Coastal Rosemary , scientifically known as Westringia fruticosa , belong to the Lamiaceae household , commonly referred to as the mint home , which admit aromatic plants like rosemary and lavender . It is part of the genus Westringia , comprising about 30 species native to Australia . The species name fruticosa comes from Latin , meaning “ shrubby ” or “ shaggy-coated , ” reflecting its growth habit .

The genus is named after Johan Peter Westring , an eighteenth - century Swedish physician and phytologist . Westringia fruticosa is closely relate to Prostanthera ( Australian wad bushes ) but is distinguished by its whorled leave of absence and five - lobed calyx , as opposed to the two - lob calyx of Prostanthera .

Westringia fruticosa is an evergreen shrub , typically grow 4–6 pes tall and 5–8 feet wide , though some cultivars are more compact or prostrate . Its small , analogue to spear - shaped leaves , about 0.5–1 in long , are hoary - green above with a velvety white underside , arranged in whorls of 3–5 around whitish stems , resembling culinary rosemary .

The industrial plant produces belittled , white to pale lavender flower with orange - to - purple make out throats , blooming profusely in outpouring and intermittently year - round in mild climates . Flowers are labiate , distinctive of the mint phratry , and digest in leaf axils . The bush form a thick , rounded mound , with cultivars like ‘ Mundi ’ ( 1–2 feet tall ) or ‘ Blue Gem ’ ( bluish - regal flowers ) offering wide-ranging esthetics .

Coastal Rosemary is native to eastern Australia , chiefly along the coast of New South Wales from Forster to Eden , with some records in Queensland and Victoria . It course occurs on coastal drop-off , sand dunes , and hills , thriving in sandlike , alkaline , or shale - enrich soils . The plant is a central component of coastal shrublands , heathlands , and dune forests , bear strong winds , salt atomiser , and pitiable soils .

Due to its ornamental value , it has been widely naturalize and naturalise in other voice of Australia , North America , and Europe , particularly in Mediterranean - climate regions like California , where it is pop in waterwise landscape .

Westringia fruticosa is hardy in USDA Zones 9–11 , tolerating temperatures down to about 15–20 ° F ( -9 to -7 ° snow ) for short periods . It thrives in quick , frost - loose climates with mild winters , seduce it ideal for coastal areas of California , Florida , and the southeast U.S. In cold regions ( Zone 8) , it may make it with protective cover or in pot moved indoors during freezes . The plant prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade , especially in hotter inland areas , and is extremely adaptable to drought and coastal conditions once set up .

Coastal Rosemary is primarily an ornamental bush , valued for its fine - textured foliage , class - round blooms , and resiliency in hard conditions . It is wide used in waterwise , coastal , and Mediterranean gardens as a ground cover , low hedging , or specimen plant , with cultivars like ‘ Mundi ’ excelling as prostrate ground covering fire and ‘ Naringa ’ as taller hedges .

Its table salt and wind allowance make it idealistic for seaboard landscape , while its drought leeway suits xeriscaping . The flowers attract bee , butterflies , and minuscule birds , supporting biodiversity . Though not comestible like true rosemary , it is humiliated - maintenance , deer - resistant , and nearly pestis - gratis , making it a favourite for Mungo Park , streetscapes , and wearing away controller on incline . In traditional options , it has minor medicinal uses , but its elementary role is esthetic and ecological .

Cultivation of Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)

Select a Suitable Location

Choose a site with full sun for optimum growth and unfolding , though Coastal Rosemary tolerate partial shade , especially in hotter inland region . Ensure the location accommodate the plant ’s mature sizing , typically 4–6 feet tall and 5–8 animal foot wide for the species , or smaller for cultivars like ‘ Mundi ’ ( 1–2 feet tall ) . The site should have beneficial atmosphere circulation and be protected from prolonged freezes in marginal zone .

Ensure Well - Drained dirt

plant life in well - drained ground , as Coastal Rosemary expand in sandlike , loamy , or rocky soils with a pH of 6.0–8.0 , tolerate alkaline conditions common in coastal area . It struggles in heavy clay or waterlogged soils , which can cause root rot . Test land drainage and amend with sand , gumption , or compost to better structure if needed , peculiarly in dense soils .

Plant in the Right time of year

Plant in spring or early fall to countenance root to constitute before extreme heat energy or cold . Dig a hole twice as wide and as bass as the root glob , position the crown at ground level . Backfill with native soil mixed with compost for nutritive - miserable site , water system thoroughly , and apply a 2–3 - in bed of mulch ( for instance , gravel or barque ) to retain moisture , keeping it away from the radical .

Water Sparingly After Establishment

pee profoundly but infrequently during the first year , provide 1 inch of weewee weekly to encourage rich roots . Once established ( 1–2 years ) , Coastal Rosemary is highly drouth - tolerant and typically rely on rainfall in worthy climate . Supplemental watering every 2–3 weeks during prolonged ironical spells enhance vigor , but fend off overwatering to prevent root issues .

Mulch for Soil Health

Apply a 2–3 - inch level of organic or inorganic mulch , such as gravel , wood chips , or mash Lucy Stone , around the root word , extending to the drip line but avoiding striking with the stem . Mulch conserves moisture , influence soil temperature , and reduces weed contest , which is specially good in coastal or desiccated conditions where grease dries speedily .

Fertilize thinly

Coastal Rosemary requires minimum fecundation due to its version to nutrient - poor land . In leap , apply a low - nitrogen , irksome - button fertiliser ( e.g. , 5 - 10 - 10 ) or a light layer of compost to boost ontogenesis , specially in sandy land . Avoid in high spirits - nitrogen fertilizers , which advertize leggy growth and reduce blossoming . A territory test can guide nourishing applications .

Prune for Shape and Density

Prune gently in belated wintertime or early spring to keep soma , remove idle or discredited increment , and encourage bushiness . For hedge , shear on a regular basis to promote thick leafage , but obviate cutting into honest-to-god wood , as the plant may not resprout vigorously . summit - pruning after flowering preserve compact forms like ‘ Mundi ’ or ‘ Smokey ’ . Always employ clean , piercing puppet to prevent disease .

Monitor for pest

Coastal Rosemary is virtually blighter - devoid but may occasionally pull in spider speck or scale leaf in spicy , juiceless conditions . Check for net , stippling , or sticky balance on leaves . handle underage infestations with a stiff water atomizer or insecticidal soap , and see unspoiled air circulation to forestall issues . promote rude predators like lacewing to maintain pestis control .

Prevent Diseases

The flora is extremely disease - resistant , but solution rot ( e.g. , from Phytophthora ) can occur in ill enfeeble filth . Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent fungous issuance . If leaves white-livered or wilt , check for sloppy soil and improve drainage . Remove affected root word or plant promptly and fend off replant in the same spot without soil remediation .

Protect from Cold Damage

In Zones 9–11 , Coastal Rosemary is frost - resistant , but in Zone 8 or during unexpected freezes , protect young plants with frost fabric or mulch around the home . flora in sheltered land site , such as nigh wall , to minimize cold exposure . In cold part , uprise in pots and move indoors during winter , keep temperatures above 15 ° F ( -9 ° C ) .

Support Pollinators

The works ’s white to lavender flowers draw in bees , butterflies , and modest birds , especially during leaping bloom . Avoid pesticides during efflorescence to protect pollinators . duet with ambrosia - rich plants like salvia or lavender to create a pollinator - well-disposed garden , enhancing biodiversity in coastal or xeriscape options .

Propagate for Expansion

Propagate Coastal Rosemary via semi - hardwood film editing in summertime or semen , though cuttings are prefer for cultivars to check true - to - type plants . Take 4–6 - inch cuttings , dip in rooting hormone , and plant life in a intermixture of backbone and peat , keeping moist until rooted ( 6–8 week ) . seeded player ask scarification and may not produce unvarying plant , making them less coarse for extension .

Choose Appropriate cultivar

Select cultivar based on your garden ’s need and mood . ‘ Mundi ’ is a crushed , prostrate manikin ( 1–2 feet ) for ground covering fire , while ‘ Naringa ’ grows taller ( 6–7 feet ) for elude . ‘ Blue Gem ’ offers blueish - purple flower , and ‘ Smokey ’ feature film variegated gray - clean leaf . Ensure the cultivar ’s size and hardiness courtship your USDA Zone and aesthetic goals .

Additional Tips