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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
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
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
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
'Pineapple' Quince fruit with yellow skin and white flesh.
Quince 'Pineapple'

'Pineapple' Quince is a hardy deciduous shrub valued for its fragrant golden yellow fruit and attractive spring flowers. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$270.40
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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
Laurus 'Pride Of Provence' young trees at The Plant Company nursery.
Laurus nobilis Pride of Provence

Laurus nobilis 'Pride of Provence' is a variety of Laurel selected for its compact growth habit. This evergreen tree features lush, glossy, dark...

From$34.43
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
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
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
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
'Bearss' Lime green fruit.
Lime Bearss

The 'Bearss' Lime, also known as Persian or Tahitian lime, is a vigorous, nearly thornless citrus tree that thrives in New Zealand’s warmer regions...

From$329.95
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
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
'Meyer' Lemon yellow fruit.
Lemon 'Meyer'

The ‘Meyer’ Lemon is a much-loved citrus variety known for its sweeter, less acidic flavour compared to standard lemons. The thin-skinned fruit is...

From$29.95
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
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
Yellow 'Yen Ben' Lemons.
Lemon 'Yen Ben'

The ‘Yen Ben’ Lemon is a high-quality lemon variety prized for its smooth skin, abundant juice, and tangy flavour. Popular with chefs and home cooks...

From$29.95
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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$34.95
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
70-windbreak-2
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$499.80
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
Rosmarinus 'Mozart'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agave, Laurus, and Quince, or related Categories - Quince Trees, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

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 Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika', but Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia', Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree), and Cryptomeria japonica 'Egmont' offer a different kind of delight.
–The Plant Company

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