Westringia fruticosa – Australian rosemary for Mediterranean gardens and terraces
Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as Australian rosemary, is an evergreen shrub native to Australia that has won over Mediterranean gardens thanks to its extraordinary resilience, understated beauty, and ease of care. Its small white or pale lilac flowers, which bloom almost continuously for much of the year, and its fine, aromatic gray-green foliage make it a versatile plant with a striking landscape effect.
Plant characteristics
- Pot diameter: 18 cm
- Plant height: approximately 35 cm
- White or pale lilac flowers, almost continuous flowering
- Evergreen gray-green foliage, fine and aromatic
- Bushy, compact growth habit that is easy to shape
- Exceptional resistance to drought, wind, and salt spray
- Ideal for Mediterranean gardens, sunny terraces, and coastal areas
Care and maintenance
- Light: full sun or bright light – it thrives in direct sunlight, which promotes abundant flowering and compact growth
- Watering: very moderate – extremely drought-resistant once established; water only when the substrate is completely dry
- Temperature: hardy down to approximately -5°C; ideal for Mediterranean, coastal, and temperate climates; highly resistant to wind and salt spray
- Substrate: well-draining, even poor and sandy; it does not tolerate waterlogging
- Fertilization: once a month in spring and summer with a low-concentration balanced fertilizer
- Pruning: light pruning after flowering to maintain the desired shape and encourage new flowering shoots
Westringia fruticosa is the ideal plant for anyone looking for a beautiful, resilient, and virtually self-sufficient evergreen shrub: perfect for borders, low hedges, terrace containers, and low-maintenance gardens in a Mediterranean or Australian style.
