Species

Westringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

5 other cultivars

shrub

Coastal Rosemary

Westringia fruticosa 'Jervis Gem'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia fruticosa is a tough, evergreen shrub native to the exposed coastal cliffs and headlands of eastern Australia. It features narrow, rosemary-like leaves arranged in tight whorls along the stems and produces small, tubular flowers intermittently throughout the year.

'Jervis Gem' is a compact, naturally mounding cultivar that maintains a tighter, more rounded form than the straight species. Its foliage displays a distinct velvety, silver-gray hue, and it bears soft purple to lilac flowers with delicate throat markings.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure and fine-textured, silver-gray foliage that contrasts well with dark green plants.

Serves as an exceptionally wind- and salt-tolerant low hedge or windbreak in coastal landscapes.

Attracts native bees, beneficial insects, and occasionally hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers.

SpeciesWestringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

44"

Width

44"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained sandy loam or gravelly soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply immediately after planting, then establish a strict watering schedule for the first twelve weeks to encourage deep rooting.
Once established, restrict irrigation to periods of prolonged drought, as excess moisture triggers fatal root rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after a flowering flush, taking care never to cut back into the bare, woody interior. Unlike boxwood, Westringia lacks dormant buds on old wood and will fail to regenerate if sheared too hard.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable soil to ensure sharp drainage.
Prune lightly once or twice a year to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Water sparingly once the root system is fully established.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas where water collects.
Do not cut back into old, leafless wood during pruning.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients cause loose, leggy growth.

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

HedgesCoastal GardensRock GardensMass PlantingsWater-wise Borders

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula dentata Salvia apiana Cistus purpureus

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.

Is Coastal Rosemary deer resistant?

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

When does Coastal Rosemary bloom?

Coastal 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 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.