Shrubs

Bred to be the champion of the classic heavy, clay-based Australian soils, Southern Cross is up to the challenge to survive against the odds! Thriving in heavy soils, Southern Cross displays beautiful musk-pink blooms with white feathery tips throughout winter and into the early spring. Proteas are prized for their long vase life, making them a florist’s dream and a stunning addition to bouquets and floral arrangements. Southern Cross is ideal for water-wise gardens - its low-maintenance needs make it a favourite for gardeners seeking beauty without the fuss.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, coastal and frost hardy.
Size: Height 1.8m x width 1.5m

Leucadendron Jolly Joker brings a vibrant touch to the garden. It is a tall shrub ablaze with colour, featuring stunning bright red and green-tipped variegated foliage. Deep red bracts surrounding attractive cone-like flowers top the branches late winter into spring. Plant en masse for an informal screen. Excellent foliage for floral arrangements.

Soil: Well-drained soil. Water well during the first two years for the plant to establish.
Conditions: Full sun. Tolerates light frost, drought and coastal conditions.
Size: Height 2.5m x width 1.5m

Grevillea Bonnie Prince Charlie is a free flowering, compact dwarf shrub with dark green leaves. Clusters of spectacular vibrant red and golden yellow spider flowers are borne along slender branches during spring and summer, with occasional spot flowering throughout the year. This excellent bird-attracting shrub is a great addition to any garden or landscape. Prune after flowering and fertilise with a long-term, slow-release, native fertiliser.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought, frost and coastal hardy.
Size: Height 0.80m x width 1.2m

Nerium Dwarf Apricot is an extremely tough, hardy, evergreen shrub. The leaves are a strappy leathery green, elongated and pointed at the tip. The bell-shaped flowers are spectacular, in clusters and apricot in colour. Perfect for hedging, borders, courtyards and cottage gardens, or in decorative containers on balconies, Pruning after flowering will promote a magnificent plant which will flower profusely and maintain a healthy shape.

Soil: Free-draining soil rich in organic matter. A potting mix rich with peat moss or humus is ideal.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought, frost, wind, salt and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 1.5m x width 1.5m

Golden Lyre grevillea produces bright gold toothbrush flowers throughout the year, with the heaviest flowering through summer and autumn. It is an outstanding medium-sized shrub with arching branches of finely divided evergreen foliage and a spreading habit. It requires regular pruning to encourage new growth and retain its compact shape. Plant this gorgeous grevillea as a specimen plant, in mass planting or as a screen.

Soil: Well-drained soil
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, heat and humidity tolerant. Plant in a protected spot for coastal areas as it is not frost-tolerant.
Size: Height 2m x width 3m

Black currant is a small hardy attractive deciduous shrub that fruits in early summer. The black currant canes will grow vigorously in their first year and then flower and fruit in the second year. Multiple branches produce an abundance of flowers, which are coloured pale yellow, that develop into small dark purple glossy berries. Grow the black currant canes against a wall or a fence, or support with a fence or trellis.
Black currants have a tart taste when eaten raw so are usually used in cooking. The berries are used to make jams, jellies and juices. They are a fantastic natural concentrated source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Soil: Rich, well-drained soil. Dig through plenty of organic matter or well-broken-down animal manure before planting.
Conditions: Best grown in areas with a cold winter as a ‘chilling period’ will assist fruit set. Black currants prefer a full sun position and give shelter from strong hot winds.
Size: Height 1m x width 0.60m

Eremophila Crazy Mac is an eye-catching evergreen native with thick green foliage. Stunning orange-yellow buds open to tubular pink and red flowers in spring and summer to provide a vivid contrast to the foliage. Prune to encourage a dense habit and profuse flowering. An arresting garden and landscaping plant suitable for container planting.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Partly shaded position.
Size: Height 1.2m x width 1.2m

Camellia Early Pearly bears stunning pale pink buds that open into beautiful semi-double, pink-tipped white flowers in autumn and winter. With dense, deep green foliage and an upright, vigorous habit, it is regarded as one of the best camellias for use as a hedging plant. Trim as required to maintain the desired shape and fertilise in spring.

Soil: Well-drained, rich soil. A deep soaking in the peak of summer will benefit the plant.
Conditions: Prefers a full to part shade position. Frost and coastal hardy
Size: Height 2-4m x width 1-2m