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rosemary herb plant

The rosemary herb plant is a beloved addition to gardens across New Zealand, prized for its robust flavour, aromatic foliage, and timeless beauty. Whether you're a passionate home cook, a landscaping enthusiast, or simply love easy-care greenery, rosemary is a versatile choice. Its evergreen, needle-like leaves, and distinctive scent make it a highlight in both herb gardens and ornamental beds. Read on to discover how to grow, care for, and use this remarkable Mediterranean native in your NZ 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.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 95 cm
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
Elegant purple flowers on a Rosmarinus officinalis plant.

Rosmarinus officinalis

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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.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.25 m
Spread: 1.25 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Culinary, Hedging, Living areas, 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)

'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...

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 '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
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Westringia fruticosa

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From$18.95
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Santolina 'Lime Fizz'

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Rosmarinus officinalis 'Alba' shrub with fresh-green foliage adorned with small, white flowers.
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Alba' (White Rosemary)

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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...

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Rosmarinus 'Mozart'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Rosmarinus, Santolina, and Westringia, or related Categories - Planter Bags, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

Search rosemary herb plant

Why Grow Rosemary Herb Plant in New Zealand?

The rosemary herb plant is exceptionally well-suited to New Zealand’s temperate climate. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for coastal gardens and sunny borders. Rosemary is drought-tolerant once established, wind-resistant, and generally pest-free—a hassle-free performer for both novice and seasoned gardeners. Its upright or sprawling growth habit provides options for hedging, ground cover, or container gardening, bringing year-round greenery to your outdoor space.

Culinary Uses of Rosemary Herb Plant

Rosemary herb plant is renowned for its culinary magic. Fresh rosemary sprigs elevate roast meats, potatoes, breads, and sauces with their bold, resinous aroma. Drying rosemary preserves its flavour for use throughout the year, and the plant’s leaves are easily harvested. For passionate cooks, the unique varieties available add new dimensions to your kitchen creativity. Explore specialty rosemary cultivars like Rosmarinus 'Chef's Choice' (Culinary Rosemary) for exceptional flavour profiles tailored to culinary application.

Ornamental Appeal and Landscaping

Beyond the kitchen, the rosemary herb plant offers striking visual appeal. Its silvery-green foliage and blue, white, or pink flower clusters attract pollinators and fit seamlessly into Mediterranean garden themes. Consider the elegant upright growth of Rosmarinus officinalis for hedges, or the cascading habit of Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) for rock walls and borders. If you're seeking unusual tones, Rosmarinus officinalis alba (White Rosemary) delivers delicate white blooms for unique garden interest.

Popular Rosemary Varieties

New Zealand nurseries offer a diverse selection of rosemary herb plant varieties. Classic Rosmarinus officinalis suits formal gardens and traditional landscapes. For culinary aficionados, Rosmarinus 'Chef's Choice' (Culinary Rosemary) features dense foliage and superior flavour. Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue' provides tall, upright stems with vibrant blue flowers, while Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) is ideal for spreading, low-maintenance features.

Growing and Caring for Rosemary

Growing a rosemary herb plant is simple—choose a sunny, sheltered spot with excellent drainage. Plant in compost-rich soil, and take care not to over-water, as rosemary prefers its roots dry. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and extends the life of your plant. Whether you're planting a single specimen, hedge, or using rosemary as a ground cover, you’ll reap benefits both in beauty and practicality.

Find Your Perfect Rosemary Herb Plant

Explore our range of rosemary herb plant options to find the perfect fit for your garden. From classic upright forms to distinctive white-flowered varieties like Rosmarinus officinalis alba (White Rosemary), our nursery offers something for every garden style and culinary need. With the right rosemary plant, you can transform your outdoor space and flavour your kitchen with homegrown goodness.


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.

Our most famous blooms include Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) and Ficus benjamina 'Variegata', but some of our best-kept secrets are Malus 'Kaitoke', Olive 'J2', and Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush) — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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