Coast rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Coast rosemary on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Coast rosemary
Westringia fruticosa, commonly known as coastal rosemary, is a perennial shrub native to Australia, valued for its fine foliage and small, delicate white or pale lilac flowers. Its dense, compact habit, often with a rounded shape, makes it ideal for low hedges, borders, or as an accent plant in coastal and low-maintenance gardens. It provides fine texture and a subtle touch of color for much of the year.
Native range
Australia
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and dense growth, although it tolerates some partial shade. This plant is very drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings to prevent waterlogging. It prefers well-drained soils, including sandy or poor ones, and tolerates salinity. A common mistake is overwatering in heavy soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Coast rosemary
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown, dry and brittle leaves, leaf drop. Plant looks wilted or lacks vigor.
- First aid
- Check drainage. Reduce watering if soil is waterlogged. If dry, water deeply. Prune dead branches.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, causing root rot. Lack of direct sun or very heavy, compact soils.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted. Act quickly by correcting watering and drainage.