Westringia longifolia
long-leaf westringia
New South Wales (Sydney sandstone region)
Overview
Westringia longifolia is an evergreen shrub in the Lamiaceae family, growing 5-8 feet (1.5-2.5 m) tall and 5-6.5 feet (1.5-2 m) wide with an upright, bushy form. The narrow leaves are 0.8-1.6 inches (2-4 cm) long, deep green above and pale beneath, arranged in whorls of three to four around the stems. Small white to pale lilac two-lipped tubular flowers about 0.4 inch (1 cm) long open over much of the year, with a flush in spring, and carry small orange-brown spots in the throat. It is native to sandstone country near Sydney in New South Wales and grows on poor, well-drained soils. It is fast-growing, hardy to about 23F (-5C), and tolerant of wind, coastal salt, and dry spells once established. It withstands regular clipping, which is why it is grown for hedging. Heavy, wet soils shorten its life. The dense foliage shelters small birds.
Native Range
Westringia longifolia is native to New South Wales, where it grows on sandstone soils in open forest and heath near Sydney. Its natural range is centred on the Sydney basin.Suggested Uses
Grown as a hedge, screen, and windbreak in coastal and low-water gardens, spaced 3-5 feet (1-1.5 m) apart for a continuous hedge. The dense foliage shelters small birds. It also suits large containers and clipped shapes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4'11" - 8'2"
Width/Spread4'11" - 6'7"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale lilacFoliage Description
Deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light part shade in well-drained sandy or loamy soil at a pH of 5.5-7.5. Water needs are low once established, and the plant withstands wind, coastal salt, and dry periods. It is hardy to about 23F (-5C). Heavy, poorly drained soils shorten its life and encourage root rot. It responds to clipping with denser growth.Pruning
Regular light clipping keeps the shrub dense and suits it to formal and informal hedging. It tolerates hard pruning and reshoots from older wood, so overgrown plants can be cut back. Pruning after the spring flush maintains shape through the year.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons