Drought Busting Australian Native Plants

NELSON SCOTT | AUSTRALIAN-NATIVE-PLANTS.COM 2

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Copyright © Nelson Scott 2009 Title: Drought Busting Australian Native Plants

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First Release April 2009 Melbourne, Australia

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Contents

Introduction

Section 1: Accent plants

................................................. 4

Cordyline stricta ............................................. 9

Doryanthes excelsa ...................................... 10

Telopea speciosissima .................................. 11

Xanthorrhoea australis ................................ 12

Section 2: Climbers

Hardenbergia violacea ................................. 14

Hibbertia scandens ...................................... 15

Muehlenbeckia adpressa ............................. 16

Pandorea Jasminoides ................................. 17

Pandorea pandorana ................................... 18

Scaevola aemula .......................................... 19

Section 3: Grasses & Ground Cover

Lomandra confertifolia ................................ 21

Lomandra longifolia ..................................... 22

Poa labillardieri ............................................ 23

Restio tetraphyllus ....................................... 24

Stipa ramosissima ........................................ 25

Section 4: Shrubs & Hedges

Alyogyne huegelii ......................................... 27

Banksia coccinea .......................................... 28

Banksia ericifolia .......................................... 29

Bauera rubioides .......................................... 30

Callistemon .................................................. 31

Chamelaucium uncinatum ........................... 32

Chrysocephalum apiculatum ....................... 33

Darwinia meeboldii ...................................... 34

Grevillea eriostachya .................................... 35

Lysiosepalum involucratum ......................... 36

Olearia phlogopappa .................................... 37

Pomaderris elliptica ..................................... 38

Prostanthera ovalifolia ................................ 39

Agonis flexuosa 'Nana' ................................. 40

Section 5: Perennials

Actinotus helianthi ....................................... 42

Anigozanthos flavidus .................................. 43

Lechenaultia biloba ...................................... 44

Swainsona galegifolia ................................... 45

Thysanotus multiflorus ................................ 46

Section 6: Trees

Banksia integrifolia ...................................... 48

Ceratopetalum gummiferum ....................... 49

Elaeocarpus Reticulatus ............................... 50

Eucalyptus Leucoxylon ................................. 51

Eucalyptus caesia ......................................... 52

Eucalyptus erythrocorys .............................. 53

Hymenosporum Flavum ............................... 54

Your feedback about this book .................... 55


Introduction The origins of this book… In June 2007 I bought a house in a quiet suburb in Melbourne. The house needed work, but was on a relatively large block. The backyard was a jungle of milk thistles and blackberry bushes.

Though the house had fallen into disrepair, I could tell just by looking at it the previous owner had created it with a grand vision in mind. Underneath the weeds I could see the edges of paving that would make a perfect border for a garden. Beneath the jagged edges of a collapsing fence the yellow flowers of Kangaroo Paw fought for the light.

I could see with a bit of love and care I could restore it, make it into something truly special.

But where was I to start?

This situation I imagine is common to many gardeners, especially those just beginning this passion.

Even at the time I was aware of some of the concerns for the ‘state of gardens’ in Australia – the push to import non-native plants, worries about water restrictions, emerging threats of worse climate change – and I knew if I was to rework this garden, I’d have to do it in a different way.

That’s when I began my research.

I found lots of plants on the web. I quickly discovered the wonder of Australian Native Plants. But there were so many to choose from. And it seemed there was no single consistent source of information. Sure, there were lots of websites. And many of these websites gave me thousands of options. What I really wanted though was a grouping of fifty or so plants that were very drought tolerant, would be easy to establish and would help me create a beautiful garden. It struck me that if I was having difficulty finding this information, so too were many others!

So as I continued to research, I kept a document of what I found. And as I researched, I visited nurseries and looked online. I went to Sunday markets where I found plants half or one third of the price of anywhere else. I began buying and putting plants into my garden and watched them grow. What’s more, I compared how much care the non-natives needed compared to the natives and discovered how well native plants cope with the dry, Australian heat.

It’s an enjoyable thing, to watch a garden grow. I’m still watching it grow today. Now my vision for this book is to help others to learn and play with the secrets of drought busting gardens.

I hope you enjoy it.


Who this book is for

This book is for gardeners at all levels.

Gardeners just beginning will find this book useful as an introduction to native plants. It contains a good number of plants, but not too many to become overwhelming. That’s the first thing I realised when researching plants…that it’s very easy to be overwhelmed by choices in this area! A good gardener friend of mine said “knowing which plant to choose can be like trying to drink through a fire-hose”. You won’t have that problem with this book, because this is a short-list of fantastic plants for your garden.

Experienced gardeners may also enjoy the additional detail this book gives to specific plants. Many Australian Natives are spoken about in different terms on websites and in books. This simple eBook applies a consistent ‘information framework’ to plants, so they can be quickly looked at for their benefits and uses.

Outside of novice and expert gardeners, which we may all be at varying degrees, I wrote this guide especially for people with these interests:

• Home owners • Home renovators • Developers • Landscapers • Mothers and fathers • Children (kids love gardening!)

How this book is structured

The best way to plan a garden is to think about the different use of spaces in it. You may have some areas where you would like to have a near, nice kept border to paving. A thick row of native grass could make a perfect border there. You might have another area at the corner of your property which would make a perfect spot for a tree.

To help you consider the area of your garden, this book has the following sections:

• Ground covers • Shrubs • Trees • Grasses • Perennials

At selection of plants are covered in each section. There’s enough variety to create a beautiful and unique garden, but not so much choice to it will become too hard to choose.


When I was research this book, I surveyed a hundred people - including friends but also people I’d never met before - to find out information would be most useful to them when they were considering plants for their gardens. Their answers to these questions gave the key questions asked of every plant in this eBook, which are:

• What are the plants characteristics? • What are its drought busting properties? • To which cultures is the plant suited? • What are the plants best uses and features?

As well as this information, on occasion this eBook also looks at factors like whether the plants attracts fauna like birds and butterflies.

How to use this book

There lots of ways to use this book. As well as being a handy guide to the properties of drought busting plants, it’s a great reference tool that you can use to review and change your garden. Here are a few ways you may find this book useful….

When reviewing

• Name unknown plants: Say there’s a plant in your garden right now, but you’re just not sure what it’s called. You could use this book as a way to name some of the plants you already have in your garden.

your garden

• Understand your plants: if you find a plant in your garden that is also in this book, you could use this book to help you understand the properties of that plant. This can help us see if we have a plant that might be more suitable in another area of the garden (ie. If its in shade, perhaps it would be more suited in full sun), so that it can grow to its full potential.

When changing

• Finding Alternatives: if there’s an area of your garden that needs a great deal of water or gets a lot of full-sun, you could use this book to plant alternative plants for that area. I have a friend that had several rose plants just outside his window, in a place that received full sun for most of the day. He grew sick of watering the roses every night, but thought he’d miss them if they weren’t there. I convinced him to uproot the roses and move it to a shadier spot in the front of the garden, so he would see the rose each time he came home in the evening. In its place, he planted a Anigozanthos flavidus (Kangaroo

your garden


Paw), and now he enjoys looking at its yellow flowers for most of the year.

• Find new ideas: Say you have a specific area of your garden that needs something new, like the edge of paving area, use the categories in this book to research your options. In this case, you could go to ‘Shrubs’ or ‘Grasses and ground covers’ to see if any specific plants might be suited to your space

When planning

• Begin with the plants: Browse this book and pick 2 to 3 plants from each category (ie. Trees, Shrubs, etc) that you like and suit your style. Then, try to see how these plants could go together to make up your garden.

your garden

This book is highly relevant to planning your garden. In fact, most people use this book for this express purpose. Planning your garden is a very creative activity. Here are some suggestions how this book can help you:

• Begin with the spaces: Research the spaces you have in your garden and break them into areas (eg. front yard lawn, front yard landscaping area, side of house, back yard near clothes line, paving area for entertaining). Then, answer these questions about each area: o How much sun does the area receive? o What soil conditions (eg. sandy, well drained) are present in each area? o Is the area likely to receive rain run off (ie. from roof, or pavement)? o How much horizontal (ie. the actual land area) and vertical space (ie. obstructions

of roofing or other) is available in each area? o What effect are you after from this area (ie. bright splashes of colour vs colours to

match the brickwork)?

Based on your responses to these questions, work through the plants available in this book and see which ones may be suited to these locations.


Section 1 Accent Plants


Cordyline stricta Narrow-leaved palm lily

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Accent Plants Growth Height: 2-5 m Growth Spread: 1-2 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Long strap-like leaves from trunks with small white to purple flowers. Flowers: Flowers are small white to purple in clusters. Leaves: Leaves are deep glossy green. Linear and 30-50 cm long. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Hardy to 26°F. Exposure: Semi shade, morning sun.

CULTURE: Soil: Moist soils. Propagation: Propagation is from seeds. Plants can also be grown from stem cuttings, suckers and rhizome division. Plant Spacing: 1.2-1.8 m. Growing Speed: Moderate. Pests/Diseases: Scale insect, mealy bugs and bud grubs.

USES & FEATURES: Use: It is an amazingly versatile plant, to create tropical effect. In brief: Plant is very adaptable and can be grown as an understrorey plant. Best Features: When small plant makes excellent container plant and can be kept indoors . Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: .Goes well with Native Ginger and Palms. Varieties/Related Species: C. fruticosa · C. 'Autumn' · C. 'Button Black' · C. 'Dark Star' · C. 'Emerald Isle'.

DROUGHT-BUSTING AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS SECTION 1:ACCENT PLANTS


Doryanthes excelsa Gymea lily

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Accent Plants Growth Height: 4.7-6 m Growth Spread: 1.5 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Interesting foliage plant which forms a large clump with numerous leaves. Flowers: Red trumpet like flowers are borne in a compact terminal head, originating from the centre of the plant. This flower may reach 3 to 5 m high. Leaves: Sword like fibrous leaves. Primary Colours: Green, red.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Sun or partial shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained deep soil. Propagation: Propagation is by division of established plants/rhizones, bubers or from seed. Plant Spacing: Growing Speed: Slow growing and takes years to flower. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases, though flower heads may be damaged by birds feeding on its nectar.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Attracts birds seeking nectar with flower heads. Attractive to bees/butterflies. In brief: Effective as features and mass plantings, Best Features: Suitable for large rockeries and gardens, ideally on an elevated patio. Disadvantages: Not suitable for small gardens. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Varieties/Related Species: D. excelsa (Gymaea Lily) · D. guilfoylei · D. larkini · D. larkinii · D. palmeri (Palmer Spear-Lily.



Telopea speciosissima Waratah shrub

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Accent Plants Growth Height: 3 m to 4 m Growth Spread: 2 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Evergreen shrub with showy flowers that produce nectar. Flowers: Flower heads with dense cluster of bright red flowers surrounded by red bracts. Leaves: Leaves are stiff and leathery with toothed margins. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Sun or light shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Sandy, loamy, clay and well-drained soil. Propagation: Propagation is by seeds. Plant Spacing: 1.5 m. Growing Speed: Generally slow growing; flowers after two to three years.. Pests/Diseases: Seedlings are susceptible to damping off.

USES & FEATURES: Use: As plant flowers polifically in tight clusters of vibrant red, the plant puts on a good native show, accentuating any garden. Best Features: The flowers create a good displaty for many garden; nectar of flowers attract birds; tolerates sunny spots. Disadvantages: Difficult to cultivate under normal garden conditions. Plants will not thrive in heavily shaded areas or in capopy of large trees. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: . Varieties/Related Species: Tolepea aspera, Tolepea mongaensis, Tolepea oreades and Tolepea truncate..


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Xanthorrhoea australis Australian grass tree

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Accent Plants Growth Height: 3 m Growth Spread: 1 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Develops a rough and sometimes branched trunk that is black and can grow to several metres tall. The trunk itself can take 30 years to appear. The long, narrow leaves. Flowers: Flowers appear on a spike and are white or cream and very small. Leaves: Leaves are bluish-green. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Low. Exposure: Sun.

CULTURE: Soil: Well-drained soil. Propagation: Propagation is by seeds, but is often difficult. A preferred option would be to purchase matured plants. Plant Spacing: 1.8-2.4 m. Growing Speed: Slow growing; it’s growth rate is only about 1 metre every 100 years. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds (Australian honeyeaters). In brief: Drought resistant, suitable for xeriscaping. Best Features: Suitable for planters, this is a great accept plant when mature. Disadvantages: Very slow growing-takes 30 years for leaf tuft to rise above trunk. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Grows well with other natives and a wide range of exotics. Varieties/Related Species: X. acanthostachya · X. acaulis · X. arborea · X. arenaria · X. australis (Austral Grass-Tree).



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Section 2 Climbers


Hardenbergia violacea False sarsparilla (aka. Purple Coral Pea)

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Climbers Growth Height: 1.8-2.4 m Growth Spread: 1 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: The twining or shrubbery vines have spikes of small pea shaped flowers. Flowers: Flowers are 'pea' shaped and purple. Leaves: Leaves are dark green and leathery. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: 20-25 degrees F. Exposure: Full sun to semi shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Clay or sedimantary to loamy soils, slightly acidic. Propagation: Propagation is from softwood cuttings. Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to Spider mites.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Plant is moderately vigorous, does not cause damage to other plants. In brief: Generally hardy and adaptable to most soils. Useful to hide a fence or structure in the garden with its mass flowers. For compact growth, prune regularly. Best Features: Much less aggressive than Happy Wanderer and similar varieties. Good to use as undercover, hedge, pot or container, fast growing and fire retardant. With vibrant purple flowers puts on a good show for fence or wall. Disadvantages: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Hardenbergia comptonia. Varieties/Related Species: H. 'Aspiration' · H. 'Free 'n' Easy' · H. alba · H. bimaculata · H. bimaculata var. trifoliata.

DROUGHT-BUSTING AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS SECTION 2:CLIMBERS

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Hibbertia scandens Guinea flower

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Climbers Growth Height: 0.5 m Growth Spread: 60 cm

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Smalll rounded shrub with compact growth and blunt leaves. Flowers: Flowers are bright yellow and large. Leaves: Leaves are green and covered with minute hairs. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Sun to Partial shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained sandy/gravelly soils. Propagation: Propagation is from cuttings. Plant Spacing: Tendrils of the plant will grow a couple of feet per month, so trim back to keep under control. It's best to keep some space between this and neighbouring plants, so the Hiberia scandens does not swallow neighbouring plants. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases. Where damaged by pests, leaves grow back quickly.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Brightens any garden with large clear yellow flowers and showy. In brief: Excellent ornamental for containers and rockeries. Best Features: Suitable as garden plant because of the profusion of flowers. It's bright yellow flowers appear most of the year. Flowers and red fruits will attract birds to the garden. It is suitable as a hardy climber or ground cover. Disadvantages: Depending on the gardener's perspective, flowers often attract many native insects, moths, butterflies, wasps and bees. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Heuchera ‘Pewter Veil’. Varieties/Related Species: E. abbottii · E. abelii · E. abietina · E. abietina petraea · E. abietina subsp. Atrorosea.



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Muehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing lignum

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Climbers Growth Height: 2 m Growth Spread:

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Prostrate or twining low shrub with slender stems. Flowers: Flowers are pale yellow. Leaves: Green foliage. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Sun or Semi shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Light, sandy, loamy, clayey well drained soils. Propagation: Propagation is from seed or cuttings. Plant Spacing: 90-120 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use:Plant is useful for fence or enbankment cover in coastal situations because of its rapid growth and hardiness. In brief: The climbing plant supports itself by twining around other plants. Best Features: It is a vigorous climber or ground cover. . Disadvantages: . Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a Varieties/Related Species: M. adpressa · M. adpressa var. adpressa · M. adpressa var. flexuosa · M. adpressa var. hastifolia · M. adpressa var. rotundifolia.



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Pandorea Jasminoides Bower of Beauty

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Climbers Growth Height: 1.2-1.8 m Growth Spread: Depends on supporting structure

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Busy, twining vine with woody stems and evergreen leaves. Flowers: Fragrant pink to red tubular flowers in clusters. Leaves: Leaves are green with lance shaped cream coloured leaflets. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Full sun.

CULTURE: Soil: Moist, fertile and well drained soil. Propagation: Propagation is by layering and cuttings. Plant Spacing: 60-90 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Plant is susceptible to nematodes in light sandy soils.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Graceful form, attractive foliage and rapid growth makes it perfect for covering arbors, trellises. Cut back after flowering to retain shape. In brief: Bird attracting, suitable for hedge, fast growing and suitable for pots or containers. Best Features: Perfect for archways, this densely group climber makes a striking feature with the pink trumpet flowers and dark green attractive leaves. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Varieties/Related Species: P. 'Pink Supreme' (Bower Vine) · P. acutifolia · P. amboinensis · P. australis · P. australis australis.



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Pandorea pandorana Snow bells, Wonga Wonga Vine

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Climbers Growth Height: 10 m Growth Spread: 5 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Vigorous twining plant with tubular creamy white flowers. Flowers: Flowers are tubular. Leaves: Leaves are dark green with leaflets. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Full sun or light shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Clay or sedimantary to loamy soils. Propagation: Propagation from cuttings. Plant Spacing: . Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Fast and easy growing climber, useful to create an attractive coverage in the garden. In brief: Bird attracting, suitable for hedges and coastal areas. Best Features: Very aggressive climber and produces a prolific amount of flowers, which can vary from yellow, off-wihte, cream and pink. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: P. 'Pink Supreme' (Bower Vine) · P. acutifolia · P. amboinensis · P. australis · P. australis australis.



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Scaevola aemula Fan flower

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Climbers Growth Height: 0.6 m Growth Spread: 3-4 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Evergreen herbaceous perennial with thick leaves and sprwaling stems. Flowers: Flowers are blue-violet and long lasting. Leaves: Leaves are thick and coarsely toothed. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Low to Medium. Exposure: Sun to Partial shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained and sandy soils. Propagation: Propagation is from freshly sown seeds or semi-ripe stem cuttings. Plant Spacing: 60-90 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Exciting selection for hanging baskets or window boxes. Flowers have a beautiful fan shape with colour of mauve or purple. In brief: Tolerant to salt sprays and make excellent groundcover in seaside gardens, attracts birds. Best Features: Suitable as bedding plants or sprawling over a wall. It's rapid growth rate and profuse flowering make it an attractive addition to gardens. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: S. 'Angela Ratcliffe' · S. 'Blue Jade' · S. 'Blue Laguna' · S. 'Brillant' · S. 'Burgundi Gemini'.



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Section 3 Grasses & Ground Cover


Lomandra confertifolia Little con

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Grasses and Ground Cover Growth Height: 50 cm Growth Spread: 70 cm

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: It has a weeping habit, purplish foliage and the flower scent is very pleasant. Flowers: Small, hidden cream to yellow flower spikes. Leaves: Foliage is gray green. Primary Colours: Gray-green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High once established. Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained and fairly poor soil. Propagation: Propagation from seed or by division. Plant Spacing: .30 - 46cm Growing Speed: 20 cm in 12 months. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Border plant in a native garden. For large scale grass like effect, mass planting is also suitable. In brief: A fine plant for paving borders or to add a splash of compact, green foliage to any garden. Best Features: The plant is great in a planter or large pot where foliage can arch over to hide an edge. It is tolerant of extreme conditions and low maintenance. Useful in gardens with small spaces. Sparrows and gold finches feed on seedheads, so is well liked by bird. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Pink or bronze flaxes or with purple-red coloured shrubs like Loropetalum 'China Pink' or Grevilliea 'Bronze Rambler'. Varieties/Related Species: L. augustifolia, L. banksii, L. bracteata, L. brevis, L. brittanii, L. brownie, L. caespitosa, L. collina, L. cylindrica.

DROUGHT-BUSTING AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS SECTION 3:GRASSES AND GROUND COVER


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Lomandra longifolia Mat rush (aka Basket Grass)

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Grasses and Ground Cover Growth Height: 1 m Growth Spread: 1 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Popular plant as accent in gardens and clusters of cream coloured flowers with strong scent. Flowers: Flowers are scented and cream-coloured. Leaves: Leaves are rush-like and glossy green, firm, shiny and flat. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Will tolerate temps -7°c. Exposure: Full sun to light shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Clay or sedimantary to loamy soils. It will grow in a wide range of soils, with no specific PH requirement. Mositure soil is required for plant growth, but it wil lnot die out without watering. Propagation: Propagation is from seed or clump division. Plant Spacing: 90-120 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Extremely versatile, hardy and tough to most conditions. In brief: Good in containers and for stabilizing river banks and streams. Best Features: Ornamental and good for borders along driveways and floral arrangements. Drought resistant and suitable for xeriscaping. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with:Lillipillies and palms. Varieties/Related Species: L. 'Little Con' · L. 'Little Pal' · L. 'Peak Alone Limeglow' · L. angustifolia · L. banksii.



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Poa labillardieri Large tussock grass

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Grasses and Ground Cover Growth Height: 80 cm Growth Spread: 80 cm

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Large attractive grass with grey-green leaves. Flowers: Plume like flower heads cream or tan coloured. Leaves: Leaves are gray-green upto 80 cm high. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Full sun to light shade. Prefers full sun for growth.

CULTURE: Soil: Clay or sedimantary to loamy soils. Propagation: Propagation is from seeds. Plant Spacing: 18-24". Growing Speed:Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Plume like flowers attracts birds and butterflies. In brief: Suitable for use along borders, in pond gardens. Keep in mind its substantial size, which may make it not suitable for smaller gardens. Best Features: Poa labillardieri is hardy, tolerates wide conditions and is easy to cultivate and maintain. It's an attractive addition to architectural and native gardens. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Grows well under Eucalyptus. Varieties/Related Species: P. 'Colensis' · P. 'Variegata' · P. abbreviata (Northern Bluegrass) · P. abbreviata f. arenaria · P. abietina.



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Restio tetraphyllus Creeping rush, Tassle cord rush

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Grasses and Ground Cover Growth Height: 1.5 m Growth Spread: 1.2 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Bright green stems forming clumps with plume like branches. The stems are much branched, giving a feathery appearance. Flowers: Flowers are cream in colour. Leaves: Foliage is bright green and fluffy . Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Medium. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Sun or full shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Heavy, clay or sandy soil. Propagation: Propagation is by division of clumps. Plant Spacing: 1.2-1.8 m. Growing Speed: Slow. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Bird attracting , attracts butterflies. In brief: Suitable and useful for poolside planting, in containers or clumping border plant. Best Features: Tolerates coastal climate and water. Can also be grown indoors, in containers and as a rockery plant. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: B. australe · B. dichotomum · B. fimbriatum · B. gracile · B. longipes ·



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Stipa ramosissima Bamboo spear grass, Pillar of smoke

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Grasses and Ground Cover Growth Height: 1.8 m-2.2 m Growth Spread: 1 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Evergreen grass with columnar growth habit and showy flowers. Flowers: Cream coloured flowers later fade to gray. Leaves: Foliage is green. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. However, though not necessary to keep it healthy, to look its brightest will love summer watering. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Full sun.

CULTURE: Soil: Heavy, rocky and sandy soils. Propagation: Propagation is by division or seed. Seed propagation is easier. Plant Spacing: 60-90 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Whether used as a single specimen or planted in groups, the pillar of smoke is an eye-catching accent. It's suitable for pots or tubes, or as a tall accept plant in the back of a border. Flower arranges will like its long, sturdy stems. In brief: It's an 'eye-catcher' in any garden. Best Features: Heat, drought and wind tolerance compliment gardens well. It's suitable for coastal properties. Disadvantages: Sharp seed fibres can lodge in dogs' ears or eyes. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: S. Academica, S. acrociliata, S. acuta, S. adoxa, S. agrostis, S. airoides, S. akseirica, S. aktauensis.



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Section 4 Shrubs & Hedges


Alyogyne huegelii Lilac Hibiscus

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Shrubs & Hedges Growth Height: 1.8-2.4 m Growth Spread: 2.4 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: An evergreen shrub with large blue flowers. Flowers: Flowers are cream or mauve or lilac. Leaves: Green leaves with solitary leaf axils. Primary Colours: Green.


CULTURE: Soil: Sandy and Well drained. Propagation: Propagation is from seed or cuttings. Plant Spacing: 1.2-1.8 m. Growing Speed: Moderate. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Small, deeply cut foliage, compactness and shrubby nature makes it excellent in containers. In brief: Large mauve-purple flowers throughout growing season, good for borders, entryways or hedges. Best Features: Border plant, Attractive bark, drought tolerant, showy flowers,summer and winter flowering and deer resistant, has habitat value for birds. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Lantana camara 'Rainbow', Mandevilla laxa, Gardenia jasminoides 'White Gem'. Varieties/Related Species: A. angulata · A. cravenii · A. cuneiformis · A. hakeifolia (Australian Hibiscus) · A. hakeifolia 'Elle Maree' · A. hakeifolia 'Melissa Anne' · A. huegelii (Blue Hibiscus) · A. huegelii 'Lavender Lass' · A. huegelii 'Mood Indigo' (Blue Hibiscus) ·

DROUGHT-BUSTING AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS SECTION 4:SHRUBS & HEDGES


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Banksia coccinea Scarlet banksia

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Shrubs & Hedges Growth Height: 4 m Growth Spread: 1.5 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: A shrub with broad leaves and conspicious bright red/orange flowers. Flowers: Conspicious flowers in bright orange/red in colour. Leaves: Leaves are broad with toothed margins. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Sun.

CULTURE: Soil: Sandy and Well drained. Propagation: Propagation is from seeds. Plant Spacing: 1.8-2.4 m. Growing Speed: Moderate. Pests/Diseases: Readily succumbs to root rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Drought tolerant and flowers are good for cutting. In brief: Plant has unusual leaves and can withstand severe winter weather. Best Features: The scarlet flowers make the plant very attractive to gardeners and flowers attract butterflies. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: No sub-species recognised.



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Banksia ericifolia Heath banksia

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Shrubs & Hedges Growth Height: 2.1 m Growth Spread: 1.2 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: A very vigorous growing plant, free brancing and with deep green foliage. Orange to deep red long flower spikes. Flowers: 10" long flower spikes from orange to deep red colour. Leaves: Deep green foliage. Primary Colours: Green.


CULTURE: Soil: Dry and acidic soil. Propagation: Propagation is from seeds. Plant Spacing: 1-2.5 m. Growing Speed: Moderate. Pests/Diseases: Few pests and diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Deep green foliage with large flower spikes and a vigorous grower. In brief: Excellent as a dense hedge and as a wind break. Best Features: Easily cultivated, low water and fertilizer, low maintenance makes it a good option. The flower heads produce large volumes of nectar attracting many birds and small mammals. Disadvantages: None noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: B. ericifolia subsp. Macrantha, B. praemorsa..



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Bauera rubioides River Rose


CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Dainty fresh appearance of the plant in all seasons.Flower colours range from pure white through delicate pinks to purple and shaded colours. Hairy stems and young leaves. Flowers: The flowers are delicate shallow cups up to 2 cm across on 25 mm long stems. Leaves: The leaves are found in horizontal whorls, widely spaced and shine in the sun. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Sun or light shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Lime-free light soils are suitable and coarse sand or old compost must be added to soil which is heavy or compacted. Propagation: Propagation is from cuttings. Plant Spacing: n/a. Growing Speed: Growth rate in light soil and the open position is about 1 m high and 3 m across in eight years. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Attractive shrub with attractive foliage and eye catching flowers. In brief: Suitable for rockery, pot or container. Best Features: Fast growing, dense scrambling shrub with long flowering period. Tolerant to periods of waterloging. Attracts birds and suitable for sandstone slopes and gullies, also suitable around swimming pools. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: B. sessiliflor, B. capitata.



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Callistemon Reeve's Pink

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Shrubs & Hedges Growth Height: 3-3.6 m Growth Spread: 2-4 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: They are excellent garden plants with spectacular flowers and are attractive to nectar-feedigs birds nad insects. Flowers: Attractive pink flowers. Leaves: Leaves are often covered with fine,soft hairs. Primary Colours: Green.


CULTURE: Soil: Variety of soils except alkaline. Propagation: Propagation is from cuttings. Plant Spacing: 1.8-2.4 m. Growing Speed: Slow growing and larger species can grow upto 15 m. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Used as food plants by the larvae of hepialid moths. In brief: Drought resistant, suitable for xeriscaping and attracts bees, butterflies and birds. Best Features: Suitable as quick wall cover, nice screeen or tall unclipped hedge. Disadvantages: Spiked ends of leaves can cause skin scratches when brushed past. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Grows well with Stylidium debile. Varieties/Related Species: C.salignus, C.polandii, C.viminalis.



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Chamelaucium uncinatum Geraldton wax


CHARACTERISTICS: Form: The wax flower is an evergreen profusively grown for the cut flowers and an attractive container plant. Flowers: Flower colours from white through purple/red. Leaves: Leaves are narrow and highly aromatic when crushed . Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Sun or semi-shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained sandy soil. Propagation: Propagation is from cuttings. Plant Spacing: 1.2-1.8 m. Growing Speed: Moderate. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: The flowering stems are sought as fillers for providing backing for roses, carnations and kangaroo paw. In brief: Suitable for growing in containers. Best Features: Attractive container plant with small, star-like long lasting cut flowers. Disadvantages: Plant prefers alkaline soil and an excellent shrub for garden. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Plant has a tendency to fall over and may need support. Varieties/Related Species: C.megalopetalum, C.uncinatum.



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Chrysocephalum apiculatum Yellow buttons


CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Attractive foliage and flowers in the same plant. Flowers: Flowers are orange and no deadheading necessary. Leaves: Silver green foliage. Primary Colours: Silvery.


CULTURE: Soil: Sandy. Propagation: Propagation is from cuttings. Plant Spacing: 30-45 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Pests are chiefly caterpillars.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Plant used for landscaping and good groudn cover. In brief: Suitable for container and hanging basket plants. Attractive foliage and flowers in one plant makes it innovative. Best Features: Heat and salt tolerant so good for coastal areas. Stems confrom to ground contours and drape over walls and kerbs. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Coleus Royal Glissade, Intensia Phlox, Superbells Calibrachoa. Varieties/Related Species: C. 'Midget' · C. adpressum · C. ambiguum · C. apiculatum (Common Everlasting) · C. apiculatum 'Baby Gold' (Everlasting) · C. baxteri.



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Darwinia meeboldii Cranbrook bell

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Shrubs & Hedges Growth Height: 2-3 m Growth Spread: 1 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Small upright shrub with fine dark foliage and tipped with pendant green, white and red bell shaped flowers. Flowers: Flower is a cluster of small flowers enclosed wihtin a "bell". Leaves: Leaves are linear and oblong. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Full sun to light shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Requires good drainage and sandy to loamy soil. Propagation: Propagation is from cuttings. Plant Spacing: 1.2-1.6 m. Growing Speed: n/a. Pests/Diseases: Fungal problems and insect damage to buds.

USES & FEATURES: Use: The plant is sensational for rockery use and wonderful for bird attraction. In brief: Plant needs open airy spots. The roots need cool root run and growing them in dark, damp conditions can lead to powdery mildew. Best Features: Striking bell-like flowers. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Varieties/Related Species: D.leijostyla, D.macrostegia, D.oxylepis and D.squarrosa.



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Grevillea eriostachya Yellow Flame Grevillea, Desert Grevillea

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Shrubs & Hedges Growth Height: 1.5-2 m Growth Spread: 3 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Evergreen shrub, bushy at base with sparsely leaved floral branches with long spikes of yellow nectar-laden flowers. Flowers: Flowers are greenish in bud but open to a golden-yellow colour. Leaves: Leaves are grey-green, long and find with short dense hair on upper surface. Primary Colours: Green.


CULTURE: Soil: Well drained sandy soil. Propagation: Propagation is from seed and germination improved if seed is carefully "nicked" to expose embryo or from semi-hardwood cuttings. Plant Spacing: 1.8-2.4 m. Growing Speed: n/a. Pests/Diseases: n/a.

USES & FEATURES: Use: They have spectacular flowers. In brief: Plant needs a raised garden bed or well draining soil. The plant cannot be cultivated around the roots, since they have a lot of surface roots. Best Features: Nectar eating birds are attracted to the flowers. Disadvantages: Difficult to propagate as seed is variablea. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Acacia, Sheoak, Spinifex. Varieties/Related Species: G. semperflorens · G. 'Apricot Queen' · G. 'Austraflora Copper Crest' · G. 'Bairnsdale' · G. 'Bon Accord'.



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Lysiosepalum involucratum Thomasia

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Shrubs & Hedges Growth Height: 0.5 m Growth Spread: 1 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Plant is a bushy shrub, neat and compact. Flowers: Flowers are pink to mauve. Leaves: Leaves are ovate shaped grey-green in colour and hairy. Primary Colours: Green Gray.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Full sun to part shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained soil. Propagation: Propagation is from cuttings. Plant Spacing: n/a. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: n/a.

USES & FEATURES: Use: The plant forms low, bushy shrubs with an unspectacular growth habit but neat and compact.They are excellent screen plants. In brief: The plant tolerates extended dry conditions once established. Best Features: The mauve-purple flowers appear in massed display and looks spectacular.n/a. Disadvantages: None Noted.. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: L. abollatum · L. aromaticum · L. barryanum · L. hexandrum · L. involucratum · L. rugosum.



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Olearia phlogopappa Dusty Daisy Bush


CHARACTERISTICS: Form: An upright shrub with daisy-like flowerheads. Flowers: White flowerheads with yellow centres in loose corymbs 3 inches across. Leaves: Leaves are wavy-margined gray-green in colour with dusty appearance on upper surface. Primary Colours: Grayish-green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Light shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Sandy loam to loam. Propagation: Propagation is by seeds. Plant Spacing: 90-120 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Aphids and fungus disease is favoured by a mild and damp climate.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. In brief: Suitable for hedge and used for cut flowers. Best Features: An excellent shrub that brightens a sheltered position during spring and attracts birds. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: O. 'County Park' · O. 'Henry Travers' · O. 'Olwyn Barnett' · O. 'Talbot de Malahide' · O. 'Waikariensis'.



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Pomaderris elliptica Yellow Dogwood

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Shrubs & Hedges Growth Height: 1-4 m Growth Spread: Variable.

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: An attractive garden shrub preferring well drained moist soil but can withstand part shade and dryness once established. Flowers: Flowers are yellowish to greenish and aromatic in large heads. Leaves: Leaves are shiny/glossy textured with veins impressed on upper surface, fawn underneath with stellate hairs. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Moderate.. Exposure: Light shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Loamy well-drained soil. Propagation: Propagation by cuttings. Plant Spacing: n/a. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Subject to attack by borers.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Plant used in traditional herbal healing as antihistamatic or detoxifier. In brief: Plant is a handsome upright shrub with deep green leaves, paler underneath and small pale yellow flowers. Best Features: Plant is fast growing and can be used as dense screen or windbreak and revegetation work . Good background shrub and fast growing hedge. Disadvantages: n/a. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: P. acuminata · P. adnata · P. aemula · P. affinis · P. albicans.



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Prostanthera ovalifolia Purple mint bush


CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Quick growing shrub with prolific pruple flowers. Flowers: Flowers are purple or mauve. Leaves: Slightly toothed margins and highly aromatic leaves. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Medium. Hardiness: Moderate. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Sun or part shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained and moist soil. Propagation: Propagation is from cuttings. Plant Spacing: 90-120 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. In brief: Flowers are fragrant, plant suitable for xeriscaping and plant is resistant to deer. Best Features: Plant is useful as a hedge, screen and border plantings. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: P. 'Alpine Gold' · P. 'Badja Peak' · P. 'La Provence' · P. 'Mauve Mantle' · P. 'Mint Delight'.



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Agonis flexuosa 'Nana' Dwarf Willow Myrtle


CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Attractive weeping foliage, which is bronze when young and grows dark green with age. Flowers: In summer, a mass of dainty white flowers cover the bush. Leaves: Mid green leaves, with attractive red new growth. Primary Colours: Gren, red.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Sun or part shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained, alkaline soil. Propagation: Progation is by cutting. Plant Spacing: Less than 1 m. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Relatively pest free, but can be troubled by spider mite.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Useful for rockeries, low borders and hedges. Also can help with erosion control. In brief: Often used in gardens for compact hedges. Be sure to keep well pruned. Best Features: Used in a wide range of sites, low maintenance and low water requirements make it a very useful plant. Disadvantages: Foliage damaged by heavy frosts.. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Varieties/Related Species: A. Flexuosa ‘Variegata’, A. Flexuosa ‘Denmark Delight’, A. Flexuosa ‘Fairy Foliage’.



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Section 5 Perennials


Actinotus helianthi Flannel flower

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Perennials Growth Height: 0.5-1.5 m Growth Spread: 30 cms

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: The pure white star blooms have an intriguing flannel like texture. Flowers: Inflorescence is 'daisy like' in shape and white and green tipped colour. Leaves: Leaves are soft and an attractive grey-green colour. Primary Colours: Silver-gray.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: Moderate. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Full sun or part shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Sandy and well drained acidic soil. Propagation: Propagation is by fresh seed/cuttings. Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm. For seedlings, plant 20 cms apart for best results. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: This plant can look a bit scraggly if planted alone, but is a perfect companion plant when planted amongst other plants. In brief: Relatively easy to cultivate in sandly soils or raised beds. Best Features: Suitable for rockery or cottage garden. Expect profuse flowering in the second year, which makes for a lovely display. Disadvantages: Needs protection from wind due to shallow root system. The plant is short lived, and generally does not survive beyond four years. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: A. bellidioides · A. forsythii · A. gibbonsii · A. gibbonsii var. baeuerlenii · A. gibbonsii var. gibbonsii.

DROUGHT-BUSTING AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS SECTION 5:PERENNIALS


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Anigozanthos flavidus Kangaroo paw

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Perennials Growth Height: 1.2-1.8 m Growth Spread: 1 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Plant is a perinnial herb forming clumps. Flowers: Flowers are Yellow-green in colour. Leaves: Leaves are bright green and strap like. Primary Colours: Green.


CULTURE: Soil: Sandy to clayey soil, well-drained. Propagation: Propagation is by dividing rooballs. Plant Spacing: 60-90 cm. Growing Speed: Moderate. Pests/Diseases: May suffer from snails.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Attracts birds seeking nectar with flowers. In brief: Attractive container plant, low maintenance, low moisture needs. Best Features: Attractive flowers, excellent cut flowers. Disadvantages: The flowers are covered with velvety hairs and may be irritating when in contact with skin and eyes. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Jack Spratt and Tom Thumb. Varieties/Related Species: A. 'Autumn Mystery' · A. 'Autumn Sunrise' · A. 'Baby Roo' · A. 'Big Red' · A. 'Blush Dawn' (Anigozanthos).



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Lechenaultia biloba Blue leschenaultia

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Perennials Growth Height: 45-60 cm Growth Spread: Variable.

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Most beautiful hard wooded shrub with tiny, narrow, soft leaves and clusters of lovely blue flowers. Flowers: Flowers are intense blue. Leaves: Leaves are soft, blue-green in colour, crowded and heathlike. Primary Colours: Green.


CULTURE: Soil: Sandy and gravel, well drained. Propagation: Propagation is by cuttings. Plant Spacing: n/a. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Best in container and useful in rockery or boder plant. In brief: The plant is not a long lived one, three to four years being its most probable life span. The plant is a delightful addition to a rock garden. Best Features: Plant is suitable for rockery, hot, sunny positions. Disadvantages: Difficult to grow. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: L. acutiloba · L. agrostophylla · L. aphylla · L. arcuata · L. baxteri.



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Swainsona galegifolia Darling pea

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Perennials Growth Height: 60-90 cm Growth Spread: 1-2 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Perennial plant about one metre high with pea shaped flowers followed by leathery pods. Flowers: Flowers are in spikes. Leaves: Leaves are smooth, greyish forming a bold, graceful outline. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: Moderate. Frost Tolerance: Moderate. Exposure: Sun or shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained and sandy loam to clay loamy soil. Propagation: Propagation is from seeds. Plant Spacing: 1 m. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Bird attracting, provides food and shelter for seed, fruit, nectar and insect eating birds. In brief: Attracts butterflies. Best Features: Plant is deer resistant, spreading with showy flowers Disadvantages: Swaisona is poisonous to stock. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: Swainsona acuticarinata, Swainsona adenophylla, Swainsona affinis, Swainsona beasleyana, Swainsona behriana.



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Thysanotus multiflorus Fringed lily

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Perennials Growth Height: 15-50 cm Growth Spread: 30-45 cm

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Plant grows to the size of a soccer ball with lush, mid-green folidage in narrow strips from centre of plant. Flowers: Flowers are three petalled and purple. Leaves: Lush, Mid-green foliage rising in narrow strips from the centre of the plant. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Hardy. Exposure: Sun to partial shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained soil. Propagation: Propagation is from seeds. Plant Spacing: 22-30 cm. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Snails can pose a problem. Root and collar roots are a problem during wet periods.

USES & FEATURES: Use: They are wonderful pot plants and easy to grow from seeds. In brief: The plant grows only to about the size of a soccer-ball with contrasting foliage. Best Features: The contrasting foliage and beautiful three petalled flowers fringed with a delicate collection of hair, giving a halo effect around each flower is a great addition to any garden. Disadvantages: None noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: T. acerosifolius · T. anceps · T. arbuscula · T. arenarius · T. asper.



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Section 6 Trees


Banksia integrifolia Coast Banksia

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Trees Growth Height: 15 m Growth Spread: 3 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Single stout trunk, often twisted and gnarled with a rough grey bark. Leaves are dark green having a white underside and found in whorls of three to five. Flowers: Flowers found in spikes, which are roughly cylindrical. Flowers are pale yellow to yellow. Buds may be greenish or pinkish. Leaves: Leaves are dark green with a white underside. Adult leaves have entire margins but juvenile leaves are usually larger than adult leaves. Primary Colours: Green. DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Light. Exposure: Full sun. CULTURE: Soil: Most soils, both wet and sandy/ Tolerates alkaline and clay soils as well. Propagation: Propogation is through seeds. Seeds can be transplanted when the seedlings are 30cm high. Also from semi-hardwood cuttings and by grafting. Plant Spacing: 3.6 to 4.7 m. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Useful in width-restricted areas. In brief: Tree is hardy, fast growing and can adapt well to coastal zones, Good bee plant, bark contains 10% tannin, used as rootstock for other members of this genus. Best Features: Unique lime green flower and fruit structure and profusive flowering in Spring. Very salt spray tolerant and also tolerant to long periods of drought. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: They grow in association with Paperbark teatrees and with horsetail she-oaks. Varieties/Related Species: Banksia integrifolia subsp.integrifolia, Banksia integrifolia subsp. Compar, B. integrifolia subsp. Monticola.

DROUGHT-BUSTING AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS SECTION 6:TREES


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Ceratopetalum gummiferum Christmas Bush

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Trees Growth Height: 6 m Growth Spread: 6-8 ft

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Large pyramidal shrub or small tree with attractive glossy foliage. New leaves are pale green with pink highlights with small cream coloured flowers and red sepals. Flowers: Cream coloured flowers with red sepals and papery seed capsules. Leaves: New leaves are pale green in colour with pink hightlights but age to bright green. Primary Colours: Red.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Medium. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: Light. Exposure: Sun or shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Well drained and moist soil. Propagation: Propagation is by seeds or cuttings though propagation by cuttings is the preferred method. Plant Spacing: 1 to 2 m. Growing Speed: Moderate. Pests/Diseases: Leaf-curling psyllids are the main pest.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Useful in screening, in rainforest gardens and in urban zones can be used in sandstone slopes and gullies. In brief: Plant is hardy and reliable with a variety of uses like specimen plant, container plant, hedge plant, windbreak plant and shade tree. Best Features: It can be a used as a feature plant. Showy flowers make the plant attractive. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Pittosporum undulatum and Macrozamia sp. Varieties/Related Species: C. 'Christmas Snow' · C. 'Magenta Star' · C. 'White Christmas' · C. apetalum · C. apetalum forma apetalum · C. apetalum forma montanum · C. apetalum var. apetalum · C. apetalum var. microphyllum · C. apetalum var. montanum · C. apetalum var. typicum · C.





Elaeocarpus Reticulatus Blueberry Ash

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Tree Growth Height: 15 m Growth Spread: 5 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: This dense crowned evergreen has an approximately conical form with flowers and fruits offering a stunning double display. Flowers: Flowers are white, cup-shaped with fringed edge and sometimes pinkish in rows along branchlets with a licorice scent. Leaves: Leaves are leathery with a drip tip apex and serrated margins. Leaves have white film over the surface. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Sun to shade.

CULTURE: Soil: Sandy. Propagation: Propagation from semi-hardwood cuttings. Plant Spacing: 3-4 m. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Species of sawfly or spitfire larvae, which can defoliate the plant.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Grows well in large tubs or containers making it suitable for small gardens and also an excellent hedging plant. In brief: Suitable as a focal specimen tree and has non invasive roots. Best Features: Masses of white and sometimes pinkish flowers and bright blue fruits attract birds like Regent Bowerbird, Wonga Pigeons and Crimson Rosellas. Resistant to pollution, coastal exposure and tropical heat. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: Viola hederacea, Plectranthus parviflorus, Prostanthera incana Varieties/Related Species: Elaeocarpus grandis, Elaeocarpus obovatus.



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Eucalyptus Leucoxylon Yellow Gum or White Ironbark


CHARACTERISTICS: Form: It has quite a range in height and has open pendulous brances. Dusty green leaves with white flowers and small goblet shaped seed pods. Flowers: Flowers are long lasting and white in colour. Leaves: Dusty Green and fragrant with crescent shaped leaves. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Sun or part sun.

CULTURE: Soil: Sand to clay loam. Propagation: Propagation is by seeds. Plant Spacing: 8 m. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Requires no attention and perfect as a boundary to screen. In brief: Plant is drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping. Best Features: Highly resistant to drought and low moisture needs . Disadvantages: Eucalyptus beetle poses a great threat with oval shaped holes being the signs of infestation. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: E. Abdita, E. abergiana, E. absita, E. amygdalina, E. argophloia, E. argentea.



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Eucalyptus caesia Gungurru


CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Attractive deep brown bark which peal in thin and curling strips to reveal a pale undersurface. A small type of plant with silvery gray leaves and reddish stems. Flowers: Flowers are large and pinkish to red in colour with yellow anthers. Flowering occurs in winter and spring. Flowers have large urn shapped "gumnuts". Leaves: Deep green foliage with a whitish bloom. Primary Colours: Green.


CULTURE: Soil: Loam and clayey soil. Propagation: Propagation is by seeds. Plant Spacing: 4.7-6 m. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Attractive accent plant or tree with beautiful flowers. It is suitable for containers and has low moisture needs and is drought resistant. In brief: Plant is drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping. Best Features: Highly resistant to drought and low moisture needs . Disadvantages: Eucalyptus beetle poses a great threat with oval shaped holes being the signs of infestation. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: Eucaplytus nutans, Eucalyptus 'Dale Chapman', Eucalyptus 'Golden Crown'.



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Eucalyptus erythrocorys Illyrrie or red cap gum

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Trees Growth Height: 4-8 m Growth Spread: 3-5 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Small bushy tree with dark green foliage and a white trunk. There are bright red caps that reveal yellow flower clusters. Flowers: Flowers are long lasting, unusual and yellow in colour. Leaves: Green and fragrant. Primary Colours: Green.

DROUGHT BUSTING PROPERTIES: Water Requirement: Low. Hardiness: High. Frost Tolerance: High. Exposure: Sun or part sun.

CULTURE: Soil: Sand to clay loam. Propagation: Propagation is by seeds. Plant Spacing: 4-7 m. Growing Speed: fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Very attractive accent plant and best in poor sand with low fertility and very low maintenance. In brief: Plant is drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping. Best Features: Highly resistant to drought and low moisture needs. Disadvantages: Eucalyptus beetle poses a great threat with oval shaped holes being the signs of infestation. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: E.concina, E. conjuncta, E. daphnoides, E. erosa, E. farinose, E. articulate, E. beaniana.



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Hymenosporum Flavum Native Frangipani

BASIC PLANT INFORMATION Plant type: Trees Growth Height: 6-9 m Growth Spread: 2.5 m

CHARACTERISTICS: Form: Medium sized tree with a glossy foliage and flowers. Heavily perfumed cream flowers darkening to yellow attracts bees and birds. Flowers: Flowers are cream but darken to yellow and is perfumed. Leaves: Green leaves with a shiny or glossy texture. Primary Colours: Green.


CULTURE: Soil: Sandy and Well drained. Propagation: Propagation is from softwood cuttings. Plant Spacing: 3.6-4.7 m. Growing Speed: Fast. Pests/Diseases: Few problems with pests or diseases.

USES & FEATURES: Use: Suitable for a smaller garden, and where space is limited because its narrow habit allows it to fit between small spaces. In brief: Suitable for mass planting. Best Features: Erect and slender nature of the tree with the strong orange blossom fragrance makes it a good choice for gardens with narrow spaces. Disadvantages: None Noted. Companion Plants/Goes Well with: n/a. Varieties/Related Species: None.





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Readers of my early work have told me they’d like to see a series of shorter guides to complement this eBook. Here are some of the topics that have been suggested to me. Some of these I’m working on as we speak:

• 20 Non-Native Drought Busting Plants • Planning your garden like a professional landscaper • Tools (water saving calculators, budget calculators, ordering forms)

If you would like to be sent copies of this work as it becomes available, or just let me know which of these would be great ideas, I’d welcome your feedback at [email protected].

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I wish you all the best with your gardening.

Nelson Scott, Author “Drought Busting Australian Native Plants”

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Drought Busting Australian Native Plants

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