How to Grow Westringia
Westringia fruticosa
Westringia is a fast-growing Australian native shrub with small grey-green leaves and white to lilac flowers through spring and summer. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Extremely drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant once established. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Ideal for hedging, coastal gardens, and waterwise landscapes.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Once in spring with a slow-release fertiliser for native plants. Avoid heavy feeding which causes leggy growth.
Watch For
- Root rot in poorly drained soil
- Scale insects
- Occasional webbing caterpillar
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to light shade
Best flowering in full sun. Tolerates light shade but becomes leggy. Handles coastal exposure, wind, and salt spray without issue.
Watering
Very low once established
Drought-tolerant once roots are settled. Water new plants weekly for the first season, then only in prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizing
Light native fertiliser in spring
One application of slow-release native plant fertiliser in early spring. Avoid heavy feeding which causes soft, breakable growth.
Pruning
Tip-prune after flowering
Light tip-pruning after the main spring flush maintains a dense rounded shape. Can be formally hedged. Avoid cutting into old bare wood.
