How to Grow Westringia 'Smooke's Pink'
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Westringia 'Smooke's Pink'
Westringia fruticosa 'Smooke's Pink'
shrubWestringia 'Smooke's Pink' is a compact, evergreen Australian shrub prized for its delicate pink flowers and fine, needle-like foliage that resembles rosemary. This cultivar is more ornamental than the species, with a neat mounding habit and extended blooming period from spring through summer. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for modern gardens and containers.
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Example Westringia 'Smooke's Pink' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Westringia 'Smooke's Pink'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Westringia 'Smooke's Pink'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11, best in Mediterranean and warm temperate climates
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Get my Westringia 'Smooke's Pink' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung transplant with sparse foliage establishing root system in new location
Water regularly for first 4-6 weeks to establish deep roots. Protect from extreme heat and wind. Avoid fertilizing heavily during this phase.
Vegetative Growth
Several months through growing seasonPlant develops dense, compact foliage with fine needle-like leaves; stems become woody
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage branching. Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance develops. Minimal fertilizer needed.
Flowering
4-6 months (spring to early summer, sometimes extending into fall)Delicate pale to medium pink flowers appear abundantly along branch tips; blooms resemble small foxgloves
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Provide consistent (not wet) soil moisture during flowering. Can bloom spring through summer with extended photoperiod.
Post-Flowering Rest
Late summer through winterFlowering decreases; plant focuses energy on foliage and wood maturation; remains evergreen
Reduce watering and withhold fertilizer. Perform any major pruning now if needed. Plant is fully drought-tolerant during this phase.
Mature Shrub
Year 2 onward, indefiniteFully established plant with dense mounding habit, 2-3 feet tall and wide; minimal maintenance required
Prune as needed for shape maintenance. No fertilizing required; drought-tolerant and pest-resistant. Light deadheading extends occasional blooms.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe. Ensure adequate air circulation. Rarely problematic in humid regions.
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Monitor undersides of leaves; use sticky traps or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Remove by hand or prune affected branches. Apply horticultural oil in dormant season if infestation is heavy.
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Prevent with excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering. Remove affected plants and improve soil drainage before replanting.
Uses
Landscape and Border Planting
OrnamentalIdeal for water-wise gardens, Mediterranean landscapes, and contemporary designs. The compact mounding form and extended pink flowering make it excellent for mixed borders, foundation plantings, and xeriscaping projects. [source]
Container Growing and Patio Plants
HouseholdIts neat compact habit makes it perfect for large containers, raised beds, and patio displays. Container-grown plants can be moved to protected locations in marginal climate zones during cold snaps. [source]
Cut Flowers
HouseholdThe delicate pink flowers are lovely in fresh flower arrangements and small bouquets. Cut sprigs in early morning when flowers are fully open for longer vase life. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season, supporting local ecosystems and beneficial insect populations. [source]
Dried Flower Material
CraftFlowering stems can be dried for use in dried arrangements and craft projects. Hang bunches upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area to preserve the delicate pink color. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental shrub grown for flowers and foliage; no traditional harvest. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut stems for flower arrangements while in bloom. Light pruning for shape maintenance can be done year-round, with heavier pruning after flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Westringia is native to southeastern Australia and is named after the western distribution of some species; the genus is related to common herbs like rosemary and thyme, though not edible.
- 🌱 'Smooke's Pink' is a cultivar selection bred for superior ornamental qualities compared to the wild species type, with more abundant pink flowers and a more compact habit.
- 🌱 This plant is extremely popular in Australian gardens and has become a cornerstone of water-wise, Mediterranean-style landscaping worldwide due to its combination of low-maintenance requirements, extended flowering, and drought tolerance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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