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ShrubsConservatory Greenhouse

Westringia fruticosa
  • RHS AGM

Australian rosemary

A tender shrub to 1.5m, with linear leaves to 2.5cm long, green above, white-felted beneath. From late spring to early autumn it produces tubular white to very pale blue flowers with darker freckling in the throats; these are borne singly in the leaf axils

Other common names
Victorian rosemary
Synonyms
Westringia rosmariniformis

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Blue Green
Summer White Blue Green
Autumn White Blue Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Name status

Correct

Plant range
Australia (coastal NSW)

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and sharp sand, in full light. When in growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring, greenwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

See pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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