Plant techniques
Prune rosemary, sage and other woody herbs gently
Check how the herb grows and where green leafy shoots remain.
When to do it
During appropriate active growth for the species, avoiding severe heat, drought or imminent frost.
What you need
- Clean sharp secateurs
- Species identification
How to do it
- Check how the herb grows and where green leafy shoots remain. Rosemary does not reliably regrow from bare old wood.
- Remove clearly dead or damaged small growth, then shorten selected leafy shoots above a healthy node.
- Keep green leaves on every retained branch and work around the plant gradually for a balanced shape.
- For a leggy old plant, take healthy cuttings before attempting major renovation. Sage can respond differently from rosemary; identify it before cutting hard.
- Water according to need and let new shoots develop before another heavy harvest.
What success looks like
- Fresh growth emerges from retained leafy shoots.
Watch out for
- Cutting all herbs down to bare stumps.
- Pruning hard during stress.
Plant guides using this technique
Rosemary
Rosemary with practical five-zone Australian timing.
Sage
Sage with practical five-zone Australian timing.
Thyme
Thyme with practical five-zone Australian timing.
Lavender
Lavender with practical five-zone Australian planting guidance.
Winter savory
Winter savory with practical five-zone Australian planting guidance.
Related help
Harvest herbs and pinch basil for more growth
Identify the culinary herb and edible part.
Root a low stem by layering
Choose a healthy flexible stem that reaches the soil without cracking.
Sources and review
Checked 24 September 2026. Source-checked editorial guidance; not field-tested or independently reviewed by a horticulturist.