Coastal Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa · Lamiaceae
📷 [User:Eug]] · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around coastal rosemary and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Australian Rosemary
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Form
- Compact and rounded shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and grey-green
- Flowering
- April to June, white, pink or violet flowers
- Adult size
- 150 cm height, approximately 120 cm width
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- From -5 °C depending on variety, prefers mild climate
- Origin
- Eastern Australia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Westringia fruticosa needs full sun, well-draining soil, and minimal water once established. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
The common mistake
Watering it like a « normal » plant: root rot.
The pro's trick
Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer (July-August): they root in 3-4 weeks and you'll have backup plants.
Care
Light exposure
Install your Australian rosemary in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light daily) to get generous flowering and dense foliage. Slight afternoon shade is tolerated in very hot regions. In a pot, prefer a south or south-west facing position to maximize light.
Watering
This plant is very drought-resistant once established. Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), letting the soil dry between waterings. In autumn and winter, drastically reduce watering. Excess moisture promotes root rot.
Soil and drainage
Westringia fruticosa prefers well-drained, light and even poor soil. A mix of potting soil, sand and gravel works perfectly. Avoid heavy and compact soils that retain water. Good drainage is essential for the shrub's longevity.
Pruning and pinching
Prune lightly after flowering (in June-July) to maintain a compact shape and stimulate branching. Remove dead or damaged branches. Pinching young stems in spring encourages a bushier and denser form.
Fertilizer
This plant doesn't require intensive fertilization. A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than enough. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
Westringia fruticosa is generally robust. The main risks are root rot from excess water and powdery mildew in very humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and optimal drainage to prevent these issues. Pest attacks remain rare.
Did you know?
Australian rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) has become a classic in French Mediterranean gardens, even though it's native to Australia rather than the Mediterranean region. Its finely cut leaves and compact form make it ideal for dry gardens and rock gardens, particularly appreciated since the development of sustainable landscaping in xeriscaping zones.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- SageSalvia officinalis
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.