Westringia fruticosa ‘Blue Gem’

coastal rosemary
Grey green shrub is dense with an upright form. Many amethyst flowers bloom in spring and linger throughout the year, popping brightly against the darker foliage. Prune or sheer to shape.
height 4–6ft
width 3–4ft
tolerates Coast, Cool Summers, Drought, Fog, Heat, Moist Soil, Pots, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Needs little water once established. Mixes well with California natives or succulents. Better appearance with occasional summer irrigation, especially in hot, inland areas.
hardy
to		 22F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Low Needs
origin Hybrid, Australia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 14–17, 19–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Let this plant grow into an airy shrub, prune once or twice a year to maintain the size and shape, or shear into a formal hedge.
Some reports say this plant can survive brief drops as low as 18F with some damage.
This plant will also grow in part sun, but stretches out quite a bit and loses density.

Special Interest

One of the best seaside plants as it tolerates salt spray (but not seawater on its roots).

More Info

We’ve seen this plant in habitat thriving on bluffs a few meters from the high tide mark in southeast Australia.
Per San Marcos Growers, Westringia fruticosa was introduced into cultivation in California by William Walker at his Golden Gate Nursery in San Francisco in 1858.