shrub

Slender Westringia

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia eremicola, known as slender Westringia, is an upright, evergreen shrub native to eastern Australia, characterised by its open, slender habit and narrow-elliptic, grey-green leaves arranged in whorls of three. The species produces small, labiate flowers in shades of lilac, mauve, or purple with orange-dotted throats, blooming primarily from spring through summer.

This species is distinguished by its highly recurved leaf margins that nearly conceal the hairy undersides, giving the foliage a fine, needle-like texture. Unlike many other mint family relatives, the foliage is entirely non-aromatic but offers high resistance to dry conditions and moderate frosts.

Uses & Benefits:

Fine-textured grey-green foliage and a prolonged display of lilac to purple flowers.

Acts as an effective low windbreak or informal screen in coastal and dry gardens.

Provides nectar for native bees, hoverflies, and small nectar-feeding birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59 inches

Width

39 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil at the base is not compacted.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic matter, settling the plant at the same level it sat in the nursery pot.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a light layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main summer flowering flush to maintain a compact form; cutting back into old, bare wood will kill the branch as Westringias lack dormant buds on old wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly and regularly after flowering to encourage dense growth.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root-zone saturation.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in early spring.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, brown, leafless wood.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay without raising the planting bed.
Do not over-water once the root system is established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeRock GardenBorder EdgingMass PlantingCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Melaleuca thymifolia Correa alba Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea lanigera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Slender Westringia questions

What zones can Slender Westringia grow in?

Slender Westringia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Slender Westringia bloom?

Slender 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 Slender Westringia need full sun?

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

Is Slender Westringia drought tolerant?

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