Species

1 other cultivar

‘Naringa’Coast Rosemary

shrub

Aussie Box Westringia

Westringia hybrid 'Aussie Box'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs characterized by whorled, fine-textured foliage and small, two-lipped flowers resembling those of rosemary. These resilient plants thrive in coastal environments, showing high tolerance for salt spray, strong winds, and prolonged dry spells once their root systems establish.

'Aussie Box' is a compact, naturally rounded cultivar that forms a dense, tightly branched mound of grey-green foliage with lighter, finely haired undersides. It produces pale purple to mauve-pink flowers throughout spring and summer, responding exceptionally well to tight shearing as a native alternative to traditional boxwood.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a highly structured, dense grey-green ball or formal hedge that mimics English boxwood.

Offers exceptional drought, wind, and salt tolerance for challenging coastal landscapes.

Provides shelter and nectar for beneficial insects and native bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

374"

Width

374"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with highly permeable, free-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant on a slight mound if working with heavy clay to prevent water pooling.
Water regularly for the first eight to thirteen weeks to establish a deep root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertilizer sparingly in spring if growth appears sluggish.

Pro Tip

Prune only while the stems are green-tipped; shearing deep into the interior brown wood where leaves have shaded out prevents reliable regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune one to three times a year after flowering flushes to maintain a tight, formal shape.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Water deeply but infrequently once the plant is fully established.

Don't

Do not prune deep into old, leafless, brown wood.
Do not plant in low-lying clay sumps where water accumulates.
Do not over-fertilize or use heavy, high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal low hedgesCoastal windbreaksTopiary spheresMassed foundation plantings

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia clevelandii Lantana montevidensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Aussie Box Westringia questions

What zones can Aussie Box Westringia grow in?

Aussie Box Westringia 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 Aussie Box Westringia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Aussie Box Westringia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Aussie Box Westringia bloom?

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

Does Aussie Box Westringia need full sun?

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

Is Aussie Box Westringia drought tolerant?

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