Key Features & Description

Botanical Name: Westringia fruticosa
Common Name: Coastal Rosemary
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Growth Habit: Rounded, dense, and bushy
Size:

• Height: 1 – 2 meters (can be kept smaller with pruning)
• Width: 1 – 2.5 meters
  Foliage:
• Fine, narrow, rosemary-like leaves
• Soft grey-green to silver-green color
• Great for contrasting against darker green plants
  Flowers:
• Small, delicate, pale purple or white flowers
• Blooms throughout the year, peaking in spring & summer
  Lifespan: Long-lived with minimal care

Best Growing Conditions

Light: Prefers full sun, but can tolerate part shade
Soil:

• Well-draining, sandy to loamy soil
• Tolerates poor soils, including rocky and sandy coastal areas
• Avoid heavy clay unless well-drained
  Watering:
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Water regularly in the first year to help roots establish
• In extended dry periods, an occasional deep watering helps
  Temperature & Climate:
• Handles heat, coastal winds, and salt spray like a champ
• Tolerates light frosts but struggles in extreme cold
  Salt & Wind Tolerance:
• Perfect for coastal gardens
• Handles salty air & strong winds better than most shrubs

Maintenance & Care

Very low-maintenance! Ideal for busy gardeners

Pruning:

• Can be left natural for a relaxed, bushy look
• Regular trimming creates a neat hedge
• Prune lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth
  Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds
  Fertilizing:
• Not essential, but a slow-release native fertilizer in spring helps promote growth
  Pests/Diseases:
• Rarely affected by pests or diseases – very resilient!
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

Landscaping & Uses

Why is Coastal Rosemary so popular?

Tough & Versatile – Thrives in various conditions
Great for Coastal Areas – Handles salt spray & wind like a pro
Beautiful All Year Round – Attractive foliage & flowers
Low-Maintenance – No fuss, no problems
Drought-Resistant – Saves on water & eco-friendly

How to Use Westringia in Landscaping?

Hedging & Screening:

• Perfect for low to medium hedges
• Creates a soft, natural barrier for privacy
• Trim into formal or informal shapes

Coastal & Dry Gardens:

• Blends beautifully with other native, drought-tolerant plants
• Ideal for seaside gardens – loves salty air

Rock Gardens & Borders:

• Adds texture and contrast to garden beds
• Pairs well with grasses & flowering natives

Ground Cover & Erosion Control:

• Helps stabilize sandy soils
• Spreads nicely to cover slopes & embankments

Pots & Containers:

• Compact varieties are perfect for patio pots & courtyards
• Creates a neat, modern look for urban gardens

Great Companion Plants

To create a stunning garden design, plant Westringia fruticosa with:

Lomandra – Contrasts well with its strappy leaves
Grevillea – Adds vibrant color & attracts birds
Kangaroo Paw – Provides a dramatic, upright contrast
Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’ – Beautiful cascading green foliage

Popular Westringia Varieties

There are many cultivars of Westringia fruticosa bred for different garden needs:

Westringia ‘Naringa’ – More compact, great for tall hedges
Westringia ‘Grey Box’ – A neat, rounded shape, perfect for small spaces
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ – Slightly taller, with lavender flowers
Westringia ‘Smokey’ – Stunning silvery foliage

Why Choose Westringia Coastal Rosemary?

Native Australian plant – Supports local biodiversity
Super hardy – Handles tough conditions & still thrives
Low-maintenance – Perfect for beginner gardeners
Year-round appeal – Looks great in all seasons
Versatile in landscaping – Hedges, borders, pots, ground cover, you name it!