shrub

Long-leaved Westringia

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia longifolia is an upright, evergreen Australian shrub native to the sandstone gullies and riverbanks of New South Wales and Queensland. The genus is highly resilient, characterised by whorled foliage and small, two-lipped flowers that appear reliably across multiple seasons.

This species is distinguished by its exceptionally long, linear leaves measuring up to 35 millimetres, which are significantly narrower and more open than those of the common coastal rosemary. The flowers are white to pale mauve with delicate purple spotting in the throat, clustered in the upper leaf axils to create a soft, airy display.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a soft, fine-textured backdrop or informal hedge with delicate pale flowers.

Acts as an effective windbreak and erosion control barrier in exposed or coastal sites.

Attracts and supports native bees, beneficial insects, and small insectivorous birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Southeastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun exposure and sharp, free-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but to the same depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently around the base, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly and regularly within the green foliage line; cutting back into old, bare wood will fail to trigger new shoots as this species lacks epicormic buds on mature timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable soil to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly and regularly to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
Position in full sun to maximise flower production.

Don't

Do not prune hard back into old, leafless woody stems.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply high-phosphorus general fertilisers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hedges and screensWindbreaks in coastal gardensNative or wildlife gardensBackground planting in mixed shrub borders

Companion Plants

Grevillea cultivars Correa reflexa Anigozanthos flavidus Callistemon viminalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Long-leaved Westringia questions

What zones can Long-leaved Westringia grow in?

Long-leaved 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.

When does Long-leaved Westringia bloom?

Long-leaved Westringia typically blooms in winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Long-leaved Westringia need full sun?

Long-leaved Westringia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Long-leaved Westringia drought tolerant?

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