Smokey Coast Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa 'Smokey'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
54 inches
Width
54 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9
Water
Low
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as coast rosemary, is a durable, fine-textured evergreen shrub native to the coasts of Australia. It features whorls of narrow, rosemary-like leaves and small, two-lipped flowers. It is highly valued for its resilience to drought, salt spray, and poor soils. The 'Smokey' cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegated foliage. Each leaf has a creamy-white margin, which gives the entire plant a soft, silvery-grey or 'smoky' appearance from a distance. It is a compact grower, maintaining a dense, rounded form.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil and plant in full sun for optimal growth.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil, ensuring good contact and watering thoroughly.
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first few weeks.
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushy growth and remove dead branches.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor regularly for pests and diseases, and treat promptly.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining sandy soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
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
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Heavy pruning during the growing season
- Plant in poorly drained soil
- Neglect pest control
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Smokey Coast Rosemary questions
What zones can Smokey Coast Rosemary grow in?
Smokey Coast Rosemary is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Smokey Coast Rosemary deer resistant?
Yes — Smokey Coast Rosemary is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Smokey Coast Rosemary bloom?
Smokey Coast Rosemary typically blooms in spring to fall through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Smokey Coast Rosemary need full sun?
Smokey Coast Rosemary does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Smokey Coast Rosemary drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Smokey Coast Rosemary handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Smokey Coast Rosemary with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
