Family: Lamiaceae

There are about 26 species of evergreen shrubs in this Australian genus. Many grow naturally in coastal regions. In their native country, they are widely planted for their flowers and foliage, but in frost-prone climates, they need to be grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. The dark green or silvery green foliage is gener­ally fairly dense, and the pretty, tubular flowers appear for a long period, but are particularly profuse in summer or autumn. Colours range from white and pale mauve to purple, some having red or yellow spots near the throat.

Species

W. eremicola is an upright shrub, growing to 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with white to mauve-pink, summer or autumn flowers. It is a good choice for the home garden, although not showy in flower.

W. fruticosa, Australian rosemary, is a spreading shrub, growing to 2 m (6 ft) high, with fresh, rosemary-like foliage and pro­ducing white flowers with purple spots in the throat, from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn. In the right climate, it can be grown to provide an attractive, informal hedge. It responds well to regular, light pruning.

W. glabra is a small shrub, growing to 1.5 m (5 ft), with small, glossy leaves and clusters of lilac to purple flowers.

W. longifolia is an open shrub, growing to 2 m (6 ft) high, with light green, linear leaves and flowers which are gen­erally white. Blue-flowered forms, however, are seen occasionally.

W. rigida is a small, stiff shrub, to 50 cm (20 ft), with large, almost white to pale lavender flowers, with spotted throats. Frost-tolerant, this species is not as decorative as some others.

Cultivation

In areas which are prone to frost, grow under glass in pots of sandy, soil-based potting compost. Add some leaf mould if it is available. Ensure maximum light and provide an airy atmosphere. Keep only slightly moist in winter. Outdoors westringias prefer an open, sunny position but will adapt to most well-drained soils. Lightly prune in early spring to maintain a neat shape. Propagate from seed in spring, germinated at 18°C (64°F), or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooted in a heated propagating case.

Climate

Zone 10.