shrub

Slender Westringia

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia eremicola, the slender Westringia, is an upright, twiggy evergreen shrub native to eastern and southern Australia that reaches about five feet in height. The stiff, slender branches carry narrow, linear leaves in whorls of three, covered in fine, flattened hairs that give the foliage a distinct gray-green appearance.

Unlike the more common coastal rosemary, this species features a more open, slender habit and is highly adapted to dry inland woodlands and sandy soils. The small, tubular flowers appear in shades of purple, mauve, or white, distinguished by tiny orange to brown dots inside the throat.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural form with fine, gray-green foliage and a long display of delicate purple flowers.

Highly drought-tolerant and wind-resistant, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for exposed or coastal sites.

Offers dense, twiggy shelter for small birds and attracts beneficial pollinating insects to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to low

Lifespan

Long-lived

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 with exceptional drainage and full sun exposure to ensure robust flowering and a compact growth habit.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling.
Backfill with the native soil without adding organic amendments, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then restrict supplementary watering to periods of extreme drought once established.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the main flowering flush to maintain a dense shape; cutting back into old, leafless brown wood will prevent the plant from shooting back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in sandy or gravelly soils that drain rapidly.
Prune the tips lightly after summer flowering to encourage dense branching.
Ensure the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless brown wood.
Do not apply heavy doses of high-phosphorus fertilizers.

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

HedgeRock GardenCoastal GardenDrought-Tolerant Border

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Salvia apiana

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.