Westringia
WESTRINGIA
Genus: Westringia
Family: Lamiaceae
Appearance: Shrubs
Flowers: Small flowers mainly white, mauve or lilac, in leaf axils or in terminal clusters.
Most flower for long periods.
Features: Some make good hedging plants.
Requirements: Generally very adaptable, though some need excellent drainage. Most prefer a sunny position. Some will withstand very exposed conditions, such as coastal areas.
Culture: Can be pruned to shape or increase foliage density, but generally not necessary. Propagate by cuttings.
Pest & Disease: Root rots can occur in over wet soils. Very occasional white fly or borer.
Species & Varieties:
Approximately 20 species, including:
W. brevifolia -To 1m tall, light blue to lavender flowers
W. fruiticosa (syn. W. rosmariniformis) (Coastal Rosemary) -A very hardy, fast growing, adaptable small shrub, with 'rosemary-like' foliage, and numerous, small, pale blue flowers over an extended period.
W. glabra -To 1.5m tall, mauve to blue flowers.
W. glabra X fruticosa (tm. 'Glabra Candalbra') -Dense dark glossy foliage, to 1.5m tall, violet flowers, very hardy.
W. 'Elizabeth Bough' -Compact shrub to 0.8m tall, soft green foliage, mauve-blue flowers.
W. longifolia -To 2m tall, white to light blue flowers
W. grandiflora -To 1.5m tall, large mauve or white flowers, particularly susceptible to root rots.
W. 'Wynabbie Gem' -To 1.4m tall, mauve flowers, a hybrid cultivar which flowers all year.
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