shrub

Violet Westringia

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia glabra, commonly known as violet westringia, is an evergreen woody shrub native to the rocky gorges and slopes of eastern Australia. The species features narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls of three, with smooth surfaces and margins that roll tightly underneath.

The tubular flowers emerge in shades of pink, mauve, or purple, marked with distinct dark maroon spots inside the throat. Unlike many coastal rosemary species with white blooms, this species is distinguished by its deeper violet-hued floral display and completely hairless foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a reliable structure with its neat, whorled foliage and violet-purple flowers that appear throughout the year.

Functions as an effective low windbreak or hedge in exposed coastal gardens due to high salt and wind tolerance.

Attracts and supports native bees, butterflies, and small insectivorous birds with its nectar-rich blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Winter

In flower about 10 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with absolute sharp drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with native-friendly soil mix.
Water the plant thoroughly upon installation to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Always leave active green foliage on the stem when trimming; cutting back hard into old, leafless wood prevents dormant buds from shooting and causes permanent bare patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the main spring flowering flush to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, as waterlogged conditions trigger root decay.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare, brown wood when pruning.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, unameliorated clay soils.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilisers.

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

Native hedgingRock gardensCoastal windbreaksMixed shrub borders

Companion Plants

Correa reflexa Grevillea lanigera Anigozanthos flavidus Lomandra longifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Violet Westringia questions

What zones can Violet Westringia grow in?

Violet 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 Violet Westringia bloom?

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

Does Violet Westringia need full sun?

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

Is Violet Westringia drought tolerant?

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