shrub

Long-leaved Westringia

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia longifolia is an erect, medium-to-large evergreen shrub native to southeastern Australia, characterized by a stiff, bushy habit and narrow, linear leaves arranged in whorls of three. The foliage is soft gray-green when young, maturing to a deeper green, and remains dense throughout the year.

This species is distinguished by its long, slender leaves measuring up to 35 millimeters and its axillary flowers that range from white to pale mauve with tiny purple throat dots. It exhibits high drought tolerance and exceptional resilience to salty coastal winds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with its dense, fine-textured evergreen foliage and near-constant display of pale flowers.

Serves as an excellent windbreak or informal hedge in coastal areas due to high salt and wind tolerance.

Attracts general pollinators, native bees, and beneficial insects, while occasionally providing nectar for hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

80"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and excellent drainage, avoiding heavy clay soils.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, and backfill with native sandy or loamy soil.
Water deeply at the base immediately after planting to settle the soil, then reduce frequency once established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never shear deeply into the bare, leafless interior wood; Westringias lack latent buds on old wood and will fail to regenerate if cut back too hard.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly twice a year after major flowering flushes to maintain a dense, bushy form.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot pathogens.
Use a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer sparingly in spring if growth is sluggish.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils or low-lying areas where water pools.
Do not cut back into old, completely leafless brown wood during pruning.
Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen or strong chemical fertilizers, which cause weak, floppy growth.

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

HedgeCoastal GardenMediterranean GardenRock GardenWindbreak

Companion Plants

Grevillea Callistemon Anigozanthos Salvia

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 spring through autumn. 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.