Species

Westringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

5 other cultivars

shrub

Coastal Rosemary

Westringia fruticosa 'Jervis Gem'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as coastal rosemary, is an evergreen Australian shrub native to the exposed cliffs and headlands of eastern New South Wales. The species features narrow, grey-green leaves arranged in tight whorls along the stems and produces small, tubular white or pale mauve flowers in the leaf axils.

'Jervis Gem' is a compact, mound-forming cultivar selected for its dense, rounded habit and consistent production of mauve to pale pink flowers. It reaches a mature height of 80 to 120 centimetres, displaying a tighter growth form and finer texture than the parent species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, rounded structure with silver-green foliage and near-continuous mauve flowers.

Acts as an excellent windbreak and soil stabiliser in exposed coastal locations.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and small insectivorous birds seeking nectar and shelter.

SpeciesWestringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

40 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with native-friendly soil.
Water deeply upon planting, then reduce watering to minimal supplementary irrigation once established.
Apply a light layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly once or twice a year immediately after a heavy flowering flush; cutting back into bare, leafless wood prevents the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly free-draining sandy or loamy soils.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a tight, compact shape.
Ensure good air circulation around the base of the shrub.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay without significant drainage improvement.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless brown wood.
Do not over-fertilise, as excess nutrients force weak, leggy growth.

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

Coastal gardensLow hedgesMass plantingsWindbreaksRock gardensContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Correa alba Lomandra longifolia Anigozanthos flavidusLeucophyta brownii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coastal Rosemary questions

What zones can Coastal Rosemary grow in?

Coastal 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.

When does Coastal Rosemary bloom?

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

Does Coastal Rosemary need full sun?

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

Is Coastal Rosemary drought tolerant?

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