Westringia ‘Grey Box’ is a resilient Australian native shrub, valued for its distinctive grey-green foliage and naturally compact form. It is a favored choice for various landscape applications due to its ability to thrive in diverse conditions. This plant offers a low-maintenance yet attractive option for gardeners.
Understanding Westringia Grey Box
Westringia fruticosa ‘Grey Box’ is a small evergreen shrub that typically reaches 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and spread when unpruned. It features linear, grey-green leaves arranged in pairs along its grey-white stems. Small, tubular white flowers, approximately 1 inch wide, appear in clusters near the branch tips, blooming from late winter to summer and sporadically throughout the year. This cultivar was developed for its compact, ball-shaped growth habit and grey foliage.
Key Benefits and Uses
Westringia ‘Grey Box’ offers significant drought tolerance once established, making it a water-wise choice for many garden designs. Its low maintenance requirements, including minimal pruning and fertilization, make it practical for busy gardeners. The plant’s naturally dense and rounded habit suits formal or informal hedging, borders, and mass plantings. It is also suitable for container gardening and withstands challenging conditions like coastal wind, sea spray, frost, and humidity. As an Australian native, it can attract local wildlife.
Planting and Care Essentials
Location and Light
Westringia ‘Grey Box’ thrives in full sun, which promotes denser growth and vibrant foliage color. While it prefers full sun, it tolerates light shade, though its compactness and leaf color may be less intense in such conditions.
Soil Requirements
This plant adapts to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and heavy clay, provided they are well-draining. Good drainage is important, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root issues. The plant also tolerates both alkaline and neutral soil pH levels.
Watering Guidelines
During its establishment period, typically the first 8 to 13 weeks after planting, consistent watering helps the plant develop a strong root system. Once established, Westringia ‘Grey Box’ is drought tolerant and requires infrequent, deep watering. While it endures summer dry conditions, occasional supplemental water during prolonged dry spells can help maintain its vibrant color and dense form.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning helps maintain the desired shape and promotes bushiness in Westringia ‘Grey Box’. For formal hedges, prune one to three times a year after flowering, from late spring to late summer. If left unpruned, the plant naturally forms a compact, ball-shaped habit. For a more natural look, light shaping every few years is sufficient, removing no more than a third of the plant’s growth at one time. Regular, light pruning also encourages more prolific flowering.
Fertilization Needs
Westringia ‘Grey Box’ has minimal fertilization requirements. If needed, apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated for native plants in spring as new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilization, especially placing fertilizer directly in the planting hole, as this can harm the roots. Applying fertilizer to the soil surface allows it to gradually wash down to the roots.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While generally robust, Westringia ‘Grey Box’ can encounter a few issues. Overwatering, especially in poorly drained soils, can lead to root rot. Ensuring well-draining soil and adhering to proper watering guidelines prevents this. Although not generally prone to significant pest problems, maintaining good air circulation around the plant can help deter potential issues. If leaf wilting occurs despite adequate soil moisture or if leaves turn brown, it may indicate root rot, requiring assessment of drainage and adjustment of watering practices.