shrub

Violet Westringia

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia glabra, commonly known as violet Westringia, is an evergreen woody shrub native to Australia that forms a dense, rounded mound of dark green to gray-green foliage. The small, two-lipped flowers are pale purple to mauve with darker spots in the throat, appearing primarily from spring through summer.

This species is distinguished by its smooth, narrow-elliptic leaves arranged in whorls of three and its exceptional tolerance to coastal salt spray and wind. Unlike many other Australian shrubs, it is not sensitive to phosphorus and adapts well to standard balanced fertilizers.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with dense, gray-green foliage and a long-lasting display of pale purple flowers.

Highly tolerant of salt spray, wind, and drought, making it an excellent windbreak or hedge for coastal areas.

Attracts native bees and generalist beneficial insects to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly permeable, well-drained 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 to settle the soil, then reduce frequency to allow the top few inches to dry out between waterings.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to suppress weeds, keeping the mulch clear of the main stem.
Prune the tips lightly once or twice a year after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune exclusively on green, leafy growth immediately after the main spring bloom; cutting back into old, leafless woody stems will prevent the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly draining sandy, loamy, or rocky soils to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly and frequently on active green growth to encourage density.
Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings once the root system is established.

Don't

Do not prune deeply into old, bare wood, as the plant lacks dormant buds on old stems.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that retain moisture.
Do not apply heavy, slow-release fertilizers unless growth is visibly sluggish.

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

Coastal GardenHedgeRock GardenWindbreakContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Lavandula angustifolia

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 summer. 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.