Westringia fruticosa 'Jervis Gem'Jervis Gem Coastal Rosemary

The Westringia fruticosa ‘Jervis Gem’, commonly known as Jervis Gem Coastal Rosemary, is a hardy, compact, evergreen shrub prized for its soft, grey-green foliage and delicate pale purple flowers that bloom year-round. This versatile Australian native grows up to 1 meter tall and wide, making it ideal for hedges, borders, rockeries, or as a low-maintenance feature plant in coastal and dry gardens. Its natural tolerance to wind, salt, and drought makes it perfect for challenging environments.

Specifications

• Height0.8–1 meter
• Width0.8–1 meter
• Native toAustralia
• FoliageNarrow, grey-green leaves; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and rocky types
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterLow; highly drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in temperate, subtropical, and coastal regions

Additional Features

• FlowersPale purple, small blooms; flowers throughout the year
• FormCompact, rounded habit with dense foliage
• UsesPerfect for hedges, borders, rockeries, groundcover, or container planting
• SpacingPlant 0.6–1 meter apart for hedging or mass planting
• Low MaintenanceRequires minimal care; light pruning to maintain shape
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free; highly resilient
• Drought TolerancePerforms exceptionally well in dry conditions
• Salt ToleranceExcellent choice for coastal gardens and exposed sites
• Wildlife AttractionFlowers attract bees and pollinators
• VersatilityComplements native, cottage, and contemporary garden styles

The Jervis Gem Coastal Rosemary is a tough yet elegant shrub, perfect for adding year-round color, texture, and structure to gardens, especially in challenging coastal or dry landscapes.

Project pedigree: This species has stood in Ornatec's drought, salt and frost tolerance palette since the 1990s. Read the tolerance catalogue record.