Westringia Brevifolia

• Native to coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland, naturally growing on clifftops and sandy headlands. This heritage makes it exceptionally salt and wind tolerant.
• Features small, narrow leaves that are aromatic when crushed, releasing a pleasant rosemary-like fragrance. The foliage has a distinctive silvery-green colour year-round.
• Produces masses of small white flowers with purple markings throughout the year, with peak flowering in spring and autumn. These blooms attract native bees and butterflies.
• Grows as a dense, rounded shrub with a naturally compact habit, rarely requiring staking or support structures.

• Water weekly during establishment, then reduce to monthly deep watering in summer and minimal water in winter. Check soil moisture before watering as overwatering kills this plant.
• Position in full sun for best flowering, though tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates. Avoid deep shade which causes leggy growth.
• Plant in sandy, well-draining soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Add coarse sand or gravel to heavy clay soils before planting.
• Feed with native plant fertiliser twice yearly in spring and autumn, avoiding high-phosphorus fertilisers. Compost mulch provides gentle nutrition.
• Prune lightly after main flowering flush to maintain compact shape. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
• Thrives in coastal humidity but adapts to dry inland conditions once established.

• Provide full sun to light shade for best flowering and compact growth habit. Morning sun with afternoon protection works well in extremely hot climates.
• Water deeply but infrequently once established, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Young plants need regular water for the first growing season.
• Plant in well-draining soil with good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal for this coastal native.
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Avoid hard pruning as this plant recovers slowly from severe cutting.

• Scale insects can appear on stems and leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray applied fortnightly until controlled.
• Root rot develops in poorly draining soils or with overwatering, causing wilting and leaf drop. Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency immediately.
• Spider mites may attack during hot, dry periods, creating fine webbing and stippled leaves. Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap weekly.
• Aphids cluster on new growth tips, causing distorted leaves and sticky honeydew. Blast off with water or apply pyrethrum spray in early morning.