Species

Westringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

5 other cultivars

shrub

Australian Rosemary

Westringia fruticosa 'Mundi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia fruticosa is a tough, evergreen shrub native to the coastal cliffs of eastern Australia, featuring whorls of narrow, rosemary-like leaves and small, tubular flowers. The species is highly adapted to harsh maritime conditions, showing exceptional tolerance to salt spray and dry, sandy soils.

'Mundi' is a low-growing, wide-spreading cultivar that forms a dense, uniform groundcover reaching up to twenty inches tall and five feet wide. It produces a profusion of small, white flowers from spring through fall against a backdrop of soft grey-green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, silver-green groundcover with delicate white flowers over a long season.

Suppresses weeds effectively once established and stabilizes soil on coastal slopes.

Attracts native bees and generalist pollinators while resisting deer and rabbit browsing.

SpeciesWestringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

20"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to partial shade and excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, amending heavy clay soils with sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
Backfill the hole, settle the soil, and water deeply to establish the root system.
Apply a light layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant lacks dormant buds on old stems and will fail to regenerate. Plant in highly draining soil; waterlogged roots quickly succumb to rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently once established, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Prune lightly after flowering flushes to maintain a tidy, compact habit.
Use low-phosphorus or native-formulated fertilizers if feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas where water pools.
Do not cut back into bare, woody stems.
Do not apply heavy, high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverCoastal GardensMass PlantingBorder EdgingRock Gardens

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Ceanothus thyrsiflorus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Australian Rosemary questions

What zones can Australian Rosemary grow in?

Australian Rosemary 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 Australian Rosemary deer resistant?

Yes — Australian Rosemary is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Australian Rosemary bloom?

Australian Rosemary typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Australian Rosemary need full sun?

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

Is Australian Rosemary drought tolerant?

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