Goldie Box™ Coastal Rosemary

Goldie Box Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) is a compact native shrub with golden variegation against grey and green leaves, topped with white flowers for months. It grows about 45cm high and wide, though it can grow taller in rich soils. A sport of Grey Box Westringia, it is an Ozbreed line for low hedges, balls and tough coastal sites, and it is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Golden variegation. Gold, grey and green foliage keeps the plant colourful when nothing is flowering.
• White flowers for months. Blooms appear in spring, with occasional flowers in autumn, brightening the gold.
• Compact size. At about 45cm it suits low hedges, edging and tight spaces.
• Very tough. Ozbreed lists drought, frost, heat, humidity, coastal winds and even flooding.
• Pet friendly. Westringia is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Where it works best

Low hedges and borders. Plant 45cm apart in a single row, just over two plants per metre, for a bright, low golden hedge.

Balls and shaped plants. It clips well into balls and rounded forms that stand out against dark foliage.

Coastal gardens and slopes. For erosion control and rain gardens, plant three to six per square metre. A 45cm spacing gives about five.

Modern gardens and green roofs. Ozbreed also lists modern gardens and green roofs, where the compact gold foliage holds its colour.

Growing Goldie Box Coastal Rosemary in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light shade. Ozbreed lists Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, and notes tolerance of heat, humidity, heavy frost and coastal winds.

Soil. Free draining soil or heavy clay, it copes with both. Ozbreed also lists poor drainage and flooding as tolerated.

Water and feed. It needs minimal watering once established. Water weekly through the first summer. If you feed at all, use a low phosphorus native fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune annually for a neat hedge or ball, or every three to five years for a natural look. Avoid pruning when the plant is drought stressed, and never remove more than one third at a time.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Goldie Box Coastal Rosemary in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Ten plants at 45cm spacing make a low hedge about 4.5m long. They arrive upright and settle in within a few weeks, with new growth in warm weather.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full westringia range
• Our westringia care guide
• See the full Ozbreed range
• More coastal and salt tolerant plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 45cm apart, which is just over two plants per metre.

How much can I prune?

Never more than one third at a time, and not during drought stress.

Can it grow in clay or near the coast?

Yes. Ozbreed lists heavy clay, poor drainage, coastal winds and flooding as tolerated.

When does it flower?

In spring, with occasional flowers in autumn. The white blooms last for months against the golden foliage.