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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

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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: 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 '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 spring, which are held amidst the small and aromatic, mid-green leaves. It grows with an erect and rounded shape to about 60 cm tall and 1 m wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
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
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
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...

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
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
Santolina 'Lime Fizz' green-yellow shrub growing in a basket.
Santolina 'Lime Fizz'

Santolina 'Lime Fizz' is a vibrant evergreen shrublet admired for its bright lime green foliage and compact, mounding form. This hardy Mediterranean...

From$23.39
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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
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
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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
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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
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
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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$499.80
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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...

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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
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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
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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
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Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

From$26.78
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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
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
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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
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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...

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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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Rosemary 'Santa Barbara' purple-pink flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Rosmarinus 'Santa Barbara' (Rosemary Santa Barbara)

Rosmarinus 'Santa Barbara' is a compact trailing rosemary loved for its cascading growth habit and masses of soft blue flowers that bloom over an...

OUT OF STOCK
Rosmarinus officinalis

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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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Ficus 'Black Knight' and Rose 'Flower Carpet White' have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Choisya 'Aztec Pearl', Hemerocallis 'Wee William Mullis', and Gardenia 'Lace Lady'.
–The Plant Company

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