Westringia ‘Funky Chunky’ is a compact, hardy Australian native shrub valued for its naturally dense, rounded growth habit and attractive grey-green foliage. Producing delicate white to pale mauve flowers throughout spring and summer, this versatile evergreen provides year-round colour and structure in the garden.

Its neat, bushy form makes it ideal for low hedges, borders, mass planting and coastal landscapes. Highly adaptable and requiring minimal maintenance, ‘Funky Chunky’ is an excellent choice for Sunshine Coast gardens, particularly where a hardy, compact native shrub is desired.

Flowers

Small, white to pale mauve flowers appear predominantly throughout spring and summer, with occasional flowering at other times in favourable conditions. The delicate flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Foliage

Dense, narrow grey-green to dark green evergreen foliage creates an attractive, finely textured appearance. The leaves are closely spaced along the stems, contributing to the plant's naturally compact and rounded shape.

Fruit

Produces small, inconspicuous seed capsules following flowering, with little ornamental significance.

Form & Size

A compact, naturally rounded shrub with dense, bushy growth.

Height: 0.6–1 m

Width: 0.6–1 m

Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun to part shade.

Soil: Adaptable to sandy, loamy and well-drained soils. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Water: Water regularly during establishment. Drought tolerant once established.

Frost: Tolerates light to moderate frost once established.

Wind: Tolerant of coastal winds, salt spray and exposed conditions.

Climate: Suitable for subtropical, temperate and coastal Australian gardens, including the Sunshine Coast.

Uses

Ideal for low hedges, garden borders, mass planting, pathway edging, coastal gardens, native landscapes, formal gardens and container planting. Its naturally compact growth habit makes it particularly suitable for smaller gardens and low-maintenance landscaping.

Maintenance

Requires minimal maintenance to retain its naturally dense, rounded shape. Light pruning after flowering encourages bushy growth and can help maintain a neat, formal appearance. Apply a slow-release fertiliser suitable for Australian natives during the growing season and mulch around the root zone to help retain moisture.

Notes

Westringia ‘Funky Chunky’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a naturally compact native shrub without the need for frequent trimming. Its attractive evergreen foliage, delicate flowers and tolerance of coastal conditions make it particularly well suited to Sunshine Coast gardens.

For low hedging, space plants approximately 50–70 cm apart, depending on the desired density.

Companion Plants

Pairs well with Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’, Dianella ‘Little Rev’, Callistemon ‘Better John’, Grevillea ‘Peaches & Cream’, Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’ and other compact Australian native plants.

Common Name: Funky Chunky Coastal Rosemary

Botanical Name: Westringia fruticosa ‘Funky Chunky’

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin: Australia (species native to eastern Australia)