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Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

Evergreen · Full Sun / Part Shade

Mature size: 1.5m–2m high × 1.5m–2m wide

  • Evergreen
  • Full Sun / Part Shade
  • Mature height1.5m–2m
  • Mature width1.5m–2m
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Flowers

Most loved for its fine grey-green evergreen foliage and soft white to pale lilac flowers that appear almost year-round.

Regular price $170.00
Sale price $170.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cmApprox. height: 0.2m - 0.3m Approx.$170.00
30cm - Ball FormApprox. height: Enquire$160.00
40cmApprox. height: Please enquire$460.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire$780.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

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    About Westringia fruticosa

    Westringia fruticosa, Coastal Rosemary, is an Australian native evergreen shrub from the headlands and dunes of the east coast. It builds a dense rounded bush of fine grey green leaves held in whorls, with small white to pale lilac flowers. Despite the common name it is not the culinary herb.

    Mature plants sit at 1.5 to 2 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide, growing 30 to 60 centimetres a year, and they clip smaller without complaint. Full sun to part shade and sharp drainage are the requirements. Salt wind, sandy soil, drought and light to moderate frost are all handled.

    It is a standard on coastal projects, road verges, council garden beds and exposed banks that need erosion cover. Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for an informal screen, or 80 centimetres for a clipped hedge. A single plant fills a 40 to 50 centimetre pot on a courtyard or balcony.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Coastal Rosemary

    What is Coastal Rosemary?

    Westringia fruticosa is an Australian native evergreen shrub from the headlands and dunes of the east coast. It forms a dense rounded bush of fine grey green leaves held in whorls, with small white to pale lilac flowers. Despite the common name it is not culinary rosemary and is not used in cooking.

    How big does Coastal Rosemary grow?

    Mature plants reach 1.5 to 2 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide. It clips readily to smaller dimensions and is often maintained at around a metre as a hedge or a low mound. Growth is moderate, roughly 30 to 60 centimetres a year, so it holds a trimmed shape well.

    Is Coastal Rosemary suitable for coastal positions?

    It is one of the best shrubs available for exposed coastal work. It grows naturally on sea cliffs and copes with salt laden wind, sand and reflected heat. It is used constantly on beachfront reserves, dune stabilisation projects and seaside gardens where little else holds a tidy shape.

    When does Coastal Rosemary flower?

    The main flush is spring and summer, roughly September through February, with scattered flowering at other times of the year in mild districts. The flowers are small, white to pale lilac and sit among the foliage rather than above it. Clipped hedges flower less than plants left to grow informally.

    How far apart should I plant Coastal Rosemary for a hedge?

    Space plants 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge, or 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen. On banks and batters used for erosion cover, 1 metre in a staggered grid gives full ground coverage within about two growing seasons.

    Can Coastal Rosemary grow in pots?

    Yes. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide suits a single plant for a courtyard, entry or balcony. Use a free draining mix, because the roots will not tolerate sitting wet. Container plants need watering more often than those in the ground, plus a light trim to hold their shape.

    How do I prune and care for Coastal Rosemary?

    Trim lightly two or three times a year, taking the soft new growth and avoiding cuts into bare old wood, which reshoots poorly. Water through the first summer, then only in extended dry spells. On most soils it needs no feeding at all, and it resents heavy watering and poor drainage.

    Key growing information
    Mature height1.5m to 2m
    Mature width1.5m to 2m
    PositionFull Sun / Part Shade
    Growth per year30cm to 60cm per year (moderate)
    FrostFrost Tolerant
    FoliageEvergreen (foliage year round)
    FormDense · Rounded · Upright
    UsesScreening or Privacy · Feature Tree · Council or Civic Landscapes
    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Dense
    • Rounded
    • Upright
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Feature Tree
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    Mature height
    1.5m to 2m
    Mature width
    1.5m to 2m
    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Pot or container: A 40 to 50 centimetre wide pot suits a single specimen for courtyards, entries and balconies.

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 3 to 5 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone in the garden, or a thin layer of decorative pebbles in pots, keeping it clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary in Different Soil

    Westringia fruticosa performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Screening or Privacy
    • Feature Tree
    • Council or Civic Landscapes

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary works in an:

    • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.

    Is Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 1.5m to 2m

    Mature Width: 1.5m to 2m

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

    Growth Rate of Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Is Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary frost tolerant?

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary Flower?

    Westringia fruticosa produces soft white to pale lilac flowers throughout most of the year, with heavier flushes in spring and summer. The delicate blooms contrast beautifully against its fine grey-green foliage, creating a light and long-lasting seasonal display.

    Does Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Sporadic

    Flower Type:

    • Clustered
    • Pollinator-attracting

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary an Australian Native Tree?

    Yes

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary is Native to Coastal New South Wales and Victoria, where it naturally grows on cliffs, dunes, and exposed headlands.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary ?

    Its small tubular flowers provide a reliable nectar source for native bees, hoverflies and other beneficial pollinators, while the dense, tidy foliage creates valuable shelter for small birds. This makes it an excellent shrub for supporting biodiversity in both coastal and inland landscapes.

    How much Sunlight does Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary need?

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Westringia fruticosa performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It is naturally adapted to coastal sands and tolerates nutrient-poor soils provided drainage is free-flowing. Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged sites unless significantly improved, as these conditions can cause root decline. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as it matures.

    Is Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary Drought Tolerant?

    Is Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish a strong root system. Once established, Westringia fruticosa shows excellent drought tolerance, thriving in dry, exposed and coastal conditions while maintaining its compact form with minimal supplementary watering.

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How tall does Coastal Rosemary grow?
    A: Typically 1.5–2 metres tall and wide, though it can be pruned to size.

    Q: Can it be clipped into a hedge?
    A: Yes, it responds very well to pruning and is commonly used as a formal or informal hedge.

    Q: Is it frost tolerant?
    A: Yes, it tolerates light to moderate frosts once established.

    Q: Does it grow well by the coast?
    A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of salt-laden winds and sandy coastal soils.

    Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm

    0.2m - 0.3m Approx.

    30cm - Ball Form

    Enquire

    40cm

    100L

    Enquire

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Westringia fruticosa is loved for its fine grey-green evergreen foliage and soft white to pale lilac flowers that appear almost year-round.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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