Ultimate Guide to Growing Australian Native Plants for Your Garden


Discover the captivating world of Australian native plants and elevate your garden with their indigenous beauty. Whether you're looking for hedges, screens, ground covers, strappy leaf plants, grasses, flowers, or trees, there is a wide variety of options to suit your gardening needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore popular Australian native plants, their cultivation requirements, and suitable garden styles to help you create a vibrant and sustainable outdoor space.

Hedges

Hedges serve as excellent privacy screens and windbreaks while enhancing the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Popular Australian native plants for hedges include:

Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii)

A versatile and fast-growing native plant with glossy foliage, white flowers, and edible berries. It forms a dense hedge perfect for creating privacy and adding an attractive backdrop to your garden.

 

  • Position: Plant in a sunny to partially shaded location.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry spells.
  • Pruning: Prune to shape and maintain desired height and thickness.
  • Feeding: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring and autumn.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for formal gardens and as a privacy screen.

Buxus microphylla (Small-leafed Box)

A dense, slow-growing shrub with small, glossy leaves, popular for formal and neat hedging.

 

  • Position: Partial shade to full sun.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil with good moisture retention.
  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot periods.
  • Pruning: Regular pruning to maintain desired shape.
  • Feeding: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring.
  • Garden Style: Ideal for formal and traditional gardens.

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary)

This hardy shrub features slender leaves and small white or pale mauve flowers. It is an ideal choice for low hedges, coastal gardens, and contemporary landscapes due to its compact growth habit and ability to withstand harsh conditions.

 

  • Position: Full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types.
  • Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first growing season.
  • Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
  • Feeding: Minimal feeding requirements; occasional application of a balanced fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for coastal, native, and Mediterranean-style gardens.

Screens

Screens are essential for creating secluded areas within your outdoor space. Consider these native plants for effective screening:

Acacia cognata (River Wattle)

A graceful and compact shrub with weeping foliage, excellent for creating natural screens and borders.

 

  • Position: Full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil, adaptable to various soil types.
  • Watering: Moderate watering, allowing soil to partially dry between waterings.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; light shaping can be done if desired.
  • Feeding: Apply a slow-release native plant fertiliser in early spring.
  • Garden Style: Ideal for modern gardens, coastal landscapes, and low-maintenance designs.

Melaleuca nodosa (Prickly-leaved Paperbark)

A hardy shrub with prickly foliage and showy pink or white flowers, great for privacy screens.

 

  • Position: Thrives in full sun or part shade.
  • Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
  • Watering: Moderate water requirements, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or damaged branches.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for coastal gardens, naturalistic landscapes, or wildlife-friendly gardens.

Pittosporum tenuifolium (Mock Orange)

A versatile evergreen shrub with dense foliage, suitable for both formal and informal screens.

 

  • Position: Prefers full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established, then occasional deep watering during dry periods.
  •  Pruning: Responds well to pruning and can be shaped as desired.
  • Feeding: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring.
  • Garden Style: Versatile plant suitable for formal and informal gardens, modern landscapes, or coastal gardens.

Ground Covers

Ground covers not only add visual appeal but also help suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. Here are some popular Australian native ground covers:

Dianella caerulea (Blue Flax Lily)

A clumping plant with strappy leaves and striking blue flowers, perfect for ground cover and edging.

 

  • Position: Flourishes in full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy soil types.
  • Watering: Moderate water requirements, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any damaged or discoloured leaves.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for native gardens, cottage gardens, or contemporary landscapes.

Carpobrotus glaucescens (Pigface)

A succulent ground cover with colourful flowers and fleshy leaves, ideal for coastal gardens and erosion control.

 

  • Position: Thrives in full sun and coastal conditions.
  • Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
  • Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or overgrown stems.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a controlled-release fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Ideal for coastal gardens, rockeries, or low-maintenance landscapes.

Hardenbergia violacea (Purple Coral Pea)

A vigorous vine-like ground cover with cascading purple flowers, excellent for slopes and garden borders.

 

  • Position: Prefers full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established, then occasional deep watering.
  • Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote bushiness.
  • Feeding: Minimal feeding required; occasional application of a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for cottage gardens, native-inspired landscapes, or pergola plantings.

Strappy Leaf

Strappy leaf plants add texture, form, and architectural interest to your garden. Consider these Australian native plants with strappy leaves:

Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush)

A tough and hardy grass-like plant with long, strap-like leaves, suitable for mass planting and erosion control.

 

  • Position: Flourishes in full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
  • Watering: Low water requirements; tolerates drought once established.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or damaged leaves.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for contemporary gardens, native-inspired landscapes, or low-maintenance gardens.

Doryanthes excelsa (Gymea Lily)

An iconic Australian plant with long, sword-shaped leaves and tall flower spikes, perfect as a focal point in large gardens.

 

  • Position: Thrives in full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established, then occasional deep watering during dry periods.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or withered leaves.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Ideal for tropical-style gardens, native-inspired landscapes, or large container plantings.

Cordyline stricta (Slender Palm Lily)

An attractive clumping plant with narrow, arching leaves, great for adding architectural interest to gardens.

 

  • Position: Flourishes in full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established, then occasional deep watering during dry periods.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or damaged leaves.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for contemporary gardens, coastal landscapes, or tropical-inspired designs.

Grasses

Grasses add movement, texture, and a naturalistic feel to your garden. Explore these Australian native grasses:

Poa labillardieri (Tussock Grass)

A tufted grass with slender, arching leaves and delicate flower spikes, suitable for mass planting and ornamental borders.

 

  • Position: Flourishes in full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy soil types.
  • Watering: Moderate water requirements, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or discoloured foliage.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for coastal gardens, native-inspired landscapes, or contemporary gardens.

Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)

A graceful ornamental grass with feathery plumes and attractive foliage, ideal for adding texture to gardens.

 

  • Position: Thrives in full sun.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy soil types.
  • Watering: Moderate water requirements, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
  • Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Ideal for contemporary gardens, naturalistic landscapes, or grassy borders.

Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass)

A native grass with distinctive seed heads and tufted foliage, perfect for naturalistic and wildlife-friendly gardens.

 

  • Position: Flourishes in full sun.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy soil types.
  • Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or damaged foliage.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a controlled-release fertiliser.

Flowers

Add bursts of vibrant colours and delicate blooms to your garden with these Australian native flowering plants:

Grevillea 'Superb' (Spider Flower)

A compact shrub with vibrant red and cream flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds.

 

  • Position: Prefers full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established, then occasional deep watering.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or damaged branches after flowering.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for native gardens, wildlife-friendly landscapes, or cottage gardens.

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush)

A popular shrub with bottlebrush-like flowers in shades of red, attracting bees and birds to the garden.

 

  • Position: Flourishes in full sun.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established, then occasional deep watering during dry periods.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower heads to promote new growth.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens, coastal landscapes, or informal gardens.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

A versatile shrub with small, aromatic flowers in shades of white, pink, or red, loved by bees and butterflies.

 

  • Position: Flourishes in full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Moderate water requirements, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
  • Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.

Trees

Trees provide shade, habitat, and a focal point in your garden. Consider these Australian native trees for a stunning landscape: 

Corymbia ficifolia (Red Flowering Gum)

A stunning tree with large clusters of red flowers, providing a bold splash of color in the landscape.

 

  • Position: Thrives in full sun.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established, then occasional deep watering during dry periods.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or crossing branches.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for large gardens, native-inspired landscapes, or focal points in the garden.

Eucalyptus pauciflora (Snow Gum)

A small to medium-sized tree with attractive bark and white flowers, suitable for cool-climate gardens.

 

  • Position: Flourishes in full sun.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy soil types.
  • Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or crowded branches.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a controlled-release fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Ideal for native-inspired landscapes, dry gardens, or large open spaces.

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

A majestic tree with bright red flowers and large, maple-like leaves, adding a touch of tropical beauty to gardens.

 

  • Position: Prefers full sun to part shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy soil types.
  • Watering: Moderate water requirements, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or damaged branches.
  • Feeding: Low nutrient requirements; occasional application of a slow-release native plant fertiliser.
  • Garden Style: Suitable for tropical-style gardens, large gardens, or as a street tree.

Design Ideas for Stunning Australian Native Gardens

Incorporating Australian native plants into your garden design can create a unique and sustainable outdoor space. Consider the following design ideas:

Modern Australian Native Garden

Create a sleek and contemporary look by combining strappy leaf plants, grasses, and architectural trees. Focus on clean lines, contrasting textures, and a limited colour palette to achieve a modern aesthetic.

Australian Native Garden Ideas for Small Spaces

Even with limited space, you can create a captivating native garden. Vertical gardening with climbers, such as Hardenbergia violacea (Native Wisteria), and utilising compact varieties of native plants can maximise the use of vertical and horizontal space.

With their beauty, adaptability, and low-maintenance qualities, Australian native plants offer endless possibilities for creating stunning gardens. Whether you're looking to create hedges, screens, ground covers, or incorporate strappy leaf plants, grasses, flowers, or trees, there is a wealth of options to suit your preferences. Follow our cultivation tips and design ideas to bring the beauty of Australian native plants to your outdoor space. Embrace the diversity of our native flora and enjoy the rewards of a flourishing, sustainable garden that complements modern living.

Remember to visit Mitre 10's Gardening Blog for more information, resources, and check out Gardening Tools and Plant Care products to kickstart your native plant gardening journey. Happy gardening!

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