Species

1 other cultivar

‘Naringa’Naringa Coast Rosemary

shrub

Aussie Box

Westringia hybrid 'Aussie Box'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia is a genus of evergreen shrubs native to Australia, highly adapted to coastal cliffs and dry margins where they withstand salt-laden winds and poor soils. The foliage consists of narrow, stiff leaves arranged in tight whorls along the stems, often accompanied by small, tubular flowers that emerge from the leaf axils.

'Aussie Box' is a compact, densely branched cultivar selected for its natural rounded habit and dark grey-green foliage. It requires significantly less pruning than the parent species to maintain a tight, formal ball shape, making it an effective native alternative to exotic box hedging.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, naturally rounded structure with fine grey-green foliage and delicate mauve-pink flowers.

Serves as an excellent low-maintenance, drought-tolerant alternative to exotic box hedging in coastal and arid climates.

Provides a reliable food source for native bees and small beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

38 inches

Width

38 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with excellent surface and subsoil drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the surrounding soil is loosened.
Position the plant so the root crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling around the stem.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Always trim within the leafy outer envelope; cutting back into bare, inactive internal wood prevents new nodes from shooting and leaves permanent dead patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first 8 to 13 weeks until the root system is established.
Ensure positive surface drainage to prevent water pooling around the root zone.
Prune lightly 1 to 3 times a year after flowering to maintain a tight, formal shape.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying clay depressions where water accumulates.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems as they will fail to shoot back.
Do not overwater once established, as wet feet can trigger Phytophthora root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal hedgingLow bordersMass plantingCoastal gardensCommercial landscapes

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Dianella caerulea Callistemon viminalis Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Aussie Box questions

What zones can Aussie Box grow in?

Aussie Box 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.

When does Aussie Box bloom?

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

Does Aussie Box need full sun?

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

Is Aussie Box drought tolerant?

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