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Plant Profiles / Westringia (coastal rosemary)

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

OutdoorAustralian nativeHedgeDrought tolerantCoastalPet friendly

Westringia (coastal rosemary)

Westringia fruticosa · Coastal rosemary, native rosemary

A tough Australian native shrub with fine grey-green leaves and small white-mauve flowers. Clips into neat hedges and balls and laughs at salt wind.

Full sunLight

Weekly in potsWater

Very easyCare level

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun

ShadeFull sun

Sun or light shade.

Water

Weekly in pots

DryWet

Very drought tolerant once established.

Humidity

Adaptable

LowHigh

Loves coastal air.

Temperature

-5–40°C (23–104°F)

CoolWarm

Handles light frost and heat.

Growth

Moderate, dense

SlowFast

Grows 1–2 m; easily clipped.

Soil

Free-draining

LeanRich

Sandy soil or native mix.

Fertiliser

Native fertiliser

RarelyOften

Light feed in spring.

Pet safety

Non-toxic

SafeToxic

Non-toxic to pets.

About this plant

Westringia grows on coastal cliffs in New South Wales. It's one of the most wind- and salt-tolerant shrubs available, making it ideal for exposed balconies. It looks like rosemary but isn't edible.

Best spots

Exposed balconies, coastal gardens, low hedges, topiary balls and pots.

Plant facts

Botanical name	Westringia fruticosa
Family	Lamiaceae
Origin	Coastal NSW, Australia
Plant type	Evergreen shrub
Mature size	1–2 m
Growth rate	Moderate
Foliage	Fine grey-green leaves
Flowers	Small white to mauve flowers
Toxicity	Non-toxic to pets
Propagation	Cuttings

Seasonal care calendar

Flowering

Prune

Fertilise

FloweringPruneFertilise

Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.

Troubleshooting

Woody, open centre	Clip regularly from young.
Sudden decline	Root rot from wet soil.
Yellowing	Poor drainage.
Few flowers	Clipping removes buds; normal for hedges.
Scale	Horticultural oil.