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How to Grow Smokey Westringia

Smokey Westringia

Westringia rosmariniformis 'Smokey'

shrub

Smokey Westringia is a compact, evergreen shrub with needle-like gray-green foliage that resembles rosemary, native to Australia. It produces delicate pale purple or lavender flowers along its stems, adding subtle color to the garden. This cultivar is prized for its ornamental foliage, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in coastal and Mediterranean-style gardens.

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

  1. Plant Smokey 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 Smokey Westringia

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but becomes leggy
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Water: Low water needs once established; drought tolerant. Water moderately during growing season, reduce in winter. Avoid overwatering as it promotes root rot.
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable; ornamental shrub reaches mature size in 2-3 years
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; transplants establish better than seeds

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Coarse sand or gravel for drainage Perlite Avoid heavy mulch or compost-rich soils

Growing Zones

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Zones 9-11, with protection in zone 8b; frost-sensitive below 20°F (-7°C)

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young transplant with initial root development and compact growth habit

Water regularly for first 4-6 weeks to establish roots. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Avoid fertilizer initially.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Shrub develops dense, bushy foliage with fine needle-like leaves; gray-green color becomes prominent

Prune lightly in spring to encourage branching and compact form. Reduce watering as plant matures. No fertilizer needed.

3

Flowering

March-November (depending on climate)

Delicate pale purple, lavender, or sometimes white tubular flowers emerge along stems

Flowers appear throughout warm months, peak in spring and early summer. Light deadheading encourages continuous blooming but is optional.

4

Mature Shrub

Ongoing (3+ years)

Fully established plant with full canopy, 2-4 feet tall and wide, producing consistent flowers

Maintain minimal watering. Prune after flowering to shape and maintain size. Very low maintenance.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Santolina Mediterranean heather Catmint Salvia Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants (hostas, ferns) Plants requiring frequent watering Heavy feeders that need rich soil

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity with occasional misting; spray with water; use horticultural oil if severe

  • Prune affected branches; spray with neem oil or horticultural soap in early growth

  • Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators

  • Prevent through excellent drainage; do not overwater; remove affected plants if severely infected

Uses

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Landscape and garden design

Ornamental

Smokey Westringia serves as an attractive specimen shrub, accent plant, or component of Mediterranean, xeriscape, and coastal gardens. Its fine texture and subtle flower color add sophistication to mixed borders. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable plant for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitats. [source]

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Container gardening

Household

Smokey Westringia is excellent for pots, large containers, and raised beds due to its compact size, low water needs, and attractive year-round foliage. Works well for patios and balconies. [source]

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Drought-tolerant landscaping

Household

As an extremely drought-tolerant shrub once established, it reduces water consumption in residential landscapes, making it ideal for water-wise and sustainable gardening practices. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not a harvest plant. For floral arrangements, cut stems in early morning when flowers are fresh; cut back after main flowering period (late spring/early summer) to encourage bushier growth and fall blooms.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Westringia is native to eastern Australia and is sometimes called 'Australian rosemary' because its foliage resembles true rosemary, though the two plants are unrelated.
  • 🌱 The 'Smokey' cultivar gets its name from the subtle smoky-gray tone of its fine foliage, which becomes more pronounced in full sun.
  • 🌱 This shrub is highly valued in California and Mediterranean climates for its minimal water requirements once established, often needing no supplemental watering except during extended droughts.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Transplant
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