Best Native Plants for Small Gardens in Australia
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Creating a beautiful and thriving garden in a small space is entirely possible, especially when you choose Australian native plants. Natives are perfectly adapted to our climate, require less water and maintenance than many exotics, and provide habitat for local wildlife. This guide highlights some of the best native plants for small gardens across Australia, offering a variety of colours, textures, and forms.
Why Choose Native Plants?
- Drought-Tolerant: Many natives are incredibly drought-tolerant, saving water and surviving dry spells.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, they generally require less pruning, fertilizing, and watering than exotic plants.
- Support Local Wildlife: Native plants provide food and shelter for native birds, insects, and other animals.
- Beautiful and Diverse: Australian natives offer an incredible range of colours, textures, and forms to suit any garden style.
Top Native Plants for Small Gardens
Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’
A fantastic groundcover grevillea with vibrant red toothbrush flowers that attract birds. It’s fast-growing, spreading to 2-4 meters wide but only reaching about 30cm in height. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Great for suppressing weeds.
Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary)
A tough, versatile shrub with grey-green foliage and small white or mauve flowers. It can be clipped into a neat hedge or left to grow naturally. Tolerates coastal conditions, drought, and frost. Grows to about 1-1.5 meters tall and wide.
Correa alba (White Correa)
A compact shrub with grey-green leaves and white, bell-shaped flowers in winter and spring. Attracts nectar-feeding birds. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. Grows to about 1 meter tall and wide. Good for coastal gardens.
Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’
A dwarf Banksia cultivar, perfect for small gardens and pots. It produces large, golden-yellow flower spikes in autumn and winter. Attracts birds and insects. Prefers well-drained, sandy soil and full sun. Grows to about 50cm tall and wide.
Brachyscome multifida (Cut-leaf Daisy)
A delightful, low-growing perennial with masses of small, daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. Flowers for most of the year. Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Grows to about 30cm tall and wide. Great for borders and rockeries.
Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush)
A very hardy, clumping grass with strap-like leaves. It’s incredibly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Provides excellent texture and contrast in the garden. Tolerates a wide range of conditions, including full sun to shade. Grows to about 1 meter tall and wide. Different cultivars offer varying foliage colours.
Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’
A beautiful, weeping form of wattle with soft, lime-green foliage. It’s a great feature plant for small gardens. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. Grows to about 1-1.5 meters tall and wide.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Location
Australia has a diverse range of climates, so it’s crucial to choose plants that are suited to your specific region. Consider:
- Climate Zone: Are you in a tropical, temperate, arid, or cool climate?
- Sunlight: How much sun does your garden receive? (Full sun, part shade, full shade)
- Soil Type: Is your soil sandy, clay, or loamy? Is it well-drained or does it retain moisture?
- Rainfall: How much rainfall does your area receive?
Visit your local nursery or garden centre for advice on the best native plants for your specific conditions. They can provide expert guidance based on your local climate and soil type. For Adelaide residents, a great place to buy native plants is State Flora located in the Belair National Park. You can find them here.
