Species

Westringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

5 other cultivars

shrub

Coast Rosemary

Westringia fruticosa 'Low Horizon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as coast rosemary, is a tough evergreen shrub native to the exposed coastal cliffs and sand dunes of eastern Australia. It features fine-textured, gray-green leaves arranged in tight whorls along whitish stems and produces small, star-shaped white flowers primarily during spring and summer.

'Low Horizon' is an ultra-compact, dense groundcover cultivar selected for its flat-lying, mounding habit that rarely exceeds one foot in height. It spreads up to forty inches wide, maintaining a tight, horizontal carpet shape with exceptionally short internodes.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, flat-lying carpet of fine gray-green foliage dotted with small white flowers.

Excellent for stabilizing coastal soils, resisting salt spray, and suppressing weeds as a low-maintenance groundcover.

Provides nectar for small beneficial insects and native bees while requiring minimal water.

SpeciesWestringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

12"

Width

40"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

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 excellent drainage, such as a sandy slope or raised bed.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container soil level.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain regular moisture for the first eight to twelve weeks until established.
Once established, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between irrigations.

Pro Tip

Never shear this cultivar back into old, leafless wood, as Westringia lacks the dormant buds required to regenerate from bare stems and will leave permanent dead patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems.
Prune lightly after the summer flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact habit.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the soil to remain waterlogged.
Do not cut back into old, woody stems that lack green leaves.
Do not apply heavy doses of high-phosphorus fertilizers.

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

GroundcoverCoastal GardenRock GardenErosion ControlMass Planting

Companion Plants

Salvia clevelandii Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula dentata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coast Rosemary questions

What zones can Coast Rosemary grow in?

Coast 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 Coast Rosemary deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Coast Rosemary, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Coast Rosemary bloom?

Coast 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 Coast Rosemary need full sun?

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

Is Coast Rosemary drought tolerant?

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