Westringia fruticosa – The Australian rosemary for Mediterranean gardens and terraces
Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as Australian rosemary, is an evergreen shrub native to Australia that has conquered Mediterranean gardens due to its extraordinary resilience, subtle beauty, and ease of care. Its small white or pale lilac flowers, which bloom almost continuously for much of the year, and fine, aromatic grey-green foliage make it a versatile plant with great landscaping impact.
Plant characteristics
- Pot diameter: 18 cm
- Plant height: approximately 35 cm
- White or pale lilac flowers, almost continuous blooming
- Evergreen grey-green, fine and aromatic foliage
- Bushy and compact habit, easily shaped
- Exceptional resistance to drought, wind, and salt spray
- Ideal for Mediterranean gardens, sunny terraces, and coastal areas
Care and maintenance
- Light: full sun or intense light – loves direct sunlight, which promotes abundant flowering and a compact habit
- 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; excellent resistance to wind and salt spray
- Substrate: well-draining, even poor and sandy; 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 stimulate new flowering shoots
Westringia fruticosa is the ideal plant for those seeking a beautiful, resilient, and virtually self-sufficient evergreen shrub: perfect for borders, low hedges, terrace pots, and low-maintenance gardens in Mediterranean or Australian style.
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