Westringia is a plant in the family lamiaceae, native to australia. it was first described by james edward smith in 1797. the genus name honours martin westring (1753-1821), a swedish botanist. the species are commonly known as coast rosemary or native rosemary. they are shrubs growing to 1-3 m tall, with opposite, simple leaves 10-50 mm long and 2-20 mm wide. the flowers are produced in terminal clusters, each flower 5-6 mm long and blue, purple, pink or white.
Related plant:
Westringia Fruticosa
About soil condition, westringia prefers well-drained soil, and can tolerate some drought once established. It can be sensitive to frost when young. It is a fast-growing plant, and responds well to regular pruning.
Just like other plants, westringias need sunlight to grow. They prefer bright, direct sunlight, but can also tolerate partial sun. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant your westringia in a spot where it will get some afternoon shade.
The temperature condition that is most conducive to growth for the species Westringia is warm temperature. The plant does not tolerate frost very well. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and die.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the leaves will start to drop. If the humidity is too high (above 60%), the leaves will start to yellow and drop.
Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a balanced fertilizer that is applied monthly. A root-stimulating fertilizer can also be used every couple of months to encourage new growth. When it comes to watering, westringia are quite drought-tolerant once established. However, during the hot summer months, they will appreciate being watered on a weekly basis. If you notice the leaves starting to wilt, this is a sign that the plant is thirsty and needs a drink.
Pruning is a critical part of caring for a Westringia plant. By pruning, you can encourage the plant to grow in a certain direction, control its size, and shape its overall appearance. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a set of leaves.
Propagation is best done by taking softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be around 5-8 inches long. Place the cuttings in a well-drained soil mix and water regularly. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on cuttings, with reports of anywhere from 2 to 6 inches per week. However, some growers have seen this plant grow as much as a foot per week under optimal conditions. Fertilization can significantly impact growth rate, with studies showing that plants receiving high nitrogen levels can grow up to twice as fast as those without this nutrient. Additionally, ample sunlight and water are critical for optimal growth; plants that are deprived of either of these resources will likely experience stunted growth.
Common problems for this kind of plant are fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot. These can be controlled with fungicides, but it is best to avoid them in the first place by choosing a well-drained site and not overwatering the plants.
Source:
Westringia senifolia : School of BioSciences
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