How to Grow White Wig Westringia
White Wig Westringia
Westringia rosmariniformis 'White Wig'
shrubWhite Wig Westringia is a compact, ornamental Australian shrub known for its fine, needle-like gray-green foliage and prolific small white flowers with purple-spotted throats. This cultivar is highly valued for its silvery, wispy appearance that resembles a powdered wig, hence its common name. It's drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and excellent for Mediterranean-style gardens, containers, and coastal landscapes.
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Example White Wig Westringia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant White Wig Westringia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest White Wig Westringia
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; best performance in zones 9b-10b
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Get my White Wig Westringia timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplant with limited branching and sparse foliage; root system developing in new location
Water regularly 2-3 times weekly; provide afternoon shade in hot climates for first month; avoid fertilizing for 6 weeks
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsPlant develops branching structure, fine needle-like foliage becomes fuller and bushier; silvery-gray appearance intensifies
Reduce watering frequency; prune lightly to encourage branching; minimal fertilizing needed (light application of low-nitrogen formula if desired)
Pre-flowering
4-6 weeksFoliage fully established, mature plant structure evident, flower buds beginning to form along stems
Light pruning after flowering stimulates more blooms; maintain consistent but reduced watering; no fertilizer needed
Flowering
8-12 weeks (spring through early summer, may repeat in fall)Abundant small white flowers with purple spots in throat appear along stems; plant becomes studded with blooms; characteristic 'wigged' appearance most dramatic
Maintain moisture during peak bloom; deadheading extends flowering season; avoid heavy pruning during bloom
Dormancy/Maintenance
3-4 monthsPlant enters semi-dormant phase in winter; growth slows significantly, flowering reduces, foliage remains attractive
Minimal watering (only if rainfall insufficient); no fertilizing; prune in late winter before new growth; remove any dead branches
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; increase humidity slightly; avoid over-fertilizing
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Remove by hand on small plants; use horticultural oil spray in winter dormancy; prune heavily infested branches
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap spray; remove heavily infested foliage
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Improve air circulation through pruning; apply sulfur or neem oil spray if severe; ensure foliage dries quickly
Uses
Landscape & Garden Design
OrnamentalWidely used as an accent plant, hedge, or specimen shrub in Mediterranean, coastal, and xeriscape gardens. Its fine silvery foliage and delicate flowers add texture and movement to borders while requiring minimal maintenance. [source]
Container & Patio Growing
HouseholdExcellent for large containers, pots, and planters on patios and decks. Compact growth habit makes it ideal for small spaces, and container cultivation allows frost protection in cooler zones. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeSmall white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during blooming season. Provides nectar source in drought-tolerant and water-wise gardens supporting local insect populations. [source]
Floral & Dried Arrangements
CraftCut stems with foliage and flowers are attractive in fresh arrangements and dry beautifully for long-lasting dried arrangements. The fine texture and silvery foliage provide excellent filler material for bouquets. [source]
Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization
HouseholdDeep fibrous root system makes it useful for stabilizing slopes, banks, and erosion-prone areas in dry climates. Dense growth habit helps bind soil while requiring minimal water input. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental shrub, not typically harvested for culinary or medicinal purposes. Foliage can be pruned for ornamental arrangements after flowering. Cut stems remain attractive fresh or dried for 2-3 weeks. Best pruning time is late winter or after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Remove up to 1/3 of growth without harming plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'White Wig' cultivar's distinctive common name references its resemblance to an 18th-century powdered wig, with its fine, silvery foliage creating a feathery, fluffy appearance that intensifies with maturity.
- 🌱 Westringia rosmariniformis is native to southeastern Australia and is well-adapted to Mediterranean and semi-arid climates, thriving in conditions where many ornamental plants struggle—making it a climate-change resilient choice.
- 🌱 The species name 'rosmariniformis' means 'rosemary-shaped,' referring to its needle-like foliage resemblance to rosemary, though it is actually in the Lamiaceae family and shares aromatic properties with its namesake.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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