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ShrubsConservatory Greenhouse

Westringia fruticosa

Australian rosemary

A tender shrub to 1.5m, with linear leaves to 2.5cm long, green above, white-felted beneath. From late spring to early autumn it produces tubular white to very pale blue flowers with darker freckling in the throats; these are borne singly in the leaf axils

Other common names
Victorian rosemary
Synonyms
Westringia rosmariniformis
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Blue Green
Summer White Blue Green
Autumn White Blue Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

A genus of 25 species of evergreen shrubs, native to Australia, with narrow, lance-shaped dark green foliage, similar to Rosmarinus, and white to pale blue flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Australia (coastal NSW)

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and sharp sand, in full light. When in growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring, greenwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

See pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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