I just love the holidays and decorating for Christmas. In the past, I have bought a little rosemary Christmas tree plant from the store. This year I thought why not save some money and make my own. So that is what I did.
Rosemary is great for this project because it smells amazing, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on it, and you can potentially plant it out in your garden in the spring. I also really like the idea of having a little tabletop Christmas tree.
I first heard about tabletop Christmas trees on a museum tour at a historic castle. They mentioned that back then, it was the norm for people to have smaller trees decorated and placed on the table with presents on the table itself. Plus, they would often decorate with edible little treats and things. So, the decor was part of the presents as well. How fun. Ok… I am off-topic now – back to the rosemary.
I had this rosemary plant in my garden, and I know it will not be able to survive our winter. So I am excited to try and overwinter it as a mini Christmas tree. I will see how it goes, and then hopefully use the same plant again for next Christmas. I will come back here with an update then.
Are Rosemary Christmas Trees Edible
Yes, rosemary Christmas trees are edible. This is the same culinary herb that you would grow in your herb garden. The only difference is that it has been pruned into a more formal cone shape. Now you can eat your rosemary, and use it as a decorative tree. How about that!
Just make sure it hasn’t been covered in glitter or something – probably not wanting to eat that.
How to Grow a Rosemary Christmas Tree
You will grow this rosemary the same way that you grow any other rosemary. The main difference and something that I should have started earlier in the process is pruning it into that tree shape, and transitioning it indoors.
In early fall you will want to start adjusting your rosemary to grow indoors, and really shaping it. I will admit I was a little late to the game this year, and didn’t start that process until November 19th – but then again we have had a very mild start to winter.
I read in a gardening book that the main reason rosemary struggles when brought inside to overwinter is the drastic change in light levels. They said to combat this, you can dig up your rosemary and put it in a nursery pot. Then, leave it in a more shaded area for a few days so it can adjust. When you bring it inside make sure you give it full sun if possible. If you are already growing in a pot then this will be even easier.
I dug up my rosemary and put it in a plastic pot from the local garden center. I always save these types of pots and I ask my family to do the same. It is perfect when you are seed starting, or for projects like these.
You will want to do your main large pruning earlier so that the rosemary has time to bounce back and bush out again before Christmas. That leads us to the next topic…
How to Prune Rosemary Into a Tree shape
I will admit I am not an expert in topiary, or pruning a rosemary Christmas tree plant. However, I found a perfect short ‘how to’ video from Jekka McVicar that shows the process of pruning a rosemary tree.
It is not too difficult, but you really need to trust yourself and just keep going with it – be brave! There were times when I thought to myself, “Well this is not going well at all”. But, if you keep going it will shape up.
I plan to keep mine in a container all year long and continue to prune it into a formal cone shape. I think my tree turned out pretty good for a first try this year, but I can definitely see some areas to improve for next year.
That being said… did I have fun making the tree? (yes). Does it bring me joy every time I look at it? (yes). Did I spend next to nothing to create it? (also yes!). So with that being said, I would say this was an overall success.
Even if you did not prune your rosemary Christmas tree plant all that perfectly – it is fine. You won’t be able to notice as much once it is decorated. And, if you have ever bought a fresh-cut Christmas tree then you know there is always a “best” side to turn toward the front.
Decorating a rosemary christmas tree
This is the really fun part. I don’t know about you, but I just love crafting – especially when things are smaller versions of something else. You can get really creative as you figure out how to replicate things on a smaller scale. This is your time to get creative and make your little tree uniquely you.
What I did was go to Michaels Craft Store, and the Dollar Store to look for inspiration. I knew I wanted to do a classic ‘Victorian Christmas’ inspired style (Museum worker coming out in me). The elements I wanted on my tree were; ribbon, dried flowers, metal ornaments, and a pretty little tree topper. Oh, and of course some lights. But, let’s just skip the candles they used back then – eeek.
I was also super happy when I stumbled upon this gold dove at Canadian Tire. It was supposed to be a regular Christmas tree ornament, but I thought it would be a perfect tree topper. I also love the symbolism of the dove representing peace. And again, the Victorians loved decorating with birds so it really fit.
I decorated this tree just like a regular full size Christmas tree. I got the lights situated first. But, don’t forget to turn them on while you are putting them in the tree like I did. It makes it so much easier.
Next, I added the ribbon and tree topper. Also, for some reason I bought ribbon without wire in it – I never do that. Make sure you choose a ribbon with wire edges – again so much easier. My ribbon is about 1.5 cm wide or 5/8ths of an inch.
Lastly, I added the flowers, some small metal bells, placed the whole thing in a cute pot, and voila!
How to care for a Rosemary Christmas tree
You will care for this tree as you would with any other potted indoor plant. Make sure to give it nice bright light in a west or south-facing sunny window.
How often you water your rosemary Christmas tree plant depends on the type and size of pot you use, how large the rosemary is, and how dry your house is. I would check on it about every other day just to be safe. For a full post on how often to water your herbs click here.
I used ‘vegetable and Herb Promix’ for my tree which has enough nutrients to feed my rosemary through the winter. You could also use a light fish emulsion or if you have a freshwater aquarium you could water with some of that next time you do a water change. This is very nitrogen rich which will promote more leaf growth to help your rosemary bush out. Since your rosemary is not getting the light it would in the summer, it will grow much slower.
Feel free to comment below and share any tips or tricks you may have about growing and decorating rosemary Christmas trees. I am sure everyone here would appreciate it – I know I will.
Until next time!
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