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best rosemary plant for cooking

Looking for the best rosemary plant for cooking? You’re not alone. Rosemary is a beloved culinary herb in New Zealand kitchens, perfect for roasted meats, potatoes, stews, and even freshly baked bread. But with so many rosemary varieties available, it can be tricky to choose the most flavourful and reliable option for your home garden. At our plant nursery, we’re passionate about helping you find the rosemary plant that will thrive in your climate and deliver rich, aromatic leaves for culinary use all year round. Below, we’ll highlight top rosemary selections, their culinary strengths, and tips for growing the best rosemary plant for cooking in your backyard or container garden.

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Mozart' shrubs in a border garden covered in blue flowers.

Rosmarinus 'Mozart'

Rosmarinus 'Mozart' is a highly aromatic rosemary variety admired for its compact growth habit and striking blue mauve flowers that appear throughout much of the year in New Zealand gardens. Its fine textured foliage releases strong culinary fragrance when touched, making it popular for cooking, edging and Mediterranean landscapes.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
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
Rosemary 'Chef's Choice' plant in a pot with lush, dark green foliage.

Rosmarinus 'Chef's Choice' (Culinary Rosemary)

5 from 1 customers

'Chef's Choice' Rosemary is a popular culinary variety that is widely used for cooking. It features petite, blue flowers that are borne in spring amidst the aromatic foliage. It grows with an erect and rounded growth habit to about 60 cm tall and 1 m wide.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Culinary, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
A Rosemary 'Blue Lagoon' shrub with blue flowers in a mixed planting.
Rosmarinus 'Blue Lagoon'

Rosmarinus ‘Blue Lagoon’ is a hardy, evergreen shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and vibrant deep blue flowers. Blooming from late winter through...

From$22.01
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$22.01
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$22.01
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$22.01
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$22.01
Elegant purple flowers on a Rosmarinus officinalis plant.
Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as Garden Rosemary, is a hardy, evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant, needle-like foliage and delicate blue...

From$22.01
Rosmarinus prostrata trailing over a bank.
Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosmarinus prostratus, commonly called Prostrate Rosemary, is a hardy, low-growing shrub with aromatic green foliage and masses of blue flowers from...

From$20.63
westringia-fruticosa-3
Westringia fruticosa

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense habit, and delicate white...

From$18.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.
Laurus nobilis angustifolia

Laurus nobilis angustifolia is a variety of Laurel grown for its compact growth habit and elegant foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, dark...

From$202.44
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$33.05
quince-smyrna-4
Quince 'Smyrna'

'Smyrna' Quince is a popular heritage quince variety that produces large fragrant golden fruit with outstanding flavour for cooking, preserving, and...

From$270.40
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$24.77
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$44.09
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$21.39
'Kaffir' Lime fruit with a wrinkly, green skin.
Lime Kaffir (Makrut Lime)

The 'Kaffir' Lime is a quick-growing and compact shrub that produces unusual-looking fruit. The fruit is green, warty, and inedible due to the thick...

From$34.95
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
A large 'Ponderosa' Lemon yellow fruit.
Lemon 'Ponderosa'

The 'Ponderosa' Lemon is a remarkable citrus variety known for producing exceptionally large lemons, often weighing over a kilogram each. The fruit...

From$119.95
plant-pots-
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$37.44
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 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$48.96
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 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$27.36
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 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$23.04
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
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$8.64
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 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$5.76
5-litre-plant-pots-
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$79.20
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$36.00
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
Rosmarinus 'Mozart'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Rosmarinus, and Westringia, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search best rosemary plant for cooking

Culinary Rosemary Varieties: Which Is Best?

When deciding on the best rosemary plant for cooking, it's important to consider not only flavour and aroma but also growth habit and resilience. Some rosemary varieties offer classic piney fragrance, while others bring subtle floral notes or unique foliage to your garden and kitchen.

Growing Tips for the Best Rosemary Plant

Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that likes sunny locations, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. For culinary rosemary, regularly prune to encourage bushy growth and plenty of tender, flavour-packed new shoots. Whether you’re growing in a garden bed or a container, choose a site sheltered from frost and wind. Remember, harvesting often keeps your rosemary plant healthy and full of fresh leaves, perfect for cooking.

How to Use Rosemary in the Kitchen

Once you’ve selected the best rosemary plant for cooking, enjoy experimenting with its versatile leaves. Fresh sprigs are fantastic in recipes like lamb roasts, roasted potatoes, and homemade focaccia. Drying rosemary is also easy—hang bunches in a cool, dry place for several weeks, then store the dried leaves for year-round use.

Choose Your Best Rosemary Plant for Cooking

At our NZ plant nursery, we stock a diverse range of rosemary varieties perfect for culinary use. Whether you prefer the classic flavour of Rosmarinus 'Chef's Choice' (Culinary Rosemary), the decorative appeal of Rosmarinus officinalis alba (White Rosemary), or the fragrant abundance of Rosmarinus 'Blue Lagoon', you’ll find the best rosemary plant for cooking to suit your kitchen and garden. Explore our selection and enjoy fresh, aromatic rosemary in your favourite dishes.

Contact us

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
It’s easy to fall for Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) and Ficus benjamina variegata, but Camellia 'Takanini', Nandina 'Firepower', and Camellia transnokoensis offer a different kind of delight.
–The Plant Company

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