Natives

Gastrolobeum celsianum, or the Swan River Pea, is a low-growing, scrambling, evergreen shrub. Deep red pea flowers make a striking combination with the grey-green and silvery foliage from late winter through spring and sporadically throughout the year. The unique, vibrant flowers produce nectar that attracts honey-eating birds. Prune lightly to promote longer life.

Soil: Light, sandy, well-drained soils are best but can tolerate heavier soils if well-drained.
Conditions: Full sun to semi-shade. Frost, heat, humid and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 1.2m x width 1-2m

Tasmanian lanceolata Mountain Pepper is a tall, native evergreen shrub or small tree. This lovely example of a bush food plant occurs naturally in the cool, temperate rainforest areas of Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. It has distinctive reddish branches and smooth, narrow green leaves. Its creamy flowers appear in small clusters in September, with the female tree producing dark red berries that turn black when ripe in around March or April. The leaves have a hot flavour when chewed, and the berries are enjoyed by native birds. Both the leaves and berries can be dried and used as a cooking spice, and when milled, the hardened berries make for a terrific substitute for conventional pepper. Give it a feed with organic slow release fertiliser in early spring and late autumn.

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.

Metrosideros Dwarf Mini Christmas is a dense, compact shrub with dark green foliage and attractive red stems. During summer, it produces vibrant orange-red pincushion flowers that bring a splash of colour and a little festive cheer to the garden. The flowers are also a favourite with birds, making this a great choice for attracting wildlife. Perfect for hedging, screening and coastal gardens, Dwarf Mini Christmas is an easy-care shrub that adds colour, structure and plenty of garden appeal.

Soil: Will tolerate most soils but prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, heat and coastal hardy.
Size: Height 1-2m x width 1-2m

Tristaniopsis laurina, or Water Gum/ Kanooka Gum, occurs naturally along the east coast of Australia from the Brisbane River in Queensland through to Gippsland in Victoria. It is a large shrub/ small tree bearing a profusion of yellow flowers in summer. The Water Gum is attractive and compact and is ideal for screening or a specimen plant.

Soil: Well-drained soils.
Conditions: Sunny position. Drought, frost and coastal hardy.
Size: Height 5-10m x width 4m

Illawarra Plum is a beautiful Australian native evergreen tree, also known as Daalgaal, Goongum or Plum Pine. It features dense, glossy dark green foliage, making it an attractive ornamental tree while also producing delicious edible fruit. The distinctive purple-blue fruit ripens on the tree before naturally falling to the ground when ready to harvest. As a dioecious species, separate male and female trees are required for fruit production. For the best pollination and heavier crops, plant several trees together or grow them as an attractive native hedge. The richly flavoured fruit has a unique sweet-tart taste that pairs wonderfully with savoury and sweet dishes alike. It is popular in chilli and garlic condiments, sauces, marinades, preserves, muffins, cheesecakes and fruit compotes, making Illawarra Plum a rewarding choice for both edible and ornamental gardens. 

Soil: Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy soils. 
Conditions: Full sun or part shade. Coast, wind and frost tolerant.
Size: Height 8-12m x width 4-7m

Callistemon demesne Pink Alma is a compact native bottlebrush with an open and slightly weeping form. Unusual soft mid-pink flowers appear in spring and often flush again in autumn. Callistemon flowers provide valuable food for birds, insects and small mammals. Excellent as a narrow screen or small hedge due to its naturally compact growth habit.

Soil: Suitable for a wide range of soils.
Conditions: Full sun to semi-shade. Drought, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 2m x width 1.5m

Banksia occidentalis, commonly known as Red Swamp Banksia, is a striking Australian native shrub or small tree valued for its brilliant red flower spikes and long flowering season. Producing masses of vibrant blooms from summer through autumn and often at other times of the year, it provides a bold splash of colour in the landscape while attracting a wide range of nectar-feeding birds, bees and other beneficial pollinators. This upright, ornamental banksia is ideal for use as a feature plant, screening shrub or colourful windbreak. Its dense foliage and prolific flowering make it a standout choice for native gardens, wildlife-friendly landscapes and coastal settings. Light pruning after flowering will help maintain a compact, attractive shape and encourage fresh growth. 

Soil: Prefers sandy to loamy well-drained soils
Conditions: Full sun to dappled shade. It does not like humidity and is not recommended for most areas of the Eastern states. Drought, heat and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 8m x width 5m

Melaleuca quinquenervia, commonly known as the Broad-leaved Paperbark, is a medium to tall tree admired for its thick, soft, papery bark in beautiful cream to warm brown tones. From spring through to autumn, it produces masses of white, bottlebrush-like flowers that stand out against the soft grey-green foliage, adding long-lasting seasonal interest. Fast growing and versatile, this species can be shaped into a single-trunked feature tree or allowed to develop into a broad, spreading form. The Broad-leaved Paperbark is an excellent choice for shade, screening, windbreaks, rural landscapes, large gardens, and park plantings, offering both ornamental beauty and practical value.

Soil: Plant in a free-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Conditions: Full sun. Flood, fire, drought, salt, pollution and frost tolerant.
Size: Height 8-25m x width 5-10m