Westringia fruticosa ‘Grey Box’, commonly known as Coastal Rosemary, is a compact, highly structured evergreen shrub that brings clean lines and soft silvery tones into the landscape. It’s especially valued for its naturally boxy form and low maintenance habit.

The foliage is narrow, needle-like, and a soft gray green, giving the plant a muted, coastal look. The silvery tone helps reflect light and pairs well with other drought tolerant plants.

Unlike looser-growing westringias, ‘Grey Box’ maintains a tight, squared-off shape with minimal pruning, making it ideal for formal hedges, borders, or geometric designs.

Throughout the year, it produces small, pale lavender to white flowers that are subtle but add seasonal interest and attract pollinators.

Westringia ‘Grey Box’ grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well drained soil. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and performs well in both coastal and inland conditions.

It typically reaches about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, forming a compact, structured shrub. It is well suited for USDA zones 9 through 11. The foliage is evergreen.

This plant has low toxicity and is generally safe for gardens with pets and children.

The flowers attract pollinators such as bees.

It is generally deer resistant.

Westringia fruticosa ‘Grey Box’ fits especially well into Mediterranean, coastal, and modern garden designs, where its structure can be used to create clean lines and repetition.

It pairs well with plants like Buxus ‘Winter Gem’ to reinforce a structured, formal palette, Lavandula stoechas ‘Otto Quast’ to add seasonal color and contrast, and Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’ to create a low, clean ground layer beneath.

Expert Tip:

Place this where you want a crisp, defined shape, because it naturally maintains a compact form with minimal effort. Light trimming will enhance its structure and keep edges sharp.

— Nick from Rooted Theory