Species

Westringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

5 other cultivars

shrub

Low Horizon Coast Rosemary

Westringia fruticosa 'Low Horizon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as coastal rosemary, is a tough evergreen Australian shrub native to the exposed sea cliffs and sandy headlands of New South Wales. It features fine, linear grey-green leaves arranged in tight whorls along the stems and produces small, two-lipped tubular flowers that nestle in the leaf axils.

'Low Horizon' is an ultra-compact, flat-lying cultivar selected specifically for its exceptionally short internodes and dense, ground-hugging habit. It reaches only about 30 centimetres in height while spreading up to a metre wide, making it far lower and tighter than standard forms.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, neat, grey-green carpet that is ideal for low borders, mass plantings, and modern architectural landscapes.

Excellent for erosion control on coastal slopes and requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact, low-growing habit.

Offers valuable nectar and pollen for native bees and beneficial insects, while its dense habit provides shelter for small insectivorous birds.

SpeciesWestringia fruticosaCoastal Rosemary

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

12 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Moderate to long

Native To

Australia (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in low-lying depressions or heavy, unamended clay where water pools; wet roots rapidly trigger fatal Phytophthora root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a highly free-draining position to prevent root rot.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser once a year in spring.
Water occasionally during extended dry summer periods to maintain foliage density.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged depressions or heavy, unamended clay.
Do not prune harshly back into old, leafless woody stems.
Do not use general-purpose fertilisers high in phosphorus.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverBorder edgingCoastal gardensMass planting

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Dianella caerulea Grevillea varieties

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Low Horizon Coast Rosemary questions

What zones can Low Horizon Coast Rosemary grow in?

Low Horizon Coast Rosemary 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 Low Horizon Coast Rosemary bloom?

Low Horizon Coast Rosemary typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Low Horizon Coast Rosemary need full sun?

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

Is Low Horizon Coast Rosemary drought tolerant?

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