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How to Grow Old Gold Westringia

Old Gold Westringia

Westringia rosmariniformis 'Old Gold'

shrub

Old Gold Westringia is an ornamental evergreen shrub native to Australia, prized for its fine, rosemary-like foliage with distinctive golden-yellow variegation. It produces delicate pale purple or lavender flowers throughout much of the year, particularly in spring and autumn. This compact, low-maintenance plant is excellent for borders, hedging, and contemporary gardens.

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Example Old Gold Westringia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Old Gold Westringia

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Old Gold Westringia

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Old Gold Westringia dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but loses golden coloration
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Water: Low to moderate water needs once established. Water regularly during first growing season. Drought tolerant; reduce watering in winter. Overwatering causes root rot—allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: 18-24 months to mature ornamental form
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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball; do not bury stem collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly loam
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Coarse sand or perlite for drainage Aged compost (sparingly) Avoid heavy clay or organic-rich soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9-11; frost-tender in cooler climates

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

3-6 months

Young transplant with fine, narrow green and gold foliage; sparse branching

Water regularly to establish deep root system. Provide bright light. Protect from strong winds and frost. Light fertilizing optional.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Compact shrub developing dense branching architecture with characteristic feathery golden-variegated foliage

Prune lightly to encourage bushier form. Reduce watering as plant matures. Minimal fertilizing needed—too much nitrogen reduces hardiness.

3

Flowering

2-3 months per season; intermittent year-round

Small, pale purple to lavender tubular flowers appear along stems; peak bloom in spring and autumn

Maintain consistent (not wet) soil moisture. Avoid heavy pruning during flowering. Dead-head spent flowers for extended blooming.

4

Dormancy/Slow Growth

2-3 months

Growth slows in winter; foliage remains vibrant and evergreen; minimal or no flowering

Reduce watering significantly. No fertilizing. Protect from frost and severe weather if in marginal zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Rosemary Lavender Santolina Californian poppy Catmint Desert marigold Salvia Germander

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring rich, moist soil Shade plants Water-loving species like hydrangeas Nitrogen-fixing legumes in close proximity

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or sulfur spray in severe infestations. Improve air circulation.

  • Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.

  • Prune affected branches; spray with horticultural oil or neem oil during dormancy.

  • Prevent with excellent drainage. Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve soil aeration and reduce watering.

Uses

🌿

Garden borders and hedging

Ornamental

Old Gold Westringia's fine texture, compact growth, and golden variegation make it ideal for creating contemporary borders, low hedges, and container plantings. Its year-round color provides structure in Mediterranean and drought-tolerant garden designs. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting garden biodiversity. [source]

🏠

Cut foliage and floral arranging

Household

Fine, aromatic foliage can be cut for fresh or dried floral arrangements and adds textural interest to bouquets. [source]

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Dried herbal crafts

Craft

Stems and flowers can be dried for wreaths, potpourri, and decorative crafts, retaining color and mild fragrance. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for food. Prune lightly and frequently for shape maintenance and to encourage dense branching. Remove dead or diseased stems year-round. Avoid heavy pruning; cut back no more than one-third of plant length at a time.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Westringia rosmariniformis is named for its striking resemblance to rosemary despite being unrelated; 'rosmariniformis' means 'rosemary-shaped.'
  • 🌱 Old Gold Westringia is native to eastern Australia and was selectively bred for its distinctive golden variegation, making it a modern cultivar prized in Australian native plant gardening.
  • 🌱 The plant is exceptionally drought and salt tolerant once established, making it popular in coastal gardens and water-wise landscapes across Mediterranean and temperate zones.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Partial Shade Transplant
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