Westringia Fruticosa Coastal Rosemary

Westringia Fruticosa is commonly known as Coastal Rosemary or Australian Rosemary. It’s perfect ground cover in milder areas. Coastal Rosemary is a native of Australia but grows so well in the UK’s coastal areas it’s been awarded the RHS AGM. This is a small to medium-sized rounded shrub with narrow lance-shaped evergreen leaves. New shoots emerge a pretty silvery green and small tubular white-blue flowers emerge in spring. Flowers continue to appear all summer which are well-loved by pollinators. Flowers have a light scent but as it is not true rosemary the foliage does not have the familiar scent of our well-known culinary plant.

Height And Spread of Westringia Fruticosa
Coastal Westringia can reach several metres in height and spread but can be kept smaller with pruning. 

How Hardy Is Westringia Fruticosa
Australian Rosemary is hardy in mild coastal areas but will struggle in cold northern areas of the UK unless protected by a microclimate such as a wall or undercover. 
It is drought resistant once established and will resist salt and coastal winds along with most pests. 

How To Use Westringia Fruticosa
Coastal Rosemary is excellent evergreen ground cover in a mixed border and will happily grow in containers.  It suits a mild coastal area and will attract pollinators with its long flowering blossom. 
This is a good choice for dry gardens as it prefers to grow in very well-drained conditions. Its bushy form gives shelter to other more delicate plants and its low foliage creates shelter for mammals and insects. 

How To Care for Westringia Fruticosa
Once established this rosemary-like shrub needs little attention. Plant yours in a sunny, well-drained spot that’s protected from frost.
You do not need to prune this naturally rounded shrub, but you can clip back branches that spoil the shape or reduce its size in the dormant months.