By Debra Knapke
The temperatures are fluctuating like they usually do in March and these can be as damaging to our plants as deeply cold temps. Watch for heaving plants as we go through freeze – thaw cycles.
Speaking of cold temperatures: thus far in Central Ohio we have experienced a Zone 5b winter: -10°F to -15°F, and, my three-year-old rosemarys are toast. Deep in my heart I knew that they would eventually succumb to low winter temperatures – see picture above – but I was spoiled by two Zone 7 winters. Some rosemary cultivars can withstand temperatures down to 0°F and even a bit lower if they are covered with snow, but they can’t go down to -14° which is what I had in my back yard.
Fortunately, there is a rosemary-in-waiting in my greenhouse, pictured below. I have started some cuttings, but I have a feeling I will be looking for a few larger plants during my spring shopping expeditions.