Westringia Dampieri
Contents
1. Description
Westringia Dampieri is a native Australian shrub that belongs to the mint family. It is commonly known as the coastal rosemary due to its resemblance to the popular herb rosemary. The plant is named after the Swedish botanist J.P. Westring, who was known for his contributions to the study of plant anatomy. Westringia Dampieri is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for coastal gardens and other areas with harsh weather conditions.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Westringia |
| Species | Dampieri |
3. Appearance
Westringia Dampieri is a small, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall and wide. The plant has dense, woody stems and small, narrow leaves that are about 2-3 cm long. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with slightly rolled edges. During the flowering season, which usually occurs in spring and summer, the plant produces small, white or pale blue flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems and have a sweet, minty fragrance.
4. Care Guide
Westringia Dampieri is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some guidelines for caring for this plant:- Water: Westringia Dampieri is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions, but it does require some water to thrive. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.- Soil: Westringia Dampieri prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in sandy or loamy soil.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: Westringia Dampieri is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Westringia Dampieri is a relatively pest and disease-free plant. However, it can be affected by spider mites, which can cause leaf discoloration and webbing. To prevent spider mites, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. The plant can also be affected by root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
6. Habitat
Westringia Dampieri is native to the coastal regions of Western Australia, where it grows in sandy, rocky soils near the ocean. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of coastal environments. Westringia Dampieri is also a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, especially in coastal areas where other plants may not thrive.
7. Question and Answer
Q: Is Westringia Dampieri deer-resistant?A: Yes, this plant is deer-resistant.Q: Can Westringia Dampieri be grown in containers?A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering.Q: How often should I prune Westringia Dampieri?A: You can prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.Q: Can Westringia Dampieri be propagated from cuttings?A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from cuttings taken in spring or summer.
8. Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Westringia Dampieri:- Westringia fruticosa (coastal rosemary)- Westringia glabra (silky westringia)- Westringia longifolia (native rosemary)
9. References
– “Westringia Dampieri” Australian National Botanic Gardens, Accessed 15 June 2021, https://anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp9/westringia-dampieri.html- “Westringia Dampieri” PlantNET, Accessed 15 June 2021, https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Westringia~dampieri- “Westringia Dampieri” San Marcos Growers, Accessed 15 June 2021, https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=4086
