Care of the shrub Westringia fruticosa or Australian Rosemary |
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The genus Westringia, family Lamiaceae, includes 33 species of shrubs native to Australia. Some species are: Westringia fruticosa, Westringia brevifolia, Westringia crassifolia, Westringia glabra, Westringia rigida, Westringia cephalantha. Common names: Australian Rosemary, Coastal rosemary, Coastal westringia. This species is native to eastern Australia. They are evergreen shrubs with a rounded shape that can reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. The leaves are small and closely resemble Rosmarinus leaves. The small lipped flowers can be white or very light blue. They bloom in spring and summer. These fast-growing shrubs are used to form low and potted beds and hedges for decks and patios. They are ideal for coastal gardens with a Mediterranean climate. Westringia fruticosa needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. It resists frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF). The soil must be very well drained and soft and light. Water moderately all year long waiting for the substrate to dry completely; they resist drought well. They can be lightly pruned after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. Fertilize in autumn with manure and in spring add a mineral fertilizer every 25 days. They are resistant plants to the habitual plagues but sensitive to the excess of irrigation. They can be propagated by cuttings in the fall. |
Images of the shrub Westringia fruticosa or Australian Rosemary |
 Westringia fruticosa  Westringia fruticosa  Westringia fruticosa  Westringia fruticosa  Westringia brevifolia |