Introduction
Types of westringia refer to the different varieties and cultivars of this hardy Australian native shrub, commonly used for hedging, landscaping, and low-maintenance gardens. Known for its fine foliage and soft-toned flowers, westringia offers multiple forms ranging from compact ground covers to tall screening hedges, making it adaptable for diverse garden designs.
Quick Summary
- Westringia includes multiple hedge, ground cover, and ornamental varieties suited to different garden needs
- Most types are derived from westringia fruticosa, a native Australian coastal shrub
- Popular varieties differ in height, growth habit, and flower color (white, blue, purple)
- Widely used for hedges due to drought tolerance, low maintenance, and adaptability
What Is Westringia and Why It Has Multiple Types
Westringia is a genus of evergreen shrubs commonly known as coastal rosemary, valued for its resilience and versatility. The westringia plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is widely used in landscaping across warm climates. Botanically, westringia belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), with detailed classification available on Westringia.
Multiple westringias exist because of selective breeding, natural variation, and horticultural development. Gardeners and landscapers require different plant sizes and forms, leading to the creation of compact, upright, and spreading cultivars.
Westringia is native to Australia, particularly coastal regions, where it thrives in sandy soils, wind exposure, and dry conditions. This adaptability has contributed to the development of many westringia types suited for various landscaping purposes.
Main Types of Westringia (Core Varieties Explained)
Westringia fruticosa (Foundation Species)
Westringia fruticosa, commonly called coastal rosemary, is the base species from which most cultivars are derived. It typically grows as a medium-sized shrub with grey-green foliage and small white flowers.
This species is highly adaptable and serves as the genetic foundation for many popular westringia varieties used in hedging and landscaping.
Westringia Naringa
Westringia naringa is an upright, fast-growing hedge variety. It forms a dense, narrow structure, making it ideal for screening and boundary planting.
Its vertical growth habit makes it one of the best choices for tall hedges where space is limited.
Westringia Blue Gem
Westringia blue gem is a compact shrub known for its blue-purple flowers. It has a rounded growth habit and is commonly used for decorative hedges and borders.
This variety adds color variation compared to traditional white-flowering coastal rosemary.
Westringia Zena
Westringia zena is a dense, rounded shrub with soft foliage and a compact form. It is suitable for low hedges, borders, and small garden spaces.
Its controlled growth makes it easy to maintain with minimal pruning.
Westringia Mundi
Westringia mundi is a low-growing, spreading variety used as ground cover. It forms a dense mat of foliage and is ideal for covering large areas or stabilizing soil.
Mundi westringia is particularly useful in low-maintenance landscapes.
Westringia Grey Box (Aussie Box)
Westringia grey box, also known as westringia fruticosa aussie box, is a formal hedge variety with tight, compact growth.
It is commonly used in structured gardens where a clean, clipped appearance is required.
Westringia Glabra Varieties
Westringia glabra varieties are more upright and often feature stronger flowering characteristics.Popular forms include deep purple and cadabra types, which are valued for their vibrant blooms and slightly different foliage texture compared to fruticosa-based varieties.
If you are planning a privacy screen, westringia can also be combined with other fast-growing Australian native screening plants for layered garden design.
Comparison of Westringia Varieties (Height, Shape, Use)
| Variety | Typical Height & Width | Growth Habit | Best Use |
| Westringia fruticosa | 1.5–2.5 m tall | Rounded, medium shrub | General hedge, screening |
| Naringa | 1.5–2 m tall | Upright, narrow | Tall hedge, privacy screen |
| Blue Gem | 1–1.5 m tall | Compact, rounded | Decorative hedge, border |
| Zena | 0.5–1 m tall | Dense, compact | Low hedge, small gardens |
| Mundi | 0.3–0.5 m tall | Spreading | Ground cover |
| Grey Box | 1–1.5 m tall | Tight, compact | Formal hedge |
| Glabra varieties | 1–2 m tall | Upright | Flowering hedge |
These differences highlight how westringia varieties can be selected based on height, structure, and landscaping purpose.
Best Westringia Types for Hedges
Westringia is widely used for hedging due to its dense growth, drought tolerance, and ability to respond well to pruning.
- Best tall hedge: Naringa
- Best compact hedge: Grey Box
- Best decorative hedge: Blue Gem
Westringia fruticosa hedge forms are commonly used for coastal rosemary hedges because they tolerate wind, salt, and dry conditions while maintaining structure. For comparison with another popular Australian hedge plant, explore different lilly pilly varieties and their hedge uses to understand how they differ in structure and growth.
Westringia Types for Ground Cover and Small Spaces
Low-growing westringia types are ideal for compact gardens, borders, and containers.
- Mundi (ground cover)
- Low coastal rosemary forms
- Compact hybrids
These varieties are suitable for westringia ground cover applications and can also perform well in pots when proper drainage is provided. For additional low-growing options, consider pairing westringia with other Australian ground cover plants to create a dense and visually balanced landscape.
Flower and Foliage Differences Across Types
Westringia types vary in both flower color and foliage texture.
- White flowers: Classic coastal rosemary appearance
- Blue/purple flowers: Seen in Blue Gem and glabra types
- Dense foliage vs soft foliage depending on variety
Westringia flowers are typically small but frequent, adding subtle seasonal interest to gardens.
Growth Rate and Size Differences Between Types
Typical Growth Rates
Westringia varieties range from slow to fast-growing depending on the type.
- Fast-growing: Naringa
- Moderate: fruticosa and Blue Gem
- Slow: compact and ground cover types
Growth is influenced by sunlight, soil drainage, and climate conditions.
Size Range by Type
Westringia size varies significantly:
- Ground cover: 0.3–0.5 m
- Medium shrubs: 1–2 m
- Hedge varieties: up to 2.5 m
Westringia fruticosa size is typically larger compared to compact cultivars.
Care Differences Based on Westringia Type
Watering and Soil Needs
Westringia prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering during establishment. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade is ideal for most westringia types. Flowering is more abundant in full sun.
Pruning Based on Growth Habit
- Hedge types require regular shaping
- Ground covers need minimal pruning
- All prefer well-drained soil
Regular pruning helps maintain density and structure, especially in hedge forms.
Are All Westringia Types Native to Australia?
Yes, westringia is native to Australia. Most cultivated types are derived from native species such as westringia fruticosa and westringia glabra.
While many cultivars exist, their origin traces back to Australian coastal and inland environments.
Fire Resistance and Environmental Tolerance
Westringia is well known for its environmental resilience.
- Suitable for coastal and dry climates
- Moderate fire resistance depending on spacing
Westringia performs well in harsh conditions, including wind exposure and poor soils, making it a reliable landscaping plant.
Common Problems and Mistakes When Growing Westringia
Overwatering and Root Issues
- Cause: Poor drainage or excessive watering
- Fix: Improve soil drainage and reduce watering
- Prevention: Use well-drained soil
Poor Pruning Practices
- Cause: Irregular or harsh pruning
- Fix: Prune lightly and regularly
- Prevention: Maintain consistent trimming schedule
Slow Growth or Leggy Shape
- Cause: Insufficient sunlight or lack of pruning
- Fix: Increase sun exposure and prune
- Prevention: Plant in full sun and shape early
Propagation and Transplanting Basics
How to Propagate Westringia
Westringia is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. Cuttings root well when placed in moist, well-drained growing medium under warm conditions.
Can You Transplant Westringia Successfully
Yes, westringia can be transplanted successfully if done carefully. Transplanting is most effective when the plant is young and during mild weather conditions.
Are Westringia Plants Edible or Safe?
Westringia is not commonly used as an edible plant. While it is not considered highly toxic, it is primarily grown for ornamental purposes rather than consumption.
It should not be confused with true rosemary, despite the similar appearance.
How to Choose the Right Type of Westringia
Selecting the right westringia type depends on garden goals and space.
- For hedges → upright varieties
- For small gardens → compact types
- For ground cover → spreading forms
Matching plant type to purpose ensures better growth and maintenance outcomes.
Conclusion
Types of westringia vary widely in size, shape, and purpose, making them one of the most versatile Australian native plants for landscaping. From formal hedges to low-growing ground covers, choosing the right westringia type depends on your space, design goals, and maintenance preferences. Understanding these differences helps ensure better plant performance and long-term garden success.
FAQs
What are the most popular types of westringia?
Popular types include Naringa, Blue Gem, Mundi, Grey Box, and Zena due to their varied growth habits and landscaping uses.
Which westringia is best for hedging?
Westringia Naringa and Grey Box are commonly used for dense, structured hedges.
How many types of westringia are there?
There are multiple cultivars derived mainly from westringia fruticosa and westringia glabra, each designed for different uses.
Can westringia grow in pots?
Yes, compact varieties like Blue Gem and Mundi perform well in containers with proper drainage.
Do all westringia types flower?
Yes, most produce small white, blue, or purple flowers depending on the variety.
Is westringia low maintenance?
Westringia is considered low maintenance due to its drought tolerance and minimal care requirements.
