Not all Westringias are the same. If Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ isn’t quite right for your needs, there are a number of reliable alternatives to consider for taller hedges, vibrant flowers, ground cover, or flood tolerance.
Westringia hybrid ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ has a growth habit that responds reasonably well to hedge pruning. But what other options are out there? https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/plant-westringia-longifolia-wynyabbie-gem-outdoors-1919167148
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’: Overview
A hybrid evergreen shrub native to Australia, Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ is a cross of W. fruticosa and W. eremicola. It features dense, olive to silver-green foliage, lavender-violet flowers blooming almost year-round, and grows 1.8-2.5m tall and 1.2-1.8m wide. It thrives in free-draining soils but struggles in wet areas.
Key Growing Conditions:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils, pH 6.0-7.0.
- Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; dislikes excessive moisture.
- Climate: Handles coastal conditions, wind, and inland heat.
Care Notes:
Light pruning promotes bushy growth, but avoid heavy shearing to prevent lifespan reduction (https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1606). Watch for pest issues like sap-suckers (particularly when it’s unhappy), or root rot from overwatering.
Best Westringia Alternatives
1. Naringa™ Westringia hybrid ‘WES01’ PBR
Best for: Medium to tall hedges
Compact and upright (up to 2.2m unpruned), Naringa™ Westringia grows quickly with minimal pruning (1-3 times per year) and produces mauve flowers in spring, making it ideal for tidy, formal landscaping.
Why choose it? Faster-growing, more upright, and low-maintenance for medium to tall screens.
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2. Blue Gem™ Westringia hybrid ‘WES03’ PBR
Best for: Vibrant floral displays
Known for its stunning bluish-purple flowers, Blue Gem™ Westringia (1-1.5m) adds colour in spring and sporadically throughout the year. A great feature plant for native and flower gardens.
Why choose it? Offers unmatched colour impact compared to other Westringias.
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3. Ozbreed Aussie Box® Westringia hybrid ‘WES08’ PBR
Best for: Formal compact hedges
Perfect for replacing English box hedges, Aussie Box® Westringia forms dense, mauve-flowered, low-maintenance hedges. It grows 40-60cm tall when pruned, and up to 95cm unpruned.
Why choose it? Combines structured aesthetics with drought tolerance.
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4. Grey Box™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES04’ PBR
Best for: Compact hedging with wet/dry tolerance
With grey foliage and a compact form (30-45cm), Grey Box™ Westringia thrives in various conditions, including boggy soils. Its silver-grey leaves and white flowers (Sept-May) add pollinator resources and aesthetic beauty.
Why choose it? Stands out with its foliage contrast and root rot resistance.
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5. Mundi™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES05’ PBR
Best for: Spreading ground cover with wet/dry tolerance
Growing just 40-50cm tall and spreading 1.5m wide, Mundi™ Westringia creates lush ground cover with bluish-green foliage and white flowers most of the year. It tolerates poor drainage and drought exceptionally well.
Why choose it? Tough ground cover for wet or exposed locations.
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6. Low Horizon™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES06’ PBR
Best for: Ultra-compact ground cover
At only 30cm tall and 70cm wide, this dense, flat-forming cultivar is ideal for streamlined, low-maintenance ground coverage. It handles frost, drought, and humidity well but avoids wet conditions. Possibly the most attractive low-growing Westringia ever.
Why choose it? Elegant compactness with minimal care needs.
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Finding the Right Fit
- For hedging: Choose Naringa™, Blue Gem™, Aussie Box®, or Grey Box™ Westringia, based on desired height and look.
- For vivid flowers: Blue Gem™ Westringia adds vibrancy.
- For ground cover: Mundi™ Westringia for wet tolerance, Low Horizon™ Westringia for compact style.
- For periodic flooding: Mundi™ and Grey Box™ Westringia tolerate boggy conditions exceptionally well.
With options suited to diverse needs, replacing Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ has never been easier. Incorporate each option where they belong and use their functions to full effect!
