started dying back in order to keep it compact
by BonsaiLearner
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  • m5eaygeoff
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Replied by m5eaygeoff on topic Gorgeous Rosemary Plant!

Posted 1 month 1 week ago #85059
I think you can do almost anything with this species, although wiring must be left to new growth as the old wood is brittle. They will grow well if pruned hard, after the first flush of growth. Repot in the spring as most species. Don't forget the fertiliser. 
by m5eaygeoff
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