6 named cultivars

shrub

Coastal Rosemary

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia fruticosa, known as coastal rosemary, is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub native to coastal cliffs of eastern Australia. Its linear, grey-green leaves have rolled margins and downy white undersides, closely resembling rosemary foliage but lacking the aromatic oils.

The small, two-lipped white or pale mauve flowers emerge from the leaf axils primarily during spring and summer, though sporadic blooms can appear year-round. It is exceptionally tolerant of salt spray, wind, and drought, making it a highly reliable structural choice for exposed coastal gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, dense, grey-green structural form with delicate white flowers over a long season.

Excellent for erosion control on coastal slopes and highly effective as a salt-tolerant windbreak.

Provides shelter for small birds and attracts beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79"

Width

197"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent, sharp drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic matter or heavy compost that might retain excess moisture.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then water sparingly only until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Always prune within the active, leafy green wood; cutting back into old, leafless grey branches prevents new buds from breaking and leaves permanent bare patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a dense, bushy form.
Ensure the planting site drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Use a low-phosphorus or balanced native fertilizer if nutrient levels are poor.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems as they will not regenerate.
Do not overwater or plant in boggy, waterlogged soils.
Do not crowd plants in humid climates, which encourages powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeCoastal GardenWindbreakMass PlantingErosion Control

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Arctostaphylos densiflora

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 spring through summer. 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.