westringia fruticosa family

What is the Westringia fruticosa Family?

Westringia fruticosa is part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, a large group of aromatic, flowering shrubs. Native to the coastal cliffs and sandy soils of eastern Australia, this plant has adapted beautifully to New Zealand gardens—flourishing in everything from windswept shorelines to formal hedges.

Members of the westringia fruticosa family are evergreen, with narrow leaves resembling rosemary (hence the common name), but without the strong scent. Their delicate, star-shaped flowers appear in soft white, pale purple, or bluish tones throughout much of the year, attracting bees and beneficial insects.

Popular Varieties in the Westringia fruticosa Family

Gardeners love the westringia fruticosa family for its range of cultivars, each offering distinct growth habits and colours. Looking for a neat, compact option? Westringia Grey Box is ideal for low hedges and borders, with its fine grey-green foliage and tidy form. For a splash of soft lilac, Westringia Wynyabbie Highlight adds both colour and structure to mixed beds.

If you want something truly unique, Westringia Lilac and Lace offers variegated leaves and delightful mauve flowers—perfect for bringing all-season interest. For tricky coastal spots or banks, Westringia Mundi, a spreading ground cover, creates lush, mat-forming greenery.

Don’t forget Westringia Aussie Box, a modern choice for low-maintenance borders or topiary with crisp, dense form.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants

The westringia fruticosa family complements many classic and contemporary garden styles. Use them as reliable hedges, neat foundation plantings, or erosion-controlling ground covers. Thanks to their drought and wind tolerance, they thrive in exposed or tough garden spots.

Pair westringia with other coastal-friendly or ground cover plants to create a naturalistic, layered look. Try mixing with soft-textured choices like Sagina subulata, vibrant Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch', or flowering carpets such as Vinca minor Gertrude Jekyll and Phlox sublata White Delight. For a pop of blue, Pratia angulata 'Blue Star' is a charming native to sprinkle through your planting scheme.

Why Choose the Westringia fruticosa Family?

Selecting plants from the westringia fruticosa family means welcoming resilience, low maintenance, and year-round beauty into your garden. Whether you are shaping formal borders or creating wildlife-friendly landscapes, these versatile natives have a spot in every Kiwi garden.