low maintenance
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Native groundcover
Groundcover plants are a very effective way of covering bare areas of the garden. They act as living mulch to keep soil and gardens cool, reduce moisture loss and even keep down weeds. Planting a native species can do even more for your garden. Like native shrubs and trees, native groundcover plants improve the environment, attract native species of birds... -
Rhaphiolepis
Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is one of the most bulletproof shrubs around. Need a plant in a pot? Indian hawthorn. Need a low, compact hedge? Indian hawthorn. Want pretty spring flowers? Indian hawthorn. Need a shrub with small, glossy, dark green leaves? You guessed it, Indian hawthorn. Evergreen? Indian hawthorn. Suits an exposed balcony or garden with heat, wind, coastal... -
All about proteas
Despite appearances, proteas are not Australian native plants – but they could have been and there in lies a fascinating story stretching back billions of years, to a time when Australia was part of a super continent we call Gondwana. Also part of Gondwana was Africa and it's on this continent that proteas - and their close relatives leucadendrons and... -
Short & sweet native shrubs
Australian native plants are making their way into a broad range of garden designs today. New cultivars have introduced a broader colour palette and the always interesting foliage and flowers of natives are back in vogue, especially when paired with contrasting plant groups in rambling, cottage garden styles. There are a huge range of compact native shrubs that make for excellent... -
Flowering gum trees
There's so much to love about flowering gums. These native trees are hardy and easy to care for with aromatic gum leaves and flowers that deserve front and centre garden position. Flowering gums are grafted eucalyptus trees. By grafting plants onto specially selected rootstock you get trees that will grow happily in a wide range of soil types and have greater resistance... -
Polygala
A little bit about polygala If you’re looking for a small, compact, fast-growing, colourful and hardy shrub, polygala ticks all the boxes. For most of the year, you’ll find polygala awash with eye-catching pink or purple petals, making it perfectly suited to mass planting with a splash of colour. It also makes a brilliant border plant and with its compact... -
Lavender
A little bit about lavender A member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family, lavender is a hardy plant best known for its beautiful fragrance. It’s a low-growing but mostly upright shrub featuring silvery leaves rich with aromatic oils. It's a great, low-maintenance garden choice as it’ll flush into fragrant, colourful bloom with very little attention. Plant this beauty in your garden... -
Air plant care: How to grow air plants
It's hard to get more a more low maintenance plant than air plants. Perfect for gardeners with minimal space or those who love to have some greenery but can't commit to frequent watering. Botanical name: Tillandsia Growing tips These fascinating plants don't grow in soil and can be placed around our home or garden as long as they receive fresh... -
Leucadendron Winter Gold
A rounded shrub with a mass of bright yellow flowers in winter. Drought tolerant and well suited to low maintenance and low water use gardens and pots. Will also thrive in coastal and heavy soil gardens. Great for cut flowers and hedging. Grows up to 2 metres high x 1 metre wide. Leucodendron Care Plant in well-drained soil. Water well to... -
Leucadendron Devil’s Blush
A low and compact shrub that produces spectacular colour in winter. Drought tolerant and well suited to low maintenance and low water use gardens and pots. Will also thrive in coastal and heavy soil gardens. Great for cut flowers and container growing. Grows up to 1 metre high x 1 metre wide. Leucodendron Care Plant in well-drained soil. Water well to establish...