Troubleshooting
Barbecue Rosemary problems — and how to fix them
Barbecue Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus 'Barbecue') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot
Wet, heavy soil rots the roots and yellows the plant. Use gritty, free-draining soil and water only when dry, especially in winter.
Powdery mildew
White coating appears in humid, crowded growth. Increase spacing and airflow and avoid overhead watering.
Winter cold damage
Hard frost browns or kills stems. Mulch the base, choose a sheltered spot, or pot up and shelter in cold regions.
Woody, bare base
Old plants get leggy and sparse below. Trim lightly after flowering, never into bare old wood, to keep it bushy.
Prevent barbecue rosemary problems before they start
Most barbecue rosemary issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common rosemary problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Common barbecue rosemary problems — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Barbecue Rosemary watering schedule
- Barbecue Rosemary light requirements
- Best soil mix for barbecue rosemary
- Barbecue Rosemary temperature & humidity
- Full barbecue rosemary care guide
Looking for barbecue rosemary in general rather than its problems? Read the full barbecue rosemary care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Barbecue Rosemary problems — FAQ
Why is my barbecue rosemary root rot?
Wet, heavy soil rots the roots and yellows the plant. Use gritty, free-draining soil and water only when dry, especially in winter.
Why is my barbecue rosemary powdery mildew?
White coating appears in humid, crowded growth. Increase spacing and airflow and avoid overhead watering.
Why is my barbecue rosemary winter cold damage?
Hard frost browns or kills stems. Mulch the base, choose a sheltered spot, or pot up and shelter in cold regions.
Why is my barbecue rosemary woody, bare base?
Old plants get leggy and sparse below. Trim lightly after flowering, never into bare old wood, to keep it bushy.