Buy Westringia Plants Online Australia — Hardy Coastal Rosemary Shrubs for Hedging, Borders & Gardens

If there is one native shrub that earns the title of Australia's most reliable all-rounder for garden structure, it is Westringia. Commonly known as Coastal Rosemary or Native Rosemary — names that refer to the shape of its narrow, grey-green leaves rather than any similarity of flavour or fragrance — Westringia is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is native to coastal cliff faces, headlands, and sandy soils around Australia's eastern and south-eastern coast. It has evolved in some of the most exposed, wind-battered, salt-laden garden conditions imaginable, which is precisely why it performs so consistently well in Australian suburban and coastal gardens where other plants struggle.

Westringia handles drought, frost, salt spray, coastal winds, reflected heat, poor sandy soils, and moderate clay with an equanimity that few other ornamental shrubs match. It flowers almost year-round in warm coastal climates — small tubular blooms in white, pale lavender, blue-purple, or mauve depending on variety — and the foliage provides excellent year-round structure in grey-green, silver, or variegated forms. It responds exceptionally well to pruning, which makes it the go-to native alternative to Lilly Pilly and Buxus for formal hedges, box plantings, topiary, and low borders.

Unlike many Proteaceae natives (Banksias, Grevilleas, Adenanthos), Westringia does not have a phosphorus sensitivity — it tolerates average phosphorus levels in standard fertilisers and soils, which makes its care significantly simpler than some other Australian natives. A balanced fertiliser in spring, regular tip pruning to maintain density, and good drainage are essentially all it requires.

Our collection of 19 Westringia varieties is the most comprehensive available online in Australia, spanning the full range from the groundcover-habit Fruticosa Prostrate (30–50cm) through compact box-hedge varieties (Grey Box, Aussie Box, Blue Gem) to taller screen and hedging forms (Naringa, Longifolia). Whether you are creating a formal clipped parterre, a low-maintenance coastal native garden, a wildlife-friendly informal border, or simply need a tough, drought-hardy specimen for a difficult position, there is a Westringia in this collection for the job.

Westringia versus Lilly Pilly for hedging — our team's honest comparison

One of the most common questions our horticultural team receives is whether to use Westringia or Lilly Pilly for hedging. Both are popular Australian native choices, but they serve different needs. Westringia is faster to establish, more drought-tolerant, significantly better in coastal conditions, and works better in poor, sandy, or alkaline soils. It produces smaller, softer foliage that clips into a cleaner, tighter formal hedge shape. Lilly Pilly offers better performance in moist, fertile soils, produces coloured new growth and berries for wildlife, and achieves greater ultimate height for tall screens. For coastal gardens, difficult soils, low-rainfall areas, and gardeners wanting the most hassle-free formal hedge — our team recommends Westringia. For moist, sheltered inland gardens where height and wildlife value are priorities — Lilly Pilly.

Our key Westringia varieties — expert descriptions

Naringa Westringia 'Naringa' Best for: Hedging, coastal screen, mixed border Height: To 2.2m (easily pruned to 1m x 60cm) Flower: Pale mauve-white, spring–summer + sporadic Key trait: Best hedging Westringia — vigorous and upright

Probably the best all-round hedging Westringia available in Australia, and our horticultural team's top recommendation for medium-height native hedges. Naringa is vigorous, upright, and extremely tidy in its growth habit — it produces masses of pale mauve-white flowers in spring and summer, and flowers sporadically throughout the year. Hardy across a wide range of conditions and soil types and particularly valued for coastal plantings. Can be maintained at 50–60cm wide as a compact formal hedge or allowed to reach its natural 2.2m for a taller screen. Available from $21.95.

Fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) Westringia fruticosa Best for: Coastal hedge, native feature, informal border Height: To 1.5m h x 1.5m w Flower: White to pale lavender, year-round Key trait: The benchmark — most versatile and coastal-proven

The original and most widely planted Westringia in Australian gardens — the species from which most cultivars have been bred. Grows to around 1–1.5m with dense grey-green foliage and small white to pale lavender flowers produced almost year-round in warm coastal climates. Its relaxed, rounded natural habit suits informal hedges and mixed native plantings equally, while its response to regular clipping makes it equally effective in formal designs. Exceptional coastal performer — grows naturally on exposed cliff faces and headlands in full salt spray. From $19.95.

Fruticosa Variegated Westringia fruticosa 'Variegated' Best for: Feature border, foliage contrast, coastal planting Height: To 1–1.5m h x 1m w Flower: White to pale blue, spring–summer Key trait: Best ornamental foliage in the fruticosa range

The ornamental standout of the fruticosa range — Variegated Westringia has the same compact, dense habit and year-round white-pale blue flowers as the standard species, but with attractive green leaves edged in creamy-white. This variegation provides year-round colour interest beyond the flowering season, making it an outstanding choice for borders, mixed native plantings, and feature spots where foliage contrast is part of the design. Maintains the same coastal toughness, drought tolerance, and salt spray resistance of the standard fruticosa. From $19.95.

Smokey Westringia fruticosa 'Smokey' Best for: Silver foliage contrast, modern gardens, borders Height: To 1.5m h x 1.2m w Flower: White, spring–summer Key trait: Silvery-grey foliage — unique tonal contrast

Smokey stands out from the standard green-foliaged Westringia with its distinctly silvery-grey leaves — a cooler, more muted foliage tone that works particularly well in modern, minimalist, and Mediterranean-themed garden designs. Grows to approximately 1.5m with a loose, natural habit and white flowers. Excellent for providing silvery foliage contrast in mixed borders alongside darker greens. Smokey's silver tones deepen in full sun and look especially striking against dark-toned fencing, paving, and hard landscaping. From $19.95.

Fruticosa Prostrate Westringia fruticosa (prostrate form) Best for: Groundcover, slopes, coastal edges, embankments Height: 30–50cm h x 1–1.5m w Flower: White, spring–summer Key trait: Only spreading groundcover form in the range

The groundcover form of Westringia fruticosa — Fruticosa Prostrate grows to only 30–50cm in height but spreads widely, making it an excellent low-maintenance native groundcover for slopes, embankments, raised bed edges, and coastal garden beds. Its dense, spreading habit suppresses weeds effectively and handles salt spray, coastal winds, and dry conditions with ease. Perfect for situations where a low, wide-spreading native groundcover is needed without the water demands and maintenance of lawn. From $19.95.

Grey Box Westringia fruticosa 'Grey Box' Best for: Lowest hedge, pathway edging, pots, small spaces Height: 40–50cm h x 50cm w Flower: White, year-round Key trait: Smallest Westringia — best for micro-hedging

The smallest variety in our Westringia range and the most compact hedging option — Grey Box grows to just 40–50cm in height with very compact, dense foliage. It is the top choice for the lowest possible formal hedge, pathway edging, garden bed borders, and small-space pots where a dwarf, tidy native shrub is needed. Extremely drought resistant and well-suited to exposed coastal positions. Despite its small size, it produces the same white flowers as the standard fruticosa and attracts pollinators year-round. $19.95.

How to grow Westringia in Australia — expert care guide

Westringia is one of Australia's most forgiving native shrubs. Here is our complete care guide:

•    Position: Full sun produces the densest growth and most abundant flowering. Westringia tolerates partial shade (up to half a day) but growth slows and flowering reduces. Avoid deep shade positions. Coastal exposed positions — including direct salt spray, strong wind, and sandy soils — are handled well by all varieties.

•    Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Waterlogging is the most common cause of failure — Westringia will develop root rot in permanently wet conditions. It performs well in sandy, loamy, and even moderately clay soils provided drainage is reasonable. Soil pH of 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline) is acceptable, and — unlike many other Australian natives — Westringia tolerates average phosphorus levels in soils and fertilisers.

•    Fertilising: Westringia does not require heavy feeding. A single application of a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring is sufficient. Unlike Adenanthos, Banksias, and Grevilleas, Westringia is NOT sensitive to standard phosphorus levels — you can use a general-purpose native fertiliser or even a balanced complete fertiliser without risk. Organic mulch applied around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

•    Watering: Water regularly for the first 12 weeks after planting to establish roots. Once established, Westringia is genuinely drought-tolerant. In most temperate Australian conditions it will thrive on natural rainfall alone. During prolonged summer dry spells, a deep watering once a week is beneficial. In pots, water when the top 3cm of potting mix is dry and water thoroughly — never leave pots standing in saucers of water.

•    Pruning — the most important ongoing task: Westringia responds exceptionally well to regular light pruning, but poorly to hard pruning into old bare wood. Prune little and often — tip-prune young plants regularly to encourage dense base growth from the start. For hedges, trim frequently and lightly rather than allowing the plant to grow large between hard cuts. The critical rule: ONLY prune back to green, leafy growth. Do not cut into old, brown, bare wood — Westringia will not reliably reshoot from hard wood, and severe cuts can permanently disfigure or kill established plants.

•    Hedge establishment spacing: For a formal low hedge, space plants 30–40cm apart. For a medium hedge to 1m, space 50–70cm apart. For Naringa as a taller screen, space 80cm–1m apart. Begin tip-pruning at planting time to encourage lateral branching from the base — do not wait until the plant is full size before shaping.

•    Pests and disease: Westringia is highly resistant to pests and diseases. Occasional aphids on new growth — treat with insecticidal soap if populations build. Yellowing foliage can indicate waterlogging, excessive phosphorus, iron deficiency, or incorrect pH — soil testing is recommended if yellowing persists. Dieback from the base can affect older plants but is uncommon in well-drained positions.

Why buy Westringia from Online Plants?

•    30-day guarantee to grow on every plant
•    Australia's first and largest online nursery — 19 Westringia varieties, the most comprehensive range online
•    Delivery to VIC, NSW, QLD, SA and ACT — metropolitan and regional areas
•    Multiple pot sizes available for most varieties
•    No minimum order
•    Free garden design consultation — call 0428 110 584 or email store@onlineplants.com.au

Frequently Asked Question - FAQs

What is Westringia and why is it called Coastal Rosemary?

Westringia is a genus of approximately 25 species of evergreen shrubs in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to Australia. The common names Coastal Rosemary, Native Rosemary, and Australian Rosemary all refer to the visual similarity of Westringia's narrow, grey-green leaves to culinary rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), which also belongs to the Lamiaceae family. However, Westringia has no culinary use and no rosemary fragrance — the name is purely about leaf appearance. Despite not being a true rosemary, Westringia is just as tough and reliable in Australian gardens, and its coastal hardiness, response to pruning, and year-round flowering make it one of the most versatile native shrubs available.

Which Westringia is best for hedging in Australia?

For most Australian hedging situations, Naringa is our top recommendation — it is vigorous, upright, and extremely tidy in growth habit, and can be maintained at any height from 50cm to 2.2m. For medium formal hedges, Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) and Wynyabbie Gem are excellent proven performers. For a very low formal hedge or edging strip, Grey Box (40–50cm) is the most compact option. For a box-hedge effect with minimal pruning, Aussie Box has the most naturally box-like rounded form. All Westringia varieties are suitable for coastal hedges. Space plants 30–50cm apart for formal hedges; 80cm–1m for informal screens.

Is Westringia a good alternative to Lilly Pilly for hedging?

Yes — Westringia is an excellent alternative to Lilly Pilly, and in some situations it is the superior choice. Westringia establishes faster, is more drought-tolerant, performs significantly better in coastal conditions and poor or sandy soils, and clips into a cleaner, finer-textured formal hedge. It also produces fewer issues with psyllid insects that commonly affect Lilly Pilly foliage in some regions. Lilly Pilly is the better choice where moist, fertile soils allow maximum growth and height, or where colourful new growth flushes and fruiting for wildlife are design priorities. For coastal gardens, difficult soils, lower-rainfall regions, and gardeners who want the most reliable formal hedge with minimum fuss — our team recommends Westringia.

Can you prune Westringia hard?

Westringia responds well to regular light pruning but responds poorly to hard pruning into old, bare, brown wood. The critical rule our horticultural team emphasises is: only prune back to green, leafy growth. Cutting back into old, brown, bare wood — sometimes called 'hard wood' — will not produce reliable regrowth and can permanently disfigure or kill an established plant. For this reason, we recommend starting regular light tip-pruning from the time of planting, building a dense base structure before the plant becomes large and woody. If an established Westringia has become leggy through neglect, gradual restoration over 2–3 pruning seasons is more reliable than a single severe cut.

How fast does Westringia grow in Australia?

Westringia is considered a fast-growing native shrub, particularly in suitable conditions of full sun and free-draining soil. Most varieties can achieve 40–60cm of new growth per year during the establishment phase. Naringa is the fastest-growing variety in our range and can reach 1m in height within 12–18 months of planting from a 14cm pot with adequate water during establishment. The compact varieties (Grey Box, Aussie Box, Blue Gem) grow more slowly at approximately 20–30cm per year. Growth rate across all varieties is directly influenced by watering during the first 12 weeks after planting — consistent moisture during establishment accelerates root development and significantly improves first-year growth.