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, maintenance 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 very drought tolerant 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. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
