Rosemary is native to rocky, seaside cliffs. It evolved to handle salt spray, drought, and chilly coastal winds. So a little snow? Please. It’s wearing a tiny, invisible parka.
But don’t get cocky. Not all rosemary is created equal. The sprawling, ground-hugging types (like ‘Prostratus’) are hardier than their upright cousins. They hug the soil for warmth. Smart little guys.
Here’s the funny part: Rosemary doesn’t actually like extreme cold. It just tolerates it. Think of a teenager in a hoodie during a blizzard. Surviving, but grumpy. The plant’s secret? It dehydrates its own cells to prevent ice from forming inside them. Yes, it gives itself a drought to survive a freeze. Weird flex, but okay.
When Things Get Frigid: The Warning Signs
Watch for leaf tips turning brown. That’s rosemary’s version of shivering. If the stems go mushy, you’ve pushed it too far. It’s like leaving a popsicle out in the sun—only backwards.
For potted rosemary, you’re in trouble below 10°F (-12°C). The pot acts like a tiny coffin. Roots freeze faster than they would in the ground. Move it inside or wrap the pot in bubble wrap. Your plant will thank you by not dying.
