Coast Rosemary

When is rosemary not rosemary? That's an interesting question isn't it and one that really isn't all too difficult to answer when discussing Coast Rosemary, Westringia fruticosa. While Coast Rosemary looks a great deal like common Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), in terms of leaf structure and flower type and color, it tends to stand much more erect and is much more airy and open than common Rosemary. Its lavender-blue flowers tend to be more pastel in color than common Rosemary but they also have slightly shorter stamens. The cultivar "Morning Light" produces pale white flowers and has generally a more pale leaf color. Lastly Coast Rosemary is not nearly as fragrant as common Rosemary. These are just a few things that can help differentiate the two.

Coast Rosemary is quite adaptable to our harsh desert climate of both the low and high deserts. A hardy evergreen shrub native to New South Wales, Australia this plant will easily take temps into the low 20's. Depending on which cultivar you may happen to select the plant is capable of growing up to 6 feet tall and wide. However most cultivars are much smaller growing usually around 3-4 feet. Occasional pruning can keep the size of taller cultivars in check.

This shrub is drought tolerant and will subsist with infrequent water just fine but it will ultimately look its best with regular water. Coastal rosemary will take full sun or even partial shade and will tolerate a mix soil types. Keep in mind that no matter what type of soil it is it should be well drained.

One thing to consider with Westringia fruticosa is that the plant is generally not the most profuse bloomer in the landscape of the desert. Closer to the coast the plant will flower more regularly where as the farther inland they are found the bloom period is generally shorter. But don't let that stop you from wanting to use the plant. Its airy and open structure and excellent dark foliage color the plant is still plenty attractive and desirable.

One other important fact to keep in mind is that Coast Rosemary is just like most flowering shrubs in that bees are quite attracted to them. This is always a good fact to note believe it or not because it is a question that does come up regarding many flowering plants.

So in keeping with many of the plants I've written about here in the Riverside Gardening Examiner Coast Rosemary is an excellent plant to add to any xeriscape landscape. It provides wonderful textural interest due to its open and airy nature as well as being good for the environment since Coast rosemary is hardy, doesn't need much water and will get by with minimal care. It will be an excellent addition to your landscape.