rosmarinus

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is a versatile and aromatic evergreen shrub that has been cherished in gardens around the world for centuries. Whether you are searching for information about growing rosmarinus in New Zealand or wondering which variety will best suit your garden, this guide highlights the key features, uses, and care tips for rosmarinus. From its classic culinary applications to its beautiful blue or pink flowers, rosmarinus can enhance any landscape or kitchen garden. Its hardy nature and delightful fragrance make it a must-have for experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

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.

Buy Rosmarinus officinalis

From $22.01

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)

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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.

Buy Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary)

From $20.63

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

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

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What is Rosmarinus?

Rosmarinus is a genus of woody, perennial herbs in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The most widely known species is Rosmarinus officinalis, or common rosemary, valued for both its ornamental appeal and edible leaves. The genus includes upright and prostrate forms, making rosmarinus suitable as groundcover, for low informal hedges, or spilling beautifully over walls and containers.

Popular Varieties of Rosmarinus

There are several outstanding varieties of rosmarinus, each with unique features to complement different gardens:

Rosmarinus officinalis: The classic culinary rosemary with fragrant, needle-like leaves and pale blue flowers. Excellent for both cooking and ornamental use.
Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary): A sprawling form, perfect as a drought-tolerant groundcover or for cascading over rock walls.
Rosmarinus 'Pink Remembrance' (Pink Rosemary): A charming variety with soft pink flowers, ideal for adding a subtle splash of colour to borders.
Rosmarinus 'Azure Cascade': Well-known for its trailing habit and intense blue blooms, it thrives in coastal gardens.
Rosmarinus 'Masons Finest': A superior upright form with particularly aromatic leaves, perfect for culinary enthusiasts.

Growing and Caring for Rosmarinus

Rosmarinus is celebrated for its resilience and ease of care. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil—rosemary dislikes wet roots. In New Zealand’s varied climates, rosmarinus handles coastal winds and occasional frosts with ease, though young plants benefit from protection.

Water regularly until established, then reduce watering, as mature plants are drought tolerant. Light pruning after flowering keeps rosmarinus tidy and encourages bushier growth. Avoid heavy fertilisers; instead, a light feed in spring is plenty.

Uses for Rosmarinus

The uses for rosmarinus are nearly endless. Rosemary sprigs can be harvested year-round for seasoning meats, vegetables, and breads. As a companion plant, it repels garden pests while attracting pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms. In landscaping, upright or cascading forms like Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary), and Rosmarinus 'Azure Cascade' work beautifully in borders, rockeries, or containers.

Why Choose Rosmarinus for Your Garden?

Hardy, fragrant, and visually stunning, rosmarinus fits seamlessly into nearly every New Zealand garden style. Whether you select the culinary favourite Rosmarinus officinalis, trailing Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary), or eye-catching Rosmarinus 'Pink Remembrance' (Pink Rosemary), there’s a rosmarinus for every taste and space. Enjoy fresh herbs and floral beauty all year long with this garden classic.

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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.