Australia is home to a truly diverse selection of flora. There is a wide variety of plants to choose from, most especially when it comes to the best Australian native plants for the garden. More and more gardeners are now opting to plant Australian natives because of their benefits to the environment.
Planting natives instead of foreign species helps support a healthier environment by improving biodiversity, as well as providing the appropriate food and shelter for native animals. In addition to the environmental benefits, there are also practical personal benefits to planting natives, such as saving time and money, because a lot of them are relatively low maintenance.
If you are growing your own natives from tube stock or seed, propagation trays and forestry tubes give seedlings the best possible start before going into the ground.
1. Acacia cognata or Acacia Lime Magik (Magic)
The Acacia Lime Magic is considered either a shrub or a small tree with lime green pendulous foliage. The Lime Magik can grow as high as 10 metres tall and about 2 to 3 metres wide. Its gracefully cascading leaves and gorgeous yellow flowers look stunning against the winter and spring backdrop.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; clay, loam, sandy loam, clay loam
- Watering: Water while actively growing; water during dry periods; mature plants tolerate drought
- Pruning: Low maintenance; deadhead; prune to shape
- Feeding: Low phosphorous native fertiliser
2. Austrostipa stipoides or Coastal Spear Grass
The Coastal Spear Grass, as named, is native to the coasts of New Zealand and south-eastern Australia. This tufted perennial is suitable for borders and driveways, and as an infill plant. At first, one may not consider a humble grass as one of the best Australian native plants, but take note that they contribute to the coastal environment as a habitat for birds and insects, in addition to the benefits of being low maintenance.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy; will also grow in poor soil
- Watering: Very little water needed
- Pruning: Prune as desired to limit its height
- Feeding: No need
- Climate Zone: Warm, arid, semi-arid
3. Banksia serrata or Old Man Banksia
Banksia serrata is a small tree that can also be ideal for pots and containers. It will tolerate a wide range of climates and soils, which is why it is a good choice among natives. Its foliage is green and serrated with a silver backing. From summer through winter, it displays its unusually shaped tubular flowers.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; clay-based
- Watering: Water while actively growing; water during dry periods; mature plants tolerate drought
- Pruning: Low maintenance; deadhead; prune to shape; take care not to cut old wood
- Feeding: Not necessary; phosphorous-free native fertiliser
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical
4. Pycnosorus globosus or Billy Button
This Australian native plant is a popular cut flower because of its striking bright yellow flowers that grow from long stems. The Billy Button can grow as tall as 50 cm. It is also very popular as a dried flower.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; clay, loam, sandy loam, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Water while actively growing; water during dry periods; mature plants tolerate drought
- Pruning: Low maintenance; deadhead
- Feeding: Low phosphorous native fertiliser
- Climate: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid
5. Asplenium australasicum or Bird's Nest Fern
What is better than having pretty plants in the garden is having pretty plants that can also be eaten. The Bird's Nest Fern's leathery foliage is a popular vegetable in some parts of Asia. Upon maturity, the fronds of this fern can grow to as long as 2 metres.
- Position: Full sun to part shade; indoors
- Soil: Well-drained; moist
- Watering: Water well after planting for several weeks until established, then water deeply once a week, and twice depending on the weather.
- Pruning: Deadhead from base
- Feeding: Slow-release, low phosphorous native fertiliser in spring and autumn
- Climate Zone: Arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
6. Myoporum parvifolium or Creeping Boobialla
The Creeping Boobialla is a hardy, weed-suppressing ground cover with fleshy green foliage. It blooms dainty white flowers in summer and is ideal for places that are hard to plant out. Another notable advantage of the Myoporum parvifolium that makes it one of the best Australian native plants is that it is classified as a fire-retardant plant.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; clay, loam, sand
- Watering: Water well after planting for several weeks until established; requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring; deadhead to encourage more blooms
- Feeding: Slow-release, low phosphorous native fertiliser in spring and autumn
- Climate Zone: Warm, temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean
7. Correa reflexa x C. backhousiana or Correa Mini Marion
The Correa Mini Marion is named as such because it is a dwarf form of the Marion's Marvel. Its green and pink or green and red tubular flowers bloom from March to September, are long-lasting, and attract many birds.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; dry or moist
- Watering: Water well after planting for several weeks until established; requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune after flowering if needed
- Feeding: Slow-release, low phosphorous native fertiliser once established
- Climate Zone: Warm temperate, temperate, cool temperate
8. Macrozamia or Cycads
Cycads may resemble palms or ferns, but they are actually related to conifers. The macrozamia bears seeds in its cones. They grow as either male or female, with the females producing a much larger seed cone. Their seeds are food for marsupials, fruit bats, and large birds.
- Position: Full sun for larger plants; part shade for smaller ones
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, not chalky soil
- Watering: Water well until established
- Pruning: Prune dead leaves in spring; prune insect-infested leaves; prune shed and dried cones
- Feeding: Slow-release, low phosphorous native fertiliser
- Climate Zone: Warm, temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean
9. Platycerium superbum or Staghorn Fern
This rainforest native from eastern Australia is one of the popular ones in the cultivation of Platycerium. Some may find the foliage a bit off-putting, resembling dishevelled or tangled antlers, but for others it adds an interesting addition to the greenery.
- Position: Light shade, occasional sun
- Soil: Can absorb nutrients from the air; minimal root system that can grow attached to a piece of wood or tree trunk.
- Watering: Regular watering
- Pruning: Prune damaged fertile fronds; leave shield leaves untouched even if damaged
- Feeding: Well-balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser in spring and summer; reduce fertilising in autumn and winter months
- Climate Zone: Warm, temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
10. Eremophila glabra or Tar Bush
The Tar Bush is beautiful as ground cover or even in a large container. Its bright tubular flowers contrast the silvery foliage, making it great for garden beds and for attracting birds.
- Position: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, clay loam, poor soil
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Low maintenance once established; don't prune hard every year, tip pruning is enough
- Feeding: Low phosphorous native fertiliser
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
11. Licuala ramsayi or Fan Palm
The majestic Fan Palm definitely belongs among the best Australian native plants. This slow-growing tree can reach as high as 15 metres. Its gigantic circular leaves have jagged edges, resembling a gargantuan fan. They can also make an excellent indoor plant when grown in containers.
- Position: Start in heavy shade; can handle full sun when fully grown
- Soil: Well-drained; fertile soil
- Watering: Keep well-watered, especially in warmer weather
- Pruning: Remove spent leaves; prune damaged or worn out fronds
- Feeding: Fertilise with slow-release complete liquid fertiliser
- Climate Zone: Temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
12. Citrus australasica or Finger Lime
The Finger Lime belongs to the Rutaceae family. Its cylindrical fruit is a culinary treat, with the insides resembling caviar and a distinct tangy flavour. The tree grows to about 5 metres high, blooms white or pale pink flowers, and the foliage has aromatic oil glands that give off a pleasant citrus scent.
- Position: Part shade; full sun to bear fruit
- Soil: Well-drained; fertile soil; loamy
- Watering: Water regularly; keep the soil moist during warmer weather
- Pruning: Protect hands with gloves because of the prickly thorns; remove dead wood and clear inside branches; do the heaviest pruning after harvest
- Feeding: No fertiliser required for maintenance
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical
13. Gastrolobium brachysema or Brown Butterfly
The Brown Butterfly deserves its place among the best Australian native plants with its natural bronze dark-brown foliage, resembling a cluster of the delicate creature from which its common name is derived. The pretty leaves are accented by bright red pea-like flowers that bloom in summer.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; fertile soil; loamy, sandy loam, clay loam
- Watering: Water regularly until established; requires little water once established
- Pruning: After a heavy flush of flowers, give a light trim
- Feeding: Needs less fertiliser than non-legumes
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical
14. Xanthorrhoea australis or Grass Tree
The slow-growing Grass Tree earned its place in this list because it is truly iconic. Its tufted foliage grows out of the blackened trunk, which is not actually a trunk but leftover leaf bases. Grass Trees also provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and small mammals.
- Position: Full sun to light shade
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam
- Watering: Do not overwater to prevent root rot; can withstand drought
- Pruning: To reduce plant stress, cut off flower stalks for the first two seasons; trim off a third to half of the dry or brown foliage to encourage new growth
- Feeding: Native fertiliser
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
15. Grevillea Carpet Layer
The Grevillea Carpet Layer is a low-growing evergreen with large, pink fragrant flowers that bloom from autumn through spring. It has long slender leaves and brush-like flowers. The Carpet Layer quickly establishes and fills large open spaces, and is another plant that attracts butterflies and birds.
- Position: Full sun to light shade
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loam
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Minimal; prune stem ends if needed
- Feeding: Low phosphorous
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, sub-tropical, mild tropical, Mediterranean
16. Eucalyptus or Gum Tree
The Eucalyptus is another popular Australian native. This tree is often associated with koalas, who feed mainly on its leaves. There are many species of eucalyptus, and the Gum Tree is one of its more popular varieties. These trees are rapid growers, reaching about 9 to 55 metres within the first ten years.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained; most kinds of soil
- Watering: Does not require much water once established; water regularly if grown in containers
- Pruning: Trim awkward, damaged, and unsteady branches to prevent injuries and accidents; trim lower branches after two seasons of growth.
- Feeding: Not recommended, unless in containers: use slow-release low phosphorous fertiliser
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
17. Doryanthes escelsia or Gymea Lily
Gymea Lilies are native perennials with a rosette of large numbers of sword-like foliage. Their deep red flowers bloom from long stems that can reach up to 6 metres in height. The flowers attract bees and birds in spring.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; chalky, loamy, sandy
- Watering: Keep well-watered, but can withstand some drought
- Pruning: Deadhead; remove dead stems and leaves in autumn
- Feeding: Slow-release low phosphorous fertiliser in spring
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
18. Hardenbergia violacea or Hardenbergia Sweetheart
The Hardenbergia Sweetheart is a vigorous climber that got its name from its glossy green heart-shaped leaves. This plant is used by many as an attractive screen, with its rich deep purple flowers. It is also sometimes used as a ground cover when planted in open areas.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; loamy, sandy loam, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune regularly after flowering to create a compact coverage
- Feeding: Well-balanced fertiliser
- Climate Zone: Cool temperate, warm temperate, sub-tropical, Mediterranean
19. Brachychiton acerifolius or Illawarra Flame Tree
This Australian native tree grows up to 30 metres and showcases red bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. It earned its name as the Flame Tree for how eye-catching and bright it looks, as if on fire when its flowers are in full bloom.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moist to dry; loamy or sandy
- Watering: Keep soil moist; will tolerate drought once established
- Pruning: Trim awkward, damaged, and unsteady branches to prevent injuries and accidents
- Feeding: Native, slow-release fertiliser in spring for lush new growth
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, sub-tropical, mild tropical, Mediterranean
20. Themeda australis or Kangaroo Grass
The Kangaroo Grass is a tufted native that is adaptable and very low maintenance. It is the most widespread among Australian native grasses. In addition to its aesthetic contribution to the landscape, the foliage is also edible when young.
- Position: Full sun or part shade
- Soil: Most soil types; sandy, clay, loamy, sandy loam, clay loam, saline, poor soil
- Watering: Will tolerate drought once established
- Pruning: Prune back to encourage new growth
- Feeding: Not recommended
- Climate Zone: Temperate, semi-arid
21. Anigozanthos x hybrid or Kangaroo Paw 'Bush Gold'
This medium-sized Kangaroo Paw attracts birds with its bright yellow flowers. Perfectly complementing the strappy green foliage are the long-lasting blooms that make beautiful cut flowers. This is one of the best Australian native plants because of its prolific flowering habit, making it a rewarding plant to have in the garden.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained; slightly acidic
- Watering: Medium water needs; requires little water once established
- Pruning: Heavily prune back, about a few centimetres from the ground, after each successful bloom
- Feeding: Native, slow-release, low phosphorous fertiliser in spring
- Climate Zone: Temperate, sub-tropical, mild tropical, Mediterranean, tropical
22. Leptospermum Aphrodite or Tea Tree
The Leptospermum Aphrodite is a low spreading shrub that grows fast. It blooms in spring, bringing pretty pink flowers that are ideal as cuttings. They are beautiful and hardy, growing densely, which makes them suitable as screens.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained to moderate drainage; moist; loamy, sandy loam, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Will tolerate drought once established
- Pruning: Trim as a hedge if used for that purpose, once it finishes flowering
- Feeding: Native, slow-release fertiliser in spring for lush new growth
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, sub-tropical, mild tropical, Mediterranean
23. Syzygium smithii or Lilly Pilly
The Lilly Pilly is among the best Australian native plants for more than one reason. In winter, this medium-sized tree grows colourful fruit, popular among Aboriginal Australians, which can be eaten raw or turned into jam. It is also classified as a fire-retardant plant.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained to moderate drainage; moist; clay, loam, sand
- Watering: Moderate supplementary watering
- Pruning: Trim as a hedge, windbreak, or topiary if used for that purpose, once it finishes flowering
- Feeding: Native, slow-release fertiliser in spring and autumn
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, sub-tropical, mild tropical, Mediterranean
24. Lomandra longifolia or Mat-rush
This native Australian grass is found across most of Australia. Like most grasses, the Mat-rush requires very little maintenance and is an exciting addition to the landscape with its tufted foliage and spiky cream-coloured flowers. Aboriginal Australians have long used the long strappy leaves of the Mat-rush to make hunting traps, nets, and baskets.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Tolerates most soil types; needs moisture while growing
- Watering: Tolerant of drought once established
- Pruning: Prune to the ground regularly to avoid build-up of dead foliage
- Feeding: Native, slow-release fertiliser after trimming
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, sub-tropical, mild tropical, Mediterranean
25. Philotheca myoporoides or Long-leaf Waxflower
The Long-leaf Waxflower features scented foliage and dainty flowers that bloom in spring. This adaptable shrub is ideal for borders and hedges.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained to moderate drainage; moist; sandy, loamy, sandy loam, clay loam, potting mix, poor soil
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Trim as a hedge, windbreak, or topiary if used for that purpose, once it finishes flowering
- Feeding: Native, slow-release fertiliser monthly; fertilise sparingly when dormant
- Climate Zone: Cool, warm temperate, cool temperate, sub-tropical, Mediterranean
26. Rhagodia spinescens or Creeping Salt Bush
The Creeping Salt Bush got its name from the salty young silvery-blue leaves that are harvested and cooked. Its fruit is also edible and sweet. This bush has intricately arranged and spiny branches that can grow as tall as 3 metres.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained to moderate drainage; moist; saline, sandy, loamy, sandy loam, clay loam, poor soil
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune to shape or for maintenance
- Feeding: Rarely; native, slow-release fertiliser
- Climate Zone: Cool, warm temperate, cool temperate, sub-tropical, Mediterranean, tropical
27. Scaevola aemula or Fairy Fan Flower
The Fairy Fan Flower is not yet popularly cultivated, but this perennial is very versatile and can be used either as an attractive ground cover or in containers. It has coarse hair on its stems and softer ones on its fan-shaped flowers that come in purple, mauve, or blue.
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained to moderate drainage; moist; acidic
- Watering: Moderate watering
- Pruning: Pinch back frequently while young to encourage bushiness; deadhead to encourage more blooms
- Feeding: High nitrogen, low phosphorous for acid-loving plants; chelated iron mixture if the leaves turn pale
- Climate Zone: Temperate, sub-tropical, mild tropical, Mediterranean, tropical
28. Eremophila maculata or Spotted Emu Bush
The Spotted Emu Bush is one of the best Australian native plants for its beauty and resilience. This low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plant has spotted tubular flowers that occur on the leaf axils. There are different varieties of the Eremophila maculata, and they can produce flowers in red, pink, mauve, orange, or yellow.
- Position: Full sun is preferred, to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained to moderate drainage; moist; clay, loam, sand; alkaline to mildly acidic
- Watering: Minimal supplementary watering
- Pruning: Prune annually after flowering in late spring
- Feeding: Extra phosphorous during the first growing season
- Climate Zone: Cool, temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
29. Poa labillardierei or Common Tussock Grass
The Common Tussock Grass is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. It is very attractive and highly ornamental without too much work. Aboriginal Australians have used the tufted blue-green or greyish-green foliage of this hardy plant as a source of fibre for making bags, nets, mats, and baskets.
- Position: Full sun is preferred, to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained to moderate drainage; moist; heavy clay, clay loam, sandy clay loam
- Watering: Give a half bucket of water after planting; very low maintenance and irrigation once established
- Pruning: Prune down to one-third of the height in late summer or autumn
- Feeding: Native, slow-release fertiliser once a year
- Climate Zone: Cool, warm temperate, cool temperate, sub-tropical, Mediterranean
30. Schefflera actinophylla or Umbrella Tree
The Umbrella Tree is named for its umbrella-like canopy near the top. It can grow to 10 metres or more, but it can also be grown indoors. This is easy to care for, just like most Australian native plants. However, it is poisonous to people and animals when ingested, so it is best kept away from small children and pets.
- Position: Full sun to full shade
- Soil: Rich and moist; slightly alkaline to acidic
- Watering: Regular watering; water when the soil dries
- Pruning: Regular pruning
- Feeding: Native, slow-release fertiliser once a year
- Climate Zone: Warm temperate, sub-tropical, Mediterranean, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, tropical
When establishing young native plants, tree guards protect new growth from wind, grazing animals, and accidental damage while your plants get their roots down. Browse our full range of plant and tree ties to support climbers and young specimens as they establish.
