Natives

The Illawarra Flame Tree is one of the most spectacular Australian native trees. The leaves are shed before flowering in late spring to summer, and the bright red bell-shaped flowers grow in glowing clusters at the end of branches- creating a glorious and riotous display. Once flowering is finished, large black, boat-shaped seed pods are produced. (It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the seed pods). The Flame Tree does not always flower annually and will put on its best display maybe only once every five years, especially after a hot dry summer. In between these times, they may only produce one or two branches of flowers on the whole tree.

Soil: Can tolerate most soils including heavy soils to rocky infertile soils.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Coastal, drought and light frost tolerant
Size: Height 10-40m x width 5-15m

A wonderful, smaller-growing kangaroo paw with distinct red to burgundy coloured flowers on branched stems, Bush Elegance brings a rich depth of colour through spring-summer. Each flowering stem can produce up to ten colourful flower heads for a great display. Mix with other coloured kangaroo paws for a stunning effect. Great for massed planting, as a container plant, or for edging. The rich burgundy flowers are laden with nectar, attracting native birds and bees to the garden.

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, light frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 0.60m x width 0.50m

Sometimes called Woolly Bush, Adenanthos sericeus Bronze Glow is an attractive evergreen native with silky foliage which is soft to the touch. The shrub features rich bronze new growth and bird-attracting tubular, red/orange flowers throughout the year, mainly in the warmer months. A great addition to create texture and colour in any garden, Bronze Glow is perfect as a hedge or potted specimen.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Dislikes humidity. Coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 2-4m x width 2-4m

Acacia pendula, known as the Weeping Myall or Boree Wattle, is an incredibly hardy and long-lived wattle from the Fabaceae family. With pendulous spreading branches and small yellow flowers in winter, the beautiful silvery-grey slender foliage hangs down from the branches making it perfect as a medium-sized shade tree in the garden. Underpruning will add to its whimsical nature although it will naturally take on a weeping form. A park bench beneath the tree and some other smaller native varieties planted around it would make for a sophisticated native garden. It is an excellent choice as a street tree or an avenue planting.

Soil: Thrives in free-draining native soil but has traditionally been found growing well in clay and loam soils.
Conditions: Full sun. Both drought and frost-tolerant, minimal watering once established.
Size: Height 6-10m x width 6-8m

Ptilotus nobilis is a herbaceous perennial native to the dry, arid plains of Australia. With narrow foliage providing a base for soft cylindrical pale flower heads, the Australian native brings a graceful touch to the garden from July to February. While the long-lasting blooms of the ptilotus appear soft and fuzzy, they feel quite hard and bristly to the touch. Due to their texture, the blooms manage to hold up quite well in various weather conditions. Plant Ptilotus nobilis in sunny rockeries and borders, cottage gardens or a decorative pot. The flowers are also popular in the florist trade - either fresh or as dried flowers.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Heat, drought and frost tolerant.
Size: Height 0.30-1m x width 0.50m

Tasmanian Mountain Pepper is a striking Australian native and a wonderful bush food plant from the cool, temperate rainforests of Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. Growing as a tall evergreen shrub or small tree, it features distinctive reddish branches and smooth, narrow green leaves. Small clusters of creamy flowers appear in September, followed by dark red berries on female plants, which ripen to black around March and April. Both the leaves and berries can be dried and used as a delicious cooking spice, while the milled berries make an excellent native alternative to traditional pepper. The berries are also enjoyed by native bird.

Please note: You’ll need both a female and male plant to produce fruit. 

Soil: Choose a free draining spot and prepare the site with compost and manure, then mulch well after planting to keep the soil moist. 
Conditions: Plant in a sheltered site that is either in dappled shade or receives morning sun. Frost, wind and cold tolerant.
Size: Height 3-5m x width 2-3m. The tree can grow to 10m in native habitats.

Leptospermum Mesmer Eyes is a stunning low-growing native shrub that creates a spectacular display in spring. Masses of delicate flowers open crisp white before gradually maturing to soft pink, giving the plant a beautiful two-toned effect. Its naturally spreading habit and neat mid-green foliage make it ideal for native gardens, mixed borders, rockeries, and low-maintenance landscapes. Easy to care for, Mesmer Eyes responds well to light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage even more blooms the following season.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
Conditions: Sunny position. Drought, frost and coastal hardy.
Size: Height 1.5m x width 1m

Scaevola Fantasy Purple is a spreading plant known for its deep purple, fan-shaped flowers that bloom abundantly throughout the season. Due to its naturally compact size, it is perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover. Purple Fantasy is a low-maintenance plant and is ideal for adding a bold and vibrant touch to your garden.

Soil: Well-drained soil
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Coastal hardy.
Size: Height 0.20m x width 1m