Rosemary (Westringia)

Shrubs like those in the genus Westringia make great plants, ideal as low hedges or even as "filler plants" (that is, to put in those holes that sometimes remain empty, whether in a garden, patio, terrace or balcony). They do not grow much, and they also resist drought well, not to mention that they can be pruned whenever necessary.

With a little care you will be able to have a spectacular garden thanks to them ... and our advice.

Origin and characteristics

The Westringia, known as Romerinos, they are evergreen shrubs endemic to Australia. The leaves are very reminiscent of those on the romero (sage rosmarinus): they are lanceolate, 1-2cm long and dark green in color. The flowers are white, with some yellow or red spots on the throat, and are about 2cm. The fruit is dry and does not open when ripe.

Its growth rate is fast, so if we are in a hurry to finish our garden, what better way to get hold of a few specimens. In addition, they can also be kept in a pot.

How much does Westringia grow?

Westringia plants are small in size in general. They do not usually exceed 2 meters in height, although there is some species, such as W. longifolia that we will now see, that can reach 3 meters. Even so, as they recover well from pruning, it is possible to have them as small shrubs, in pots, planters and of course in any type of garden.

When does Westringia bloom?

Spring and summer is their blooming season. Westringia needs heat to grow and produce its flowers, so it will only do so during those seasons of the year.

Main species

In Europe, the truth is that it is a genus that is not widely known and, therefore, it is not cultivated as much as in its places of origin. This means that although Australian experts developed a list with the discovered species (around 40) that you can consult by clicking on the link, the ones that we can most easily find we are:

Ostringia fruticosa

It is undoubtedly the most popular. It is known as coastal rosemary, as it grows on the east coast of the Australian continent. This is very interesting, because it means that tolerates the soil and the sea wind. But in addition, it adapts to almost any type of terrain, as long as the water drains well.

Ostringia longifolia

It is known as Australian rosemary or Australian rosemary, and it is a plant that, unlike other species, has elongated leaves. It also grows on the coast, specifically in New South Wales, and reaches a height of 3 meters. But don't worry about its size: tolerates pruning well; in fact, it is often given a rounded and compact shape to further embellish gardens.

What are the cares?

The care of the Westringia are the following:

Location

These plants require direct sun, if possible during the morning and afternoon. Think that they are usually found on the coast, where the sun's rays affect them directly, which is why it is not possible to have them in shade.

Earth

• Flower pot: universal growing medium (for sale here) mixed with 30% perlite.
• Garden: it is indifferent, but it must have good drainage.

Irrigation

Irrigation will be moderate and scarce. Westringia resist drought quite well, so we will only have to worry about watering if we have them in pots, in which case we will water 2-3 times a week in summer and somewhat less the rest of the year.

If they are planted in the garden, we will water them occasionally, as long as they have already been in the ground for at least a year.

Subscriber

From spring to summer with organic fertilizers, such as guano. It is advisable to fertilize the Westringia so that they can flower more easily.

Pruning

Pruning will be done after flowering, towards the fall. Dry, diseased or weak branches must be removed whenever necessary. If you want to give it a rounded shape, feel free to trim branches that are too long using clean pruning shears.

Planting or transplanting time

In spring, once there are no more frosts. If you have them in pots, take a look every 2-3 years at the drainage holes, because if you see that the roots come out through them, you will have to transplant them; And even if they don't come out, if it can be seen with the naked eye that the plants have occupied the entire container, or that they have stopped growing, it will also be time to change them.

Propagation

The easiest and fastest way to get new copies is multiplying them by cuttings in autumn. It can also be by seeds in spring.

Plagues and diseases

They are very strong. Only if they are overwatered could they have problems with fungi.

Rusticity

They resist frosts of up to -5ºC.

What did you think of Westringia?