A hardy coastal rosemary with variegated grey-green and cream foliage and white flowers most of the year. Colourful and salt-tolerant for clipped hedges and coastal borders.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Smokey Coastal Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa 'Smokey' is a shrub in the Lamiaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. White flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Smokey Coastal Rosemary
Smokey 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
Smokey Coastal Rosemary does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Smokey Coastal Rosemary handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Smokey 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. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Smokey Coastal Rosemary in the garden
Smokey Coastal Rosemary earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
Smokey Coastal Rosemary sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to dry conditions once established and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Smokey Coastal Rosemary
Plant Sale lists Smokey Coastal Rosemary as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
