Also known as Coastal Rosemary · 39 saves
Westringia
Westringia, the genus most gardeners know as coastal rosemary. We track 13 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Westringia varieties
Browse all 13 Westringia varieties →
4 species of Westringia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Westringia in Sow
Save the Westringia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Westringia
Whats common across all Westringia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 13 most-grown of them.
The Westringia year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Lightly shear or prune after main spring bloom to maintain dense shape
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- Check for PestsJune and July92% of varieties
Monitor the root zone for waterlogging and check foliage for scale insects during humid periods.
- PropagateJuly and August46% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems for propagation.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October31% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil after the danger of hard frost has passed
- MulchOctober31% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stem.
Do
- Water moderately during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Monitor for pests regularly
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Heavy pruning during the growing season
- Plant in poorly drained soil
- Neglect pest control
What goes wrong with Westringia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Small, raised brown bumps on stems and leaf undersides, accompanied by sticky honeydew or black sooty mould. | Prune away heavily infested branches and apply a horticultural oil spray during the cooler parts of the day. |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses in leaf axils and stem joints accompanied by weakened growth. | Spray with insecticidal soap or dab individual pests with an alcohol-soaked swab. |
| Scale insects and Mealybugs | Sticky honeydew residue on leaves, black sooty mould, or small stationary bumps on stems. | Treat with horticultural spraying oils or eco-friendly systemic insecticides if severe. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Foliage yellowing, wilting, and branch dieback caused by waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage, plant on raised mounds, and apply a systemic phosphonate fungicide if soil remains saturated. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot (Phytophthora) | Sudden wilting, foliage yellowing, and rapid dieback of branches, particularly during warm, wet periods. | Improve soil drainage immediately, avoid overwatering, and plant in raised beds if working with heavy soils. |
Making more Westringia
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 7 to 10 cm cuttings from firm, current-season growth in late summer or autumn.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem to expose the nodes.
- Dip the base in liquid or powder rooting hormone to encourage rapid root development.
- Insert into a free-draining propagation mix, keep moist, and place in a warm, humid environment.
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch segments and remove lower leaves.
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in bright, indirect light.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Westringia questions
How many types of Westringia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 13 distinct Westringia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 39 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Westringia grow in?
Across its varieties, Westringia covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Westringia bloom?
Most Westringia varieties bloom in year round, spring to fall, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Westringia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.