Coastal Rosemary Wynyabbie Gem

Westringia fruticosa ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ (Coastal Rosemary)

Westringia fruticosa ‘Wynyabbie Gem’, commonly known as Coastal Rosemary, is a hardy Australian native shrub with soft, fine-textured foliage and beautiful lavender-purple flowers that bloom throughout the year. It is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and salt-tolerant plant, making it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, and coastal gardens.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Westringia fruticosa ‘Wynyabbie Gem’
• Common Name: Coastal Rosemary, Wynyabbie Gem
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Native Range: Australia (Westringia fruticosa is native to coastal areas, ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ is a hybrid variety)
• Growth Habit: Fast-growing, dense evergreen shrub, reaching 1.5–2 meters tall and wide
• Leaves: Fine, narrow, grey-green leaves, soft to the touch
• Flowers:
  • Small, lavender-purple flowers
  • Blooms most of the year, peaking in spring and summer
• Drought & Frost Tolerance: High; very adaptable
• Salt Tolerance: Excellent for coastal areas
• Uses: Hedging, screening, topiary, feature shrub, erosion control

Growing & Care Guide

1. Planting Requirements

✅ Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade.
✅ Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
✅ pH: Neutral to slightly acidic soil.
✅ Location: Perfect for coastal gardens, windbreaks, and dry landscapes.

2. Watering & Feeding

💧 Watering:

• Young plants: Water regularly until established.
• Mature plants: Highly drought-tolerant, requiring occasional deep watering in extended dry spells.

🌱 Fertilization:

• Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer in spring for optimal growth.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Pruning & Maintenance

✂️ Pruning:

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
• Can be clipped into a formal hedge or left as a natural shrub.
• Responds well to regular pruning, making it a great choice for topiary and formal gardens.

🌿 Mulching:

• Apply organic mulch (e.g., bark or compost) around the base for moisture conservation.

4. Pests & Diseases

🐜 Pest Resistance:

• Generally pest-free, but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects.
• If needed, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

🦠 Disease Resistance:

• Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils—ensure proper drainage.
• Thrives in dry, well-ventilated conditions.

5. Propagation

🌱 Grown from Cuttings:

• Best propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or autumn.
• Cuttings root easily in well-draining soil.

6. Landscaping & Uses

✅ Hedging & Screening: Fast-growing and easy to shape into low to medium hedges.
✅ Feature Shrub: Perfect as a standalone feature in native or coastal gardens.
✅ Coastal & Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Salt-tolerant and thrives in hot, dry conditions.
✅ Erosion Control: Excellent for stabilizing slopes and sandy soils.
✅ Topiary & Formal Gardens: Responds well to pruning, making it ideal for structured landscaping.

Why Grow Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’?

• Hardy, drought-resistant, and low-maintenance – thrives in tough conditions.
• Year-round soft lavender flowers – adds beauty and attracts pollinators.
• Excellent for hedging and screening – fast-growing and easy to maintain.
• Salt-tolerant & wind-resistant – perfect for coastal gardens.