Other Banksia Yes Australian Native Plants
Australian native plants are a tough bunch. Having adapted to withstand our harsh climate, they’re some of the most reliable and easy-going plants around. But we also love them for many other reasons too. Like how they bring the beauty of the bush to your backyard. If you’re all about waterwise gardening, drought-hardy natives are perfect. They’re also a big hit with native birds and bugs who love to feast on their blooms. With a huge range of Australian plants at Flower Power, going native has never been easier.
Shop Australian native flowers and plants at Flower Power
Australian native plants are a tough bunch. Having adapted to withstand our harsh climate, they are some of the most reliable and hardy plants around. Drought-hardy Australian natives are a water-wise option for filling your garden with abundance. Australian native flowers also bring the beauty of the bush to your own garden and draw native birds and good bugs. With a huge range of Australian plants at Flower Power, where to buy Australian native plants has never been clearer.
When to plant Australian natives
Planting should preferably be done in the cooler months of the year: autumn, winter or early spring. There is usually a higher rainfall in these months that reduces the need for watering as the plant settles into its new home. However, there is no hard and fast rule for when to plant Australian natives: planting in summer can also be successful. The warmer temperature means plants will grow faster if they receive adequate water while establishing. Consider water restrictions in your area to decide whether you’ll be able to give your plant enough water.
How to plant Australian natives
Australian plants have evolved to our local soil, so often no additions should be needed if you have chosen the right plants. However, there is no harm in giving your plants a leg up by improving soil. If planting into sand, for example, you may want to add some clay to help retain water around the plant’s roots while clay-based soil might need gypsum to assist with drainage. If you want to include some slow-release fertiliser at this stage you can, but it is not essential and ensure you use a specialty native, low phosphorus formulation.
When digging the hole for your plant, also loosen the soil around the hole to make it easier for the root system to spread. Place the plant in the hole and back fill it firmly enough that the plant won’t move in the ground.
If you're planting Australian native bushes and trees with woody trunks, bury them just above where the pot soil was so the root zone is deeper into the ground away from surface heat. It also helps to stabilise the plant and lets it grow new roots out of their buried trunks.
Staking is not recommended unless your plant is in danger of toppling over. It is better to plant young trees as they can adapt quickly to the conditions and will anchor well to the ground without extra support. Staking Australian native plants too firmly can lead to a poorly anchored root system, so if you must stake your plant, do it so the plant can still move gently and develop the kind of root growth it needs to stabilise itself.
Water your Australian plants in thoroughly and more frequently than usual for the first few months, until they are settled. After that, if your Australian native bushes need watering, you're better off watering well and infrequently, rather than often and lightly.
Adding mulch to your new garden beds helps has several benefits: it conserves water by reducing evaporation; it protects the soil from erosion; it limits the growth of weeds; and shades the soil to keep it cool in summer.
When to prune Australian native plants
Most Australian native flowers and plants benefit from regular pruning, especially tip-pruning (pinching off the growing tips), because it promotes healthy growth – giving your plants a nice full shape, a fresh look, more flowers and increased density (which is good for attracting birds as well as making them into good screens and hedges).
In the wild, Australian native plants are pruned by animals and weather. By regularly pruning your native plants you're imitating the natural process of fauna eating the tips off trees and shrubs.
When to prune Australian native plants depends largely on the plant and why you're growing it. If you're growing Australian plants for seeds or fruit, prune at the end of the season, but if you're growing Australian native bushes for screening and hedging, regular pruning will encourage density and a neat shape.
Where to buy Australian native plants
At Flower Power we have a range of hundreds of Australian native flowers, plants and bushes for you to choose from, with everything from trees to pot plants available. Come in-store for expert advice on the native plants that will suit your garden and lifestyle, or read more in our Garden Advice section on our website.