True-Blue Native Plants That Do Us Proud
Less maintenance, water-wise, suited to our surrounding environment ... native planting is a no brainer!
Sustainability is such an important consideration when designing a garden in present-day Australia. However, finding the right balance between aesthetics, style and being ‘green’ can be difficult. Going with a native planting palette could very well be the answer to this question of compromise. Here are some of my personal favourites.
If you want as Australian as it gets
Known for its intricate branching and smooth red bark, the Sydney red gum (Angophora costata) is an exceptional feature tree. Most commonly found along the east coast of Australia, if you are lucky enough to have one growing on your property, embrace it. Use its dominance to set the scene of your garden style and complement it with other natives (in fact, all of the following natives I touch on would work a treat!).
This tree looks best when it’s mature and old. However, although it’s not overly slow-growing, planting a small tree in hope of it being the centrepiece of your garden is a big investment in time.
Known for its intricate branching and smooth red bark, the Sydney red gum (Angophora costata) is an exceptional feature tree. Most commonly found along the east coast of Australia, if you are lucky enough to have one growing on your property, embrace it. Use its dominance to set the scene of your garden style and complement it with other natives (in fact, all of the following natives I touch on would work a treat!).
This tree looks best when it’s mature and old. However, although it’s not overly slow-growing, planting a small tree in hope of it being the centrepiece of your garden is a big investment in time.
If you want bright foliage
Almost iconic in name and appearance, kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp.) is your go-to should you require a bold burst of colour and interesting textures in your Australian native garden. To achieve the best look, mass plant them in groupings. Bloom colours range from reds, yellows, oranges, pinks and even black and white. They will provide an incredible contrast against the more plain foliaged plants in your garden.
TIP: To get the most out of your kangaroo paws, plant them in full sun and well-drained soil.
Almost iconic in name and appearance, kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp.) is your go-to should you require a bold burst of colour and interesting textures in your Australian native garden. To achieve the best look, mass plant them in groupings. Bloom colours range from reds, yellows, oranges, pinks and even black and white. They will provide an incredible contrast against the more plain foliaged plants in your garden.
TIP: To get the most out of your kangaroo paws, plant them in full sun and well-drained soil.
If you want a tough shrub
Westringia practically defines versatility. This Australian native has so many uses, be it tight topiary balls in a formal garden, loosely kept hedges in a more semi formal setting, or left completely to do its own thing in a salty, coastal garden. It is the jack of all trades in the plant world and can basically be used anywhere within your garden! Apart from its sticking silver/grey foliage, it produces a beautiful small flower throughout the year.
Westringia practically defines versatility. This Australian native has so many uses, be it tight topiary balls in a formal garden, loosely kept hedges in a more semi formal setting, or left completely to do its own thing in a salty, coastal garden. It is the jack of all trades in the plant world and can basically be used anywhere within your garden! Apart from its sticking silver/grey foliage, it produces a beautiful small flower throughout the year.
If you want a filler
Nothing screams Australian native more than ornamental grasses, and with so many species and cultivars to choose from – within genera such as Dianella, Lomandra, Pennisetum, Poa and Themeda, just to name a few – these grasses are just the answer when you don’t know what to plant. Use them as fillers or even to mass plant out an entire bank. They create interesting texture, colour variation and movement within the garden.
TIP: As a general rule of thumb, ornamental grasses should be cut back every one to two years, just before spring. This will allow for fresh growth and will keep them looking fresh.
Nothing screams Australian native more than ornamental grasses, and with so many species and cultivars to choose from – within genera such as Dianella, Lomandra, Pennisetum, Poa and Themeda, just to name a few – these grasses are just the answer when you don’t know what to plant. Use them as fillers or even to mass plant out an entire bank. They create interesting texture, colour variation and movement within the garden.
TIP: As a general rule of thumb, ornamental grasses should be cut back every one to two years, just before spring. This will allow for fresh growth and will keep them looking fresh.
If you want ground cover
Natives often get labelled ‘boring’ – the Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’, however, kicks that unfair label to the curb. Known for its interesting mounding look, ability to grow in the most restrictive conditions, and its fantastic trailing habit, this plant is a must-have in any garden that requires low-lying planting, be it native or not. It can soften hard walls and can cover anything unsightly in your garden (such as pipes) in style!
No matter where you plant it – in a pot, between rocks or on the ground to form a blanket of ground cover – this hardy plant will do well and is sure to catch the eye.
See more weird and wonderful backyard additions here.
Natives often get labelled ‘boring’ – the Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’, however, kicks that unfair label to the curb. Known for its interesting mounding look, ability to grow in the most restrictive conditions, and its fantastic trailing habit, this plant is a must-have in any garden that requires low-lying planting, be it native or not. It can soften hard walls and can cover anything unsightly in your garden (such as pipes) in style!
No matter where you plant it – in a pot, between rocks or on the ground to form a blanket of ground cover – this hardy plant will do well and is sure to catch the eye.
See more weird and wonderful backyard additions here.
In the end, all it takes is a bit of common sense when choosing plants for your garden. Native plants thrive in our harsh conditions when compared to exotics, so why wouldn’t you use them? Generally, they require less watering, have lower maintenance needs, grow well in our natural soils, attract local wildlife and look great. I say, go for it, and embrace our Aussie beauties.
TELL US
What Australian native plants do you have in your garden? Show us your pictures or tell us about them in the Comments.
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TELL US
What Australian native plants do you have in your garden? Show us your pictures or tell us about them in the Comments.
MORE
Top 10 Garden Jobs to Tackle This Autumn
The Modern Lawn That’s Kind to the Environment
Take the Headache Out of Gardening With Low-Care Landscaping
Are you lucky enough to live in a coastal home? Consider a Pandanus in your garden. Almost alien in appearance, the strappy leaves, gnarly trunk and often exposed, visible roots make sure this tree demands attention. Often found growing along coastal fringes and sand dunes, it will be right at home in your front line salt garden!
TIP: This is a great Australian native alternative to the more commonly used frangipani (Plumeria spp.).
More: Australian Native Coastal Plants Bring the Beach Home