Species

Westringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

5 other cultivars

shrub

Coastal Rosemary

Westringia fruticosa 'Zena'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia fruticosa, known as coastal rosemary, is a tough, fine-textured evergreen shrub native to the coastal cliffs of eastern Australia. It features narrow, linear gray-green leaves arranged in tight whorls and produces small, white to pale mauve two-lipped flowers from spring through fall.

'Zena' is a compact, mounding cultivar that naturally maintains a dense, rounded form reaching three feet in height and width. Its young stem tips display a soft, silvery pubescence that contrasts with the darker mature foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, silver-green mounded form year-round, punctuated by delicate white to pale lilac flowers.

Highly tolerant of salt spray, wind, and drought, making it an exceptional choice for stabilizing coastal soils.

Offers excellent structural cover and nesting habitat for small birds, while flowers support generalist insect pollinators.

SpeciesWestringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Tolerant

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly permeable, well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Water deeply immediately after planting, then establish a regular watering schedule until the root system is fully developed.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to avoid moisture retention.

Pro Tip

Keep pruning cuts within the active, leafy green tissue; cutting back into old, leafless woody stems prevents latent buds from breaking and results in permanent bare patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly once or twice a year after major flowering flushes to maintain a tight, formal shape.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, as the root system is highly intolerant of standing water.
Grow in full sun to maximize foliage density and flower production.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare wood lacking green shoots, as the plant will fail to regenerate.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils without amending for drainage.
Do not over-fertilize; apply nutrients sparingly to avoid leggy, weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardensLow HedgesMass PlantingsErosion ControlRock GardensContainer Specimens

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lantana montevidensis Ceanothus Artemisia californica Agave

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coastal Rosemary questions

What zones can Coastal Rosemary grow in?

Coastal 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 Coastal Rosemary deer resistant?

Yes — Coastal Rosemary is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Coastal Rosemary bloom?

Coastal Rosemary typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coastal Rosemary need full sun?

Coastal Rosemary does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Coastal Rosemary drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Coastal Rosemary handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.