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rosmarinus

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.

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. Rosemary is both ornamental and culinary, adding flavour to meats, vegetables, and breads. Its drought tolerance and year-round appeal make it a popular choice for borders, herb gardens, and decorative pots, while attracting bees and beneficial insects.

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. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in sunny, well-drained sites across New Zealand. Combining ornamental appeal with culinary use, Prostrate Rosemary is a versatile, low-maintenance choice for gardens and landscaping.

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 '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$21.53
Rosemary 'Azure Cascade' green foliage with elegant, light blue flowers.

Rosmarinus 'Azure Cascade'

Rosmarinus ‘Azure Cascade’ is a beautiful trailing rosemary with aromatic green foliage and masses of vivid blue flowers from late winter through...

From$21.53
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$21.53
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$21.53
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$20.18
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$21.53
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$21.53
Rosmarinus officinalis

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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:

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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