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Description
Westringia Fruticosa, commonly known as Coastal Rosemary, is an evergreen shrub native to Australia. This versatile plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and has a lovely aroma that resembles that of rosemary. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, containers or as a standalone plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Lamiales | Lamiaceae | Westringia |
Appearance
Westringia Fruticosa has narrow, silver-green leaves that grow up to 1 inch long and 0.25 inches wide. The leaves are arranged in whorls of four and have a velvety texture. The plant produces small, white or lilac flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are about 0.5 inches in diameter and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant has a dense and bushy growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hedging and screening.
Care Guide
Westringia Fruticosa is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you grow a healthy and beautiful plant:- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the first few months after planting to establish its roots. Once established, water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require regular fertilization but can benefit from an annual application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Westringia Fruticosa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can also infest the plant. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or by using an insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Westringia Fruticosa is native to the coastal regions of Australia, where it grows in sandy soils, rocky outcrops, and heathlands. The plant is well-adapted to hot and dry climates and can tolerate salt spray and windy conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Westringia Fruticosa a good hedge plant?
A: Yes, Westringia Fruticosa is an excellent hedge plant due to its dense and bushy growth habit.
Q: Does Westringia Fruticosa require regular pruning?
A: Westringia Fruticosa doesn’t require regular pruning but can benefit from occasional trimming to maintain its shape and size.
Q: Can Westringia Fruticosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Westringia Fruticosa can be grown in containers, provided they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Westringia Fruticosa attract bees?
A: Yes, Westringia Fruticosa attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its fragrant flowers.
Related Plants
– Westringia Blue Gem- Westringia Jervis Gem- Westringia Zena- Westringia Smokey- Westringia Grey Box
References
– Australian National Botanic Gardens. (n.d.). Westringia fruticosa. Retrieved from https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2003/westringia-fruticosa.html- Australian Plants Society NSW. (n.d.). Westringia fruticosa. Retrieved from https://www.austplants.com.au/Westringia-fruticosa-Coastal-Rosemary- University of California. (n.d.). Westringia fruticosa. Retrieved from https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/westringia-fruticosa
