Westringia fruticosa 'Smokey' Ball
Westringia fruticosa ‘Smokey‘ is an attractive, compact shrub with dense, silvery-grey foliage. The narrow, linear leaves grow in whorls around the stems, giving the plant a tidy, rounded shape. Its pale grey-green colour gives it a soft, muted look that suits a range of garden settings. In spring it produces small white flowers with a hint of pale lilac, each flower featuring delicate spots on the petals.
Cultural
Westringia are tolerant of salt spray and respond well to regular pruning. They can tolerate part shade but flowering will be reduced.
Soil:
Tolerates any well-drained soil, suitable for poor soil.
Aspect:
Full sun to part shade.
Maintenance:
Prune lightly throughout the year to maintain size and shape. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to promote healthy growth. Will benefit from a yearly application of mulch to aid soil moisture retention.
Water Requirements:
Drought tolerant once established but will benefit from supplementary watering.
Seasonal Interest:
Intermittent flowering year-round.
Landscape Uses
Westringia balls make excellent focal points, with their compact, sculpted form standing out beautifully, especially in minimalist or contemporary landscapes. Grouping several together creates a striking visual effect, bringing structure and rhythm to garden spaces, particularly in Mediterranean, coastal, and native garden styles.
Dimensions
Ball height to 1.2m
Ball width to 1.2m
Can be kept smaller through pruning.
Ball width to 1.2m
Can be kept smaller through pruning.