A hardy, evergreen shrub that thrives where few others can. Native to Australia, this versatile plant is celebrated for its fine-textured, grey-green foliage arranged in neat whorls, giving it a rosemary-like appearance. In Cape Town’s climate, it produces clusters of delicate white to pale lilac flowers from September through February (spring to summer), often blooming intermittently throughout the year. Perfect for coastal gardens, hedging, screening, or low-maintenance borders, Westringia fruticosa is highly tolerant of wind, salt spray, and sandy soils. It flourishes in full sun to partial shade and requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for waterwise landscaping.
Bring resilience and elegance to your garden with the Australian Coastal Rosemary – Westringia fruticosa.
Plant Westringia fruticosa in well-draining soil, ideally sandy or loamy, and position it in full sun to semi-shade. Water moderately during establishment, then reduce as it becomes drought-hardy. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a neat, rounded shape. It tolerates coastal conditions exceptionally well, making it a reliable choice for exposed sites.
Despite its name, Coastal Rosemary is not related to culinary rosemary. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is prized purely for its ornamental value and toughness in harsh conditions.
| Botanical Name | Westringia Fructicosa |
| Growth Expectancy | 1m/1.5m H x 1m/1.5m W |
| Position | Sun |
| Water Smart | Yes |
| Indigenous | No |
