There's something special about a garden full of Australian natives — the hum of bees in the grevilleas, rainbow lorikeets tearing into a banksia, and that unmistakable scent of eucalyptus on a warm afternoon. Beyond the beauty, native plants are some of the most rewarding you can grow, because they've spent millions of years adapting to our conditions rather than fighting against them.
If you've mostly grown exotics and are curious about bringing more natives into your garden, the good news is that once you understand a few key differences, natives are often easier to care for than many traditional garden favourites.
Why Grow Australian Natives?
- Built for our climate — once established, most natives handle heat, dry spells, and poor soils far better than many exotic species
- Support local wildlife — natives provide food and habitat for native bees, birds, and butterflies
- Lower water and fertiliser needs, once established, meaning less time and money spent maintaining them
- Incredible diversity — from towering eucalypts to groundcovers, there's a native for practically every spot in the garden
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Natives
Not all natives are created equal when it comes to your specific garden. Consider:
- Your local climate zone — a native from tropical Queensland may struggle in a cool Victorian winter, and vice versa
- Your soil type — many natives, particularly from Western Australia, prefer very free-draining, low-phosphorus soils
- Available space — natives range from tiny groundcovers to enormous trees, so check mature size before planting
- Local provenance where possible — plants grown from local native seed are often best adapted to your exact conditions
Your local Gro garden centre can point you toward natives that are proven performers in your specific area.
Planting Australian Natives
- Choose a well-draining spot. Most natives, especially those from drier regions, hate sitting in soggy soil.
- Avoid heavy feeding at planting time. Many natives, particularly proteaceae like banksias and grevilleas, are sensitive to high phosphorus levels found in standard fertilisers.
- Water in well after planting, then gradually reduce frequency as the plant establishes its root system.
- Mulch around (not against) the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds while roots settle in.
Caring for Established Natives
Watering
Once established (usually after the first 6–12 months), most natives need surprisingly little supplementary water. The key mistake beginners make is continuing to water heavily long after a native no longer needs it, which can lead to root rot.
Feeding
Skip high-phosphorus general fertilisers. Instead, use a native-specific, low-phosphorus fertiliser if feeding is needed at all — many natives thrive in naturally low-nutrient soils and don't require regular feeding once established.
Pruning
Many natives, particularly grevilleas, callistemons, and westringias, respond brilliantly to a light prune after flowering. This encourages bushier growth and more flowers next season, and helps prevent plants from becoming leggy or woody at the base.
Mulching
A good layer of coarse, natural mulch (like eucalyptus mulch or leaf litter) helps mimic the natural bushland conditions many natives thrive in, while conserving moisture and suppressing weeds.
Popular Natives for Beginners
- Grevillea — masses of nectar-rich flowers, from groundcovers to small trees
- Kangaroo Paw — striking, colourful flower spikes loved by native birds
- Westringia — tough, adaptable, and great for hedging
- Correa — shade-tolerant with dainty winter flowers
- Lomandra — hardy, grass-like, and virtually indestructible
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon) — vibrant red or pink brush-like flowers that bring in the birds
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using standard, high-phosphorus fertilisers on phosphorus-sensitive natives
- Overwatering established plants out of habit
- Planting a native suited to a totally different climate zone
- Heavy pruning at the wrong time of year, removing next season's flower buds
- Assuming all natives are drought-tolerant from day one — most still need regular water while establishing
Ready to Go Native?
Australian native plants offer a garden that's not only beautiful, but genuinely in tune with the environment around it — less thirsty, more wildlife-friendly, and often far less demanding once settled in. Whether you're after a single stunning feature plant or a full native makeover, there's never been a better time to give them a go.
Visit your local Gro garden centre to explore our range of Australian native plants suited to your local climate and soil. Our team can help you choose the right varieties and give you all the care tips you need to get them thriving — see you in store!