Coastal Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as Coastal Rosemary, is a hardy Australian shrub often found growing along ocean cliffs. Although it shares the name “rosemary,” this plant is quite different from the culinary herb and is grown primarily for its ornamental value. It has narrow, grey-green leaves and delicate white to pale lilac flowers, making it an attractive, fast-growing choice for coastal gardens, hedges, and windbreaks. It thrives in sandy soils, tolerates salt spray and drought, and prefers full sun to part shade. Unlike the strongly aromatic culinary rosemary, this species has little fragrance.
- Botanical name: Westringia fruticosa
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Form: Dense, upright shrub
- Height: 1-2 metres
- Width: 4-5 metres
- Foliage: Grey-green, narrow leaves
- Flowers: Small white to pale lilac; bloom spring to autumn
- Attracts: Bees and butterflies
- Ideal for: Coastal gardens, hedges, and erosion control