A dense compact coastal rosemary with silver-grey foliage and white flowers, naturally forming a tidy ball. Ideal for low clipped hedges and coastal borders.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Grey Box Coastal Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa 'Grey Box' is a shrub in the Lamiaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. White flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Grey Box Coastal Rosemary
Grey Box Coastal Rosemary suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds, is a genuinely water-wise choice and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Grey Box Coastal Rosemary does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Grey Box Coastal Rosemary is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Grey Box Coastal Rosemary after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Grey Box Coastal Rosemary in the garden
Grey Box Coastal Rosemary earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Grey Box Coastal Rosemary with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Grey Box Coastal Rosemary
Plant Sale lists Grey Box Coastal Rosemary as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.