Australian Natives

Drought tolerant, bird attracting, natives.  Who doesn’t love them?  With biodiversity in the garden more important than ever with habitat loss, why not plant some at your place? 

These are our top 5 picks.

Grevilleas – these Australian natives are virtually non-stop in their flowering.  Some have beautiful sprays up to 30cm long of flowers, others are tiny, dainty single spidery flowers.  Their variety is endless, and when all else has failed in the heat and dry, there will be the grevilleas, flowering away and smothered in birds and bees.

 

Kangaroo Paws – an iconic flower for Australian gardeners, breeding has given this genus greater capability in the garden, with colours and sizes for every situation.  They attract birds too, so are great for encouraging biodiversity.

 

Fanflowers – this native trailing plant, also known as Scaevola will cope in full sun and half shade.  Its cascading habit makes it perfect for pots, ideal for embankments, rockeries or baskets.

 

Bottlebrush – with twice a year flowering seasons, and the ability to tolerate drought and flood, bottlebrushes are you classic all-rounder.  Birds love them, they are great screening plants, and will grow well in planter boxes to create an informal hedge. Red is traditional, but you can also get pink and white flowering varieties.

 

Banksias – There are trailing banksias, dwarf bushy types and 4m tall trees, but what they all have in common are the stunning candle-like blooms that are nectar rich and great for bees and honey eaters.  Most banksias will also tolerate coastal areas too, and even salt laden winds.

 

TIP - Bringing cut flowers inside is a great way of rewarding yourself for your gardening prowess; it also saves you dead heading them and will encourage more blooms.