Westringia hyb. (WES03) Blue Gem PBR

Description: Westringia hybrid (WES03) 'Blue Gem' PBR, commonly known as Blue Gem Westringia, is a stunning evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant blue-purple flowers and attractive grey-green foliage. This cultivar is particularly valued for its hardiness and low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, and hedges.

Flowers:

• Blooms: The plant produces masses of small, vibrant blue-purple, tubular flowers in clusters from late winter to early spring, with sporadic blooming throughout the year.
• Fragrance: The flowers have a light, pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Foliage:

• Leaves: The leaves are small, narrow, and grey-green, providing a soft, textured appearance. The foliage is aromatic when crushed, adding to the sensory appeal.
• Seasonal Color: The foliage remains grey-green throughout the year, with new growth adding a slight reddish tint.

Fruit:

• Fruit: The plant rarely produces noticeable fruit. The primary ornamental value lies in its foliage and flowers.

Form and Size:

• Size: Typically grows 1-1.5 meters tall and 1-1.5 meters wide, forming a dense, rounded shape.
• Habit: Upright and bushy with a well-branched structure, making it suitable for various landscape uses.

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in temperate to subtropical climates and is suitable for various regions in Australia. It can tolerate light frosts and coastal conditions.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Sunlight: Best grown in full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes the best growth and flowering, while partial shade is tolerated.
• Watering: Requires regular watering during the establishment phase. Once established, it benefits from consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant.

Uses:

• Ornamental Shrub: Highly valued as an ornamental shrub for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage.
• Hedges and Screening: Ideal for creating low to medium hedges, borders, and screens due to its dense growth habit.
• Containers: Suitable for growing in containers, adding a touch of color to patios, balconies, and small gardens.
• Coastal Gardens: Perfect for coastal gardens due to its salt tolerance.

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Regular pruning helps keep the plant tidy and promotes healthy new growth.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to many pests and diseases. Monitor for common pests such as aphids and spider mites. Good air circulation and proper watering practices help prevent fungal diseases.

Notes:

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 8-10. In cooler regions of Australia, provide protection from severe frost to prevent damage to new growth.
• Companion Plants: Pair with other drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, rosemary, and salvia to create a harmonious and visually appealing garden display.
• Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or by seed

Westringia hybrid (WES03) 'Blue Gem' PBR

Common Name: Blue Gem Westringia

Botanical Name: Westringia hybrid (WES03) 'Blue Gem' PBR

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin: Cultivated variety of Westringia

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