Natives

Grevillea Autumn Waterfall is a beautiful, sprawling ground cover that flowers mainly in winter and spring. Its standout feature is the vibrant cascade of orange-red blooms that appear from late summer through to early winter. Instead of traditional petals, the flowers form clusters of fine, spidery florets that create a striking waterfall effect, making this grevillea a captivating focal point in any garden. Rich in nectar, the flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Autumn Waterfall is ideal for adding year-round interest, colour, and pollinator appeal to native gardens, mixed beds, or wildlife-friendly landscape.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 0.80m x width 2-3m

Diploglotis campbellii, or Small-leaved Tamarind, is a compact, dense tree that rewards gardeners with an abundance of large, red-orange fruits packed with delicious, tangy pulp. From November to January, look out for its small, cream-brown flowers, which develop into impressive fruits up to 6 cm across by February to April. As the fruits ripen, their hard, yellow-brown skins split open to reveal the vibrant red flesh inside. A prolific fruiter, this tree can yield many kilograms of fruit per harvest. Its refreshingly tart flavour is wonderfully versatile, lending itself to both sweet and savoury dishes. Popular uses include jams, jellies, sauces, chutneys, spreads, and coulis, and it also pairs beautifully with cheeses and cold meats.
For best growth, apply an organic or slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

Soil: Well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.
Conditions: Part shade. Coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 7-10m x width 5-6m

Cyathea brownii, commonly known as the Norfolk Island Tree Fern, is the largest tree fern species in the world. Tall, elegant and unmistakably prehistoric in character, it forms a single towering trunk that can reach up to 20 metres, crowned with deeply divided fronds that stretch an impressive five to six metres in length. As the plant matures, the trunk becomes smooth and patterned with distinctive oval scars left by fallen fronds, while older fronds hang neatly before dropping cleanly to maintain a tidy silhouette.
With its enormous umbrella crown and statuesque form, Cyathea brownii makes a spectacular feature in gardens that can offer humidity and sheltered conditions. Keep it looking its best by removing spent fronds and ensuring the trunk remains well hydrated. Its limited root system means it readily drinks through its trunk, so regular watering down the trunk—either with a hose or drip line—is highly beneficial, especially during hot weather.

Soil: Thrives in deep, moist, well-drained loams.
Conditions: Grows best in a semi-shaded position with consistent moisture.
Size: Height 15m x width 4m

Melaleuca armillaris, or Bracelet Honey Myrtle, is a handsome, fast-growing evergreen for effortless structure and year-round appeal. This striking shrub or small tree features soft, dark green, needle-like foliage and masses of creamy white, cylindrical “puffball” blooms. The flower buds blush pink before opening to reveal soft, creamy-white brushes up to 7 cm long, creating a delightful contrast against the deep green leaves. As it matures, the bark develops rich texture and character, furrowing and peeling in the classic paperbark style that adds visual interest through the seasons. Its dense, upright growth makes it ideal for hedging, screening, or as a handsome stand-alone feature in the garden. Regular trimming keeps the foliage lush and vibrant and encourages fresh new growth.

Soil: Remarkably hardy, it thrives in almost any soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Wind/salt tolerant and frost tender.
Size: Height 6m x width 7m

Davidsonia pruriens, commonly known as the Davidson Plum, is a medium-sized rainforest tree native to northern Queensland. It features large, attractive compound leaves and produces clusters of small, deep pink to red flowers, which are followed by striking plum-like fruit. The fruits, though too sour to eat raw, are prized for making jams, sauces, and preserves. One of the tree’s most fascinating characteristics is its cauliflorous habit—the flowers and fruit are borne directly on the trunk, adding strong ornamental appeal. When ripe, the fruit’s flesh turns a rich red and often falls to the ground, remaining largely unbruised and ready for harvest straight from the rainforest floor. An excellent specimen tree for subtropical and tropical gardens, combining decorative foliage and unique fruiting habit with practical culinary value.

Size: Prefers a light, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Conditions: Will thrive in filtered light beneath a taller canopy but also adapts well to full sun in sheltered positions.
Soil: Height 12m x width 6m

Native to the rocky ranges of northern Queensland, Wodyetia bifurcata. or the Foxtail Palm, is a graceful, fast-growing palm prized for its lush, feathery fronds that resemble a fox’s tail. The smooth, slender trunk supports a full crown of arching, bright green leaves, giving it an elegant tropical appearance. Perfect as a feature tree, in group plantings, or along avenues, the Foxtail Palm brings height, texture, and a distinct tropical flair to gardens and landscapes.

Soil: Well-drained soils.
Conditions: Full sun.Tolerates coastal conditions and light frost once established.
Size: Height 10-15m x width 10-12m

Pararchidendron pruinosum, or Snow Wood, is a graceful small rainforest tree with fine, glossy, lacy foliage and attractive twisted orange-red seed pods. In spring and summer, it bears masses of fragrant, ball-shaped flowers that open creamy white and deepen to yellow with age. Fast-growing and hardy in a sunny, well-drained, and sheltered position, it makes an excellent choice for street planting, parks, or as a feature tree in larger gardens.
Native to eastern Australia, from Nowra NSW to north-east Queensland, this versatile species also produces a beautifully patterned, decorative timber.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Protect from strong winds and heavy frost.
Size: Height 6-10m x width 4-6m

Perfect for noise reduction and privacy screening in urban environments, Waterhousea floribunda Sweeper is a superb evergreen tree distinguished by its graceful weeping habit and lush, glossy, rippled foliage in vibrant lime-green tones. This variety can be enjoyed as a striking tall feature tree or maintained as a dense hedge when clipped to around 5 metres. In summer, it bears large clusters of white flowers, adding seasonal interest and attracting pollinators. Its dense canopy makes it excellent for large-scale screening, street planting, or softening the look of built-up, concrete surroundings. Ideal as a street tree, large screen, or hedge. Sweeper is not suitable for courtyards or small gardens.

Soil: Grows well in both well-drained and heavier clay loams.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Avoid hot, dry, or exposed inland sites.
Size: Height 10m x width 5-8m