Natives

Sterling Silver is a striking, spring-flowering acacia - a dwarf shrub form of the Coastal Myall Wattle. The broad silver leaves are a definite highlight making it an excellent foliage contrast to the bright yellow blooms in early spring. The acacia will become a sprawling shrub and it will respond well to a light prune to keep it from getting too leggy. Plant it on the edge of a raised bed or use it as a low hedge. Fertilise every six months with a slow-release Australian Native feed for best results.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Wind, drought and coastal hardy. Light frost tolerance.
Size: Height 1.5-2m x width 2-3m

Brilliant red flowers on a low-growing plant make Leptospermum Outrageous one of the best tea trees for ornamental garden use. Outrageous is a low-spreading shrub with small mid-green leaves and showy large red flowers that age to pink in spring. The branches have a natural pendulous or drooping habit - it can be used as a low-growing hedge or as a feature plant in the garden. In flower, it will attract bees, beneficial insects and birds to the garden, as well as supplying a habitat for smaller birds.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
Conditions: Sunny to light shade position. Tolerates a light frost.
Size: Height 2m x width 1.5m

This stunning Australian native shows off delicate-looking silver foliage that is extremely soft to the touch, hence its common name - Woolly Bush Platinum. With its soft silver foliage and delightful small red flowers borne throughout the year, Platinum can be grown either as a specimen plant, a striking hedge, or even as an interesting alternative to the standard Christmas tree. A light prune after flowering will encourage strong new growth.

Soil: As a native plant, it thrives in sandy soil as well as loamy soil.
Conditions: Full sun to light shade. Coastal, salt, frost and drought tolerant.
Size: Height 1.2-1.5m x width 1.5-2m.