We're proud to work with Australian plant breeders. These key partnerships include the production of native plant varieties such as Westringia, which are wild shrubs found in almost all States.
Westringia flowers can be white, mauve, pale pink, blue or purple with contrasting colour-tinged edges or small red/brown spots near the throat of each flower, and are particularly important to the overall health of a garden as they attract pollinators such as small birds, bees and butterflies. Being native plants, Westringia typically have lower water requirements once established, making them a key component for waterwise gardens and inland landscapes.
Westringia hybrids have been specifically bred to meet the need for ‘no fuss’, functional and reliable landscape plants. With the aim to be able to handle tough conditions, plant breeders have produced new varieties that can be used on roadsides, in large commercial projects and public spaces, as well as residential gardens.
While most Westringia varieties are hardy and highly versatile with multiple uses in the landscape, the ‘original’ and most popular by demand is Westringia fruticosa, also known as Coastal Rosemary. With grey to dark green foliage and small lightly scented white to pale mauve flowers, it will bloom throughout most of the year. Tolerant of coastal conditions, including sandy soils, drought and salt, it is ideal for easy-to-maintain gardens in the Perth and Peel region.
Similarly, Westringia fruticosa variegated (or Variegated Coastal Rosemary) grows well in the same environment. It offers attractive, distinctly variegated cream and green foliage and white flowers with purple spots in Spring. Perfect for those looking for colour contrast within their designs.
Westringia dampieri, also known as Shore Westringia, is a native Western Australian variety found along coastal regions from Carnarvon almost all the way to the South Australian border. A compact form with grey/green foliage and white flowers that have purple tinges, it is tolerant of coastal conditions but also grows on limestone cliffs, making it suitable in alkaline soils.
Mass planting is easily achieved with dwarf varieties such as Westringia 'WES05' Mundi (PBR). A prolific flowering variety that produces stunning white flowers on narrow-leaved grey-green foliage. Growing best in areas of full sun, Mundi is an expansive groundcover that can also be grown in pots. Westringia 'WES06' Low Horizon (PBR) is another groundcover option, with a flatter growth habit than most. Encourage an even tighter, denser form with occasional pruning as desired.
The naturally round and compact form of both Westringia 'WES08' Aussie Box (PBR) and Westringia 'WES04' Grey Box (PBR) makes them, as their names suggest, a great choice for box plantings or low borders, particularly in cottage gardens and similar designs. Grey box also offers a wonderful colour contrast, with its grey foliage against other green plants.
Those seeking a more impressive feature should opt for Westringia 'WES01' Naringa (PBR), or Native Rosemary. The best variety for screening and hedge planting, it achieves a height of 2 metres and has a naturally tidier habit than most.
Well suited to rockery and shrubbery-style gardens, Westringia Double Wonder, so named for its mixture of single and double white to pale pink flower clusters, will bloom throughout the year. Alternately, those chasing a more vivid flower colour will enjoy the masses of purple-blue blooms produced by the hybrid Westringia 'WES03' Blue Gem (PBR). A spectacular ornamental plant on its own or an impressive splash of colour against retaining walls and other hard scapes.
Discover these and other Westringia varieties in our online plant library.