Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Rosmarinus officinalis (Garden Rosemary)

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.

Elegant purple flowers on a Rosmarinus officinalis plant.
A Rosmarinus officinalis shrub in a garden.
Lush green foliage on Rosmarinus officinalis.
The average plant height is 25 cm
$19.62

Buy more Rosmarinus officinalis plants and save - Free Shipping over $150.

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
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku13774

How to grow Rosmarinus officinalis in NZ

Plant Garden Rosemary in a sunny position with free-draining soil for best growth and flavour. It thrives in poor to moderately fertile soils and tolerates wind and salt spray. Water regularly during the first year to establish roots, then only in prolonged dry spells. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh, bushy growth. Avoid heavy fertilising, which can reduce flavour and flower production.

Rosmarinus officinalis care tips

Ensure good air circulation to minimise the risk of fungal problems. Avoid waterlogged soils, as rosemary prefers drier conditions. Harvest sprigs as needed for cooking, which also helps keep the plant compact. This variety is frost-tolerant in most NZ climates.

Rosmarinus officinalis size, spacing, and growth rate

Garden Rosemary typically grows 1–1.5 m tall and 1–1.5 m wide, forming a dense, rounded shrub. Space plants 1–1.2 m apart for hedges or mass planting. Growth is moderate to fast in warm, sunny conditions.

Why buy Rosmarinus officinalis from The Plant Company?

The Plant Company supplies premium Rosmarinus officinalis plants grown for strong roots, healthy foliage, and aromatic flavour. Our plants are securely packaged for safe NZ-wide delivery, arriving in excellent condition and ready to thrive.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Rosmarinus officinalis? We are here to help.

Most Popular

Rosmarinus 'Blue Lagoon' (Rosemary 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$18.39
An upright Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' shrub with blue flowers in a Mediterranean themed garden.
Most Popular

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$19.62
rosmarinus-officinalis-mozart-
Most Popular

Rosmarinus 'Mozart'

Rosmarinus Mozart features petite, dark blue flowers which are borne amidst small, dark green leaves from winter through spring. It typically grows...

From$19.62
Rosemary 'Azure Cascade' green foliage with elegant, light blue flowers.
Most Popular

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$19.62
Loropetalum 'China Pink' ground cover plant with purple foliage.
Most Popular

Loropetalum China Pink

Loropetalum China Pink produces fragrant, pink flowers in winter which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage is oval, rich purple, and held...

From$23.31
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Most Popular

Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$16.61
coprosma-scarlett-ohara-
Most Popular

Coprosma Scarlett O'Hara (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma Scarlett O’Hara, commonly known as Mirror Bush, is a NZ native shrub that carries small and glossy, dark red and orange variegated foliage...

From$19.62
azalea-helmut-vogel-
Most Popular

Azalea Helmut Vogel

Azalea Helmut Vogel is grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of scented, semi-double, cerise...

From$24.54
Lomandra Frosty Tops and Murraya koenigii are beloved staples, but Hydrangea Charming, Acorus Mini Green (Sweet Flag), and Malus Jack Humm bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews