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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.

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.

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$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
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
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
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 '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
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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
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
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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
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$19.50
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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
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
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
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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...

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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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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...

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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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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Rosmarinus officinalis

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 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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