How to Grow and Care for Westringia

Although related to culinary rosemary, coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) is not edible. However, it is a hardy shrub with white hairy flowers that grows in coastal areas and on sand dunes. Coastal rosemary thrives in a variety of soil types and flowers year round.

Blue australian rosemary is a cross between W. fruticosa and W. eremicola, and is taller than the first parent and denser than the second. Its scientific name Westringia 'Wynyabbie Gem' comes from the place it was developed, Wynyabbie Nursery in Jindalee, Australia. Despite its tropical origin this plant is frost hardy and also resistant to drought. It’s green gray leaves offer year-round garden interest.

Slender westringia is a resilient, small shrub native to arid regions, exhibiting adaptations perfect for survival in harsh environments. It boasts a dense foliage of gray-green leaves with a finely textured, silvery appearance, lending it a distinct look. The leaves are whorled, a unique trait aiding its drought resistance. Tiny white to pale blue flowers, typically with spotted throats, emerge mainly in spring, attracting various pollinators.

Shore rosemary is a hardy, evergreen shrub, notable for its silvery-green, needle-like leaves and a profusion of petite, white to pale blue flowers resembling small roses. Each bloom, typically with a dot of contrasting maroon at the base, clusters at the tips of branches, creating a fine-textured display. Adapted to coastal conditions, shore rosemary thrives in sandy soils and resists sea spray, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens.