Westringia fruticosa ‘Smokey’ (Coast Rosemary)

A versatile, strong and resilient evergreen shrub that is a top performer in the landscape, Westringia fruticosa ‘Smokey’ is a tried and true perennial commonly used by landscape professionals. If allowed to grow into its natural shape, it can reach 4-6 feet tall x 4-5 feet wide, creating a relaxed and airy shrub. However, if a more formal landscape is desired, ‘Smokey’ can be clipped to produce a formal hedge. The linear leaves are sage green with creamy white margins, and from a distance the shrub appears to have a silver appearance. Delicate white flowers appear in spring.

Westringia fruticosa ‘Smokey’ is quite tolerant of salt spray and windy seaside conditions, making it the perfect plant for our coastal gardens. Being the resilient perennial that it is, it also does very well inland. ‘Smokey’ performs best in full sun to light shade, and planted in well-drained soil. Although it is fairly drought tolerant, it will look its best if given regular irrigation. The Sunset Climate Zones are 8, 9, 14-24, and it is hardy to about 20°F.