Species

Westringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

5 other cultivars

shrub

Grey Box Westringia

Westringia fruticosa 'Grey Box'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as coastal rosemary, is a hardy evergreen Australian shrub native to the exposed sea cliffs and sandy beaches of coastal New South Wales. The species features narrow, whorled leaves with white-felted undersides and bears small, white to pale mauve tubular flowers in the leaf axils throughout most of the year.

'Grey Box' is an ultra-compact, naturally rounded cultivar selected for its tight ball shape and pale grey-green, glaucous foliage. This cultivar is uniquely resilient among Westringia varieties, tolerating both heavy clay soils with periodic wet feet and extreme drought or frost down to -9°C.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, naturally rounded shape with distinctive pale grey-green foliage and small white flowers.

Highly drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and unusually resilient in heavy clay or wet soils.

Attracts native bees, beneficial insects, and small insectivorous or nectar-feeding birds.

SpeciesWestringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

18 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a sunny to lightly shaded position in almost any soil type, from sand to heavy clay.
Water regularly until the root system is fully established, typically over the first summer.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring to encourage dense foliage growth.
Prune lightly one to three times a year after flowering to maintain a tight, formal shape.

Pro Tip

While most coastal rosemary cultivars rot in heavy, poorly drained soils, this selection thrives in clay and handles temporary bioswale inundation without sacrificing its drought tolerance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune regularly after flowering to maintain a neat, compact ball shape.
Ensure the soil has reasonable drainage, though it tolerates temporary wet feet.
Use a native-formulated slow-release fertiliser if feeding is required.

Don't

Do not cut back hard into old, bare wood as it will not reshoot reliably.
Do not over-fertilise with high-phosphorus mixes.
Do not allow container-grown plants to sit permanently in waterlogged saucers.

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

HedgesBordersMass plantingCoastal gardensBioswalesContainers

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Dianella caerulea Callistemon viminalis Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Grey Box Westringia questions

What zones can Grey Box Westringia grow in?

Grey Box 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 Grey Box Westringia bloom?

Grey Box 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 Grey Box Westringia need full sun?

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

Is Grey Box Westringia drought tolerant?

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