White Mundi™ Coastal Rosemary

White Mundi Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa 'WES09') is a low, spreading westringia bred by Ozbreed for cream and grey green variegated foliage and masses of white spring flowers. It grows about 400mm high and 1m wide, a groundcover that brightens a border from a distance and rewards a closer look. It was previously sold under the trade name Variegated Mundi.

Why you'll love it

• Variegated all year. Cream and grey green foliage gives vivid colour from a distance and fine detail up close, in or out of flower.
• White spring flowers. Abundant white flowers cover the plant in spring.
• Built for tough sites. It flourishes in coastal wind, moderate to heavy frost and spells of wet weather, and its drought tolerance is impressive once established.
• Low upkeep. Established plants need minimal pruning and watering. Westringia is not toxic to cats or dogs.
• Friendly to bees. The spring flowers feed bees and butterflies.

Where it works best

Borders and pathways. Plant 60cm apart, which is just under three plants per square metre. The plants merge into a continuous pale edge as they mature.

Rocks, walls and slopes. The spreading habit cascades over rocks and wall tops, softening hard edges.

Contrast planting. Ozbreed suggests setting it against green foliage such as Little Ruby Alternanthera or native grasses, where the cream variegation really shows.

Coastal gardens. Salt wind and sandy soil suit it, so it works close to the beach.

Growing White Mundi Coastal Rosemary in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It tolerates coastal winds and most soil types, and Ozbreed lists it for the ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland. In extremely cold climates, give it some shelter.

Soil. Most soils suit it. Drainage still matters, as it does for every westringia, so on heavy clay plant on a low mound with coarse compost worked in.

Water and feed. Water well for the first six weeks, with an occasional deep top up through the first summer. After that it is very drought tolerant. If you feed at all, use a low phosphorus native fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune yearly or every second year for a tidy shape, or leave it to grow naturally. Take only soft tips, and cut out any shoot that reverts to plain green so the variegation stays strong.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White Mundi Coastal Rosemary as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical choice for a long border and settle quickly in warm weather, while the 140mm pots give a faster fill. Plants travel upright and are ready to plant on arrival.

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
• Salt tolerant plants for coastal gardens
• See the full Ozbreed range

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Sixty centimetres apart gives a continuous low cover. Ozbreed's range is two to three plants per square metre, and 60cm sits just under three.

What if part of it turns plain green?

Cut that shoot back to where the variegated growth starts. Plain green shoots are more vigorous and can take over if left.

Is it safe around dogs and cats?

Westringia is not toxic to cats or dogs, which is one reason it is a common choice for front gardens where pets roam.