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rosemary plant varieties

Rosemary plant varieties offer a diverse range of options for New Zealand gardeners, whether you're aiming for culinary excellence, groundcover solutions, or a feature shrub in your landscape. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is celebrated not only for its aromatic foliage and culinary value but also for its adaptability to different garden styles and conditions. Choosing the right rosemary variety can elevate your garden, providing year-round greenery, delicate flowers, and even attracting beneficial pollinators. Discover several unique rosemary plant varieties that thrive in New Zealand gardens, each with distinct growth habits, forms, and uses.

Elegant purple flowers on a Rosmarinus officinalis plant.

Rosmarinus officinalis

5 from 1 customers

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as Garden Rosemary, is a hardy, evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant, needle-like foliage and delicate blue flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it ideal for New Zealand gardens. Rosemary is both ornamental and culinary, adding flavour to meats, vegetables, and breads. Its drought tolerance and year-round appeal make it a popular choice for borders, herb gardens, and decorative pots, while attracting bees and beneficial insects.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Culinary, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Rosmarinus prostrata trailing over a bank.

Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary)

5 from 4 customers

Rosmarinus prostratus, commonly called Prostrate Rosemary, is a hardy, low-growing shrub with aromatic green foliage and masses of blue flowers from late winter through spring. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for cascading over walls, covering banks, or spilling from pots. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in sunny, well-drained sites across New Zealand. Combining ornamental appeal with culinary use, Prostrate Rosemary is a versatile, low-maintenance choice for gardens and landscaping.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Culinary, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Alba' shrub with fresh-green foliage adorned with small, white flowers.

Rosmarinus officinalis alba (White Rosemary)

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Alba' is an elegant white flowering rosemary admired for its pure blooms and strongly aromatic evergreen foliage. It offers...

From$21.53
Rosmarinus 'Pink Remembrance' shrub with pink flowers and dark green foliage.

Rosmarinus 'Pink Remembrance' (Pink Rosemary)

Rosmarinus 'Pink Remembrance', commonly known as Pink Rosemary, is a mid-sized, evergreen shrub that features masses of petite, pink flowers in...

From$21.53
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.

Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$20.18
An upright Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' shrub with blue flowers in a Mediterranean themed garden.

Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue'

The 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary is a fast-growing and upright variety that features petite, sky-blue flowers borne amidst the dark green leaves through...

From$21.53
portulaca-pizzaz-sunset-

Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
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Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant)

Brunfelsia Scent-Sational, commonly known as the Yesterday Today Tomorrow plant features masses of sweetly fragrant, pansy like flowers during spring...

From$32.33
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.

Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.23
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
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Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
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Serissa Snowflake (Snow Rose Plant)

Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

From$24.23
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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
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Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
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Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.18
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.

Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$20.93
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$29.63
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Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$420.00
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Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
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Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$7.50
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PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$13.00
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
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2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$32.50
Rosmarinus officinalis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Brunfelsia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Coprosma, Duranta, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Monstera, Perovskia, Portulaca, Prostanthera, Rosmarinus, Sansevieria, Sedum Serissa and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Acid Loving Plants, Plant pots, Planter Bags, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search rosemary plant

Culinary Rosemary Plant Varieties

If you love cooking with fresh herbs, certain rosemary plant varieties are especially prized for their rich aroma and flavour. Rosmarinus 'Chef's Choice' (Culinary Rosemary) is a standout selection, bred specifically for its strong, classic rosemary scent and taste. Compact and tidy, this variety can be grown in pots or garden beds, ensuring a steady supply of flavourful sprigs for your kitchen year-round.

Ornamental and Groundcover Rosemary

Not all rosemary spreads upright—some create stunning low carpets of evergreen foliage across borders and rockeries. Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary) is a particularly popular groundcover choice. It naturally sprawls, softening retaining walls or the edge of a path with aromatic, needle-like leaves and delicate blue flowers. Perfect for sunny, free-draining sites, it also makes an effective solution for erosion control.

Unique Foliage Colours and Features

For something a little different, New Zealand gardeners can turn to rosemary plant varieties with unusual colours or features. Rosmarinus officinalis alba (White Rosemary) stands out for its pure white flowers—a novel twist on the classic blue-blooming rosemary. This elegant variety creates a subtle yet striking effect in mixed beds or as a low hedge.

Tall and Vigorous Rosemary Varieties

Some rosemary varieties grow particularly tall and upright, making them ideal for hedging or as a feature plant. Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue' is renowned for its robust growth, deep blue flowers, and strong aroma. It brings structure and height to herb gardens and can be pruned as needed to maintain a formal look.

Rosemary-Like Plants for Kiwi Gardens

For those looking for a similar effect with even more resilience, consider a rosemary look-alike. Westringia Edna Walling Rosemary is not a true rosemary but mimics the foliage and habit while offering exceptional tolerance to wind, coastal conditions, and drought. Its profuse pale blue flowers and dense growth make it an excellent low-maintenance option for exposed New Zealand gardens.

Growing and Caring for Rosemary Plant Varieties

All rosemary plant varieties thrive in full sun and well-drained soils. They prefer to be kept on the drier side and rarely suffer from pest or disease problems. Pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Whether you opt for upright cultivars, groundcover forms, or unique flower colours, rosemary is a hard-working, versatile herb with far-reaching uses in every New Zealand garden.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Azara microphylla and Corokia Mangatangi have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange), Quince Taihape, and Metrosideros robusta.
–The Plant Company

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