January 18 2025 0Comment
Westringia plants

Are Westringia Beneficial for NZ Wildlife? Pollinators and More

Are you wondering whether or not to buy a Westringia, but first you’d like to know if it’s good for wildlife like native NZ pollinators? Westringia, often called coastal rosemary, is gaining popularity among gardeners in New Zealand for its hardiness, beauty, and low-maintenance nature. A staple of Australian native gardens, its known for its dense, needle-like silvery-green foliage and delicate white, purple or almost blue flowers. But beyond its visual appeal, can Westringia make a meaningful contribution to New Zealands wildlife, particularly pollinators? Let’s explore its wildlife benefits and considerations based on informed, eco-friendly gardening principles.

Blue Gem™ Westringia

Understanding Westringia and Its Ecology

Westringia is a genus of plants native to Australia, thriving in sandy, rocky soils and coastal regions. Its ability to withstand dry conditions and salty winds makes it one of the most reliable shrubs available for gardens that don’t flood. With compact growth habits and year-round greenery, Westringia can be shaped into neat hedges or left natural for a more informal style.The flowers of Westringia, appearing in shades of white, lavender, or pale mauve, bloom prolifically throughout the year. While small, these tubular flowers are rich in nectar and are highly attractive to generalist pollinators, making Westringia a valuable addition to a garden that aims to support biodiversity.Belonging to the same family (Lamiaceae) as mint, lavender, salvia and about half of the culinary herbs known to mankind, they are very generous with their pollinator resources; instead of requiring specific pollinators for help, they’re open for just about anything that wants to have a feed – be it bird, bee or butterfly. Also typical of the family are the natural oils that repel most pests; even though they aren’t as fragrant as other mint family members, those oils are still present within the leaves.

Westringia

Low Horizon™ Westringia

Westringias Role in Supporting Pollinators

Pollinators, including birds, bees and butterflies, are frequent visitors to Westringia flowers. Their long blooming period ensures a steady nectar source for these insects throughout the year, which is particularly beneficial in urban environments where floral resources may be scarce.Bees, both those that are native and introduced European honeybees, rely on a diverse range of plants, and Westringia plays its part by offering easily accessible nectar. Butterflies are also drawn to its flowers, which provide nourishment in exchange for pollination services. This mutualistic relationship supports the wider ecosystem while ensuring the plant remains productive and healthy. Birds can also be seen feeding on the nectar as well as the insect pollinators hovering around.

Providing Shelter and Habitat

Westringia is more than a food source—it also provides excellent shelter. Its dense, bushy growth creates a safe haven for small birds, such as fantails and silvereyes, offering them protection from watchful eyes and a space to nest.For insects, Westringia offers microhabitats within its foliage and stems, ideal for native beetles, spiders, and other beneficial arthropods. Suburban gardens can sometimes lack the structural variety necessary to support these creatures, but incorporating Westringia helps fill this gap. By cultivating diversity, you create a self-regulating ecosystem that fosters natural pest control.

Aussie Box

Aussie Box Westringia

Dispelling the Native-Only Myth

While native New Zealand plants undoubtedly hold immense ecological value, the idea that exotic plants like Westringia have no role in supporting local wildlife is a myth worth debunking.  Exotic plants like Westringia can absolutely play a role in bridging ecological gaps rather than detracting from them.Many of New Zealands pollinators and other wildlife are not exclusive to native flora. Tui, for example, regularly feed on nectar from exotic species such as flowering gums and other Myrtaceae family members from Australia. Similarly, many native bees and butterflies will not discriminate as long as the plants offer the sustenance they seek.

Challenges to Keep in Mind

Although Westringia is remarkably low-maintenance, gardeners may be aware of so-called pests like scale insects, which may occasionally target the plant. Don’t be afraid of these simple sap-suckers, as they’re unlikely to cause serious damage to well-bred varieties and besides, they’re an important food source for predatory insects, birds and other native wildlife.

The biggest threat to Westringia is usually going to be periodic flooding, especially in heavier soils. Generally, they’d much rather deal with drought than flooding. However, there are two varieties that can handle serious flooding and even rampant Phytophthora outbreaks without breaking a sweat:

      Mundi™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES05PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/mundi-westringia/

      Grey Box™ Westringia ‘WES04PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/grey-box-westringia/

Grey Box Westringia

Grey Box™ Westringia

Other High Performing Varieties

Most westringias aren’t able to tolerate constant wet feet, but they don’t usually have to! If you’ve got a position that drains, you can opt for one of these varieties.

      Aussie Box™ Westringia hybrid ‘WES02PVR. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/aussie-box-westringia/

      Blue Gem™ Westringia hybrid ‘WES03. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/blue-gem-westringia/

      Low Horizon™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES06PVR. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/low-horizon-westringia/

      Naringa™ Westringia hybrid ‘WES01. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/naringa-westringia/

A Reliable Contributor to an Eco-Friendly Garden

Westringia is more than just an ornamental shrub; its a valuable piece of the puzzle in creating a thriving, wildlife-friendly garden. Its ability to attract pollinators, provide shelter, and survive in challenging conditions makes it a plant worth considering for New Zealand gardeners.

By blending Westringia with native species and other compatible plants, youll cultivate a balanced ecosystem that supports a wide range of species, from bees and butterflies to birds and beneficial insects. A sustainable garden doesnt rely solely on whats native or exotic—its about finding the right plants that enhance biodiversity and foster a harmonious relationship between the flora and fauna around you.

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