If you are an enthusiastic gardener and a fan of hybrid species, you must be familiar with the beautiful Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’.
This exotic cultivar is a hybrid variety of Westringia fruticosa and W. eremicola.
With its densely whirled, soft, velvety, gray-green foliage, it can effortlessly become a center of attention. A yearly bloom of pale purple and lavender-blue flowers attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden.
Today, in this article, we are going to talk about everything you need to know before buying Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’.
So, let us find out what this plant has to offer!
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ | The Genus Westringia!
Let us first talk about the genus Westringia.
Westringia is a small plant genus from the mint family, Lamiaceae. It further gives birth to thirty-two accepted species, including W. fruticosa and W. eremicola.
This genus is native to Australia. Therefore, it can survive in a wide range of climates.
Most Westringia species are small to medium-sized shrubs with white and mauve flowers.
This genus is well-known in the gardening industry due to its wide range of uses, including ground covers, hedges (formal and informal wind covers), ornamental shrubs, and indoor plants.
With that said, let us talk about some unique features of the Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems.’
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ | Plant Features!
Here are some characteristic features of the plant.
- Scientific name: Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’.
- Common name: Coastal Rosemary or Native rosemary.
- The term “Rosemary” only describes the look of the plant and has nothing to do with its fragrance.
- It is a medium-sized shrub and can reach up to 1.5 meters high. The plant height and width mostly range from 6–8 ft. and 4–6 ft., respectively.
- The leaves in this plant show a striking gray-green combo, appearing white from below.
- This plant is a perennial; therefore, it gives a year-round presentation of gorgeous mauve flowers that attract bees and small birds.
- Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ can survive a wide range of soil pH levels.
- It is a drought-tolerant plant. However, to prevent the yellowing of leaves and bare wood, you’ll need to water it adequately.
- USDA hardiness zones: 8b,9,10.
- It is also excellent for coastal or exposed roof gardens because it can withstand salty soil and wind.
With all that aside, let us move toward the plant’s caring guide. But before that, let me address an important question among new gardeners.
Where to Buy Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’?
You can find young plants grown from cuttings in plant nurseries.
However, you can easily find these plants online if you don’t see any Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ in your local garden center or a plant sale outlet nearby.
How to care for Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’?
Now that you know a great deal about Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’, it is time to look at how to care for the plant.
1. Sunlight
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ prefer full to partial sun.
If you grow them outdoors, provide them with 6–8 hours of full sun.
On the other hand, if you grow them indoors, it will be best to provide them with 4–6 hours of partial to full sunlight.
However, please ensure not to scorch the plant as it prefers a slight shade. However, the foliage will become less dense if you plant it in a significantly shady place.
Keeping these guidelines in mind, east and south side windows will work best for an indoor plant pot.
2. Soil Type
If you are planting it in a pot, ensure that the potting mixture is well-draining.
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ prefer sandy, loamy soil.
A well-draining soil can prevent a lot of plant problems. One of the biggest problems in Westringias is wet feet which can be prevented by using well-draining soil.
Related article: Best Potting Mix for Indoor Plants – Grow Gardener Blog
3. Watering
As it is a drought-tolerant plant, Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ can survive short periods of underwatering.
However, if extended, underwatering can harm the plant.
It would be best to water the plant moderately throughout the year. Let the soil dry in between watering—water only when the soil is entirely dry.
You can poke your fingers into the soil to feel the moisture or use a moisture meter. If the soil feels moist, wait for it to dry before giving it another shot of hydration.
Water more when the plant is exposed to extreme heat.
4. Humidity
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ are pretty hardy plants. They can survive low to high humidity levels.
However, if you want a number, try to keep the moisture levels around 60%.
5. Temperature
It is also a winter hardy plant.
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ can survive frost down to -6°C. Its winter hardiness is mostly mentioned as 20–25°F.
Westringias grow best in warm Mediterranean climates with an average temperature of around 20°C.
If you grow this plant outdoors, the night temperature should ideally be above 20°F.
6. Fertilizer
Now, let us talk about fertilization.
You can fertilize this plant once a year during spring with slow-releasing organic fertilizer. Moreover, you can provide the plant with a mineral fertilizer every month in dilute form.
You can also add compost to your potting mix to increase its nutritional content.
7. Pruning
To maintain their size and shape, you can prune these plants after the blooming season.
Pruning the plant will keep it in a more compact body or hedge.
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ respond well to pruning. Regular pruning will yield neater, denser foliage.
Pruning the tips after flowering has ended encourages vigorous growth. Tip pruning is essential to prevent wind damage and collapsing of the plant if it becomes too heavy on top.
Cut out old growth from the center of the plant every few years to encourage new shoots in the middle.
That is all! Let us head toward the conclusion.
Conclusion
To conclude the talk, I must say that if you are an enthusiast, it is worth a try to find and grow this fantastic hybrid cultivar.
Now you know everything you need to know about Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gems’ plant.
I specifically love the blooms on this plant. Knowing that it is incredibly tolerant and easy to grow, what else can we ask for?
I hope you find this article helpful in your journey of adding this beauty to your garden.
Regards,
Mahad H.