Other Plants
Aotus ericoides
Adenanthos cunninghamii (pillar form) ‘Lighthouse’
We planted ‘Lighthouse’, an upright selection of A. cunninghamii, 1.5m high x 1m wide, with silver grey foliage and red ‘jug’ flowers, in November 2008. This plant blooms reliably at the end of each year and the tiny flowers are loved by insects and birds.
Adenanthos ‘Mallee Legend’
We planted four of these plants, 1.5m high x 1.5m wide, with silver woolly foliage and pale red flowers, in October 2016. These compact shrubs do show frost burned tips after winter which soon disappear.
Adenanthos macropodianus x sericeus ‘Woolly Jumbuck’ (photos above)
We planted two of these shrubs, 1.5m high and wide, with silver/green woolly foliage and dainty red flowers, in December 2018. One died in the heat of December 2019, but one remains.
Adenanthos meissneri - Prostrate Woollybush (photos above)
We planted three of these low spreading shrubs, 1.5m high x 2m wide, with grey green hairy foliage and small red tubular flowers, in February 2011. We have planted them under cover of Grevillea insignis, but the tops of these plants have been frosted off during several winters, but regenerate well.
Adenanthos obovatus
We planted four of these dense evergreen shrubs, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with striking red nectar-producing tubular flowers, in September 2016. We have only one remaining, as the others succumbed to winter frost. This plant is native to southwestern WA. Removed the last one in 2023.
Adenanthos sericeus
Adenanthos sericeus, or Woollybush, is a fast growing shrub with ornamental foliage covered in silky hairs which creates a silvery appearance. This plant is soft and inviting to the touch. We planted three of these over two years 2004-6, one died and was replaced in March 2007. These have grown to 3m high and 2m wide and flower for a long period with tiny red flowers which are attractive to birds. We have also planted other species and cultivars of Adenanthos, A. cunninghamii ‘Lighthouse’, A. ‘Mallee Legend’, A. macropodianus x sericeus ‘Woolly Jumbuck’, A. meissneri and A. obovatus. All of these are worthwhile plants for the garden and we can certainly recommend the various dwarf cultivars of Adenanthos as small and well behaved in the garden. Our last large A. sericeus was removed in February 2022.
Adenanthos sericeus ‘Platinum’
We planted two of these robust plants, 1.5m high x 2.5m wide, with soft silver-grey foliage and small red flowers which are bird attracting, in February 2022. This cultivar is dry tolerant, needs full sun or part shade and free draining soils. Not sure of the frost tolerance in Canberra. Both were growing well until eaten in half by a hare(?) in August 2022. We protected them, but too late, both died February 2023.
Adianthum aethiopicum – Maidenhair Fern
.We planted two of these small spreading ferns, 0.5m high, with light green lacy fronds and slender glossy black stems in a pot in June 2019. These plants need consistently moist soils and protection from wind. Native to all states of Australia. They also get scale every couple of years and must be cut back.
Allocasuarina crassa - Cape She-oak
We planted Allocasuarina crassa, or Cape She-oak, in March 2007 and were somewhat challenged to find it described as either a prostrate shrub to a 14m high tree depending on habitat. This plant is endemic to Tasmania, restricted to the Cape Pillar and Tasman Island area. This plant bloomed well for us in October every year from 2007-2013 with bright red fluffy flowers, but died in the heat of February 2017. We have planted another one in October 2021.
Allocasuarina duncanii – Duncan’s She-Oak
We planted this tree, to 8m high, with a conical growth habit, in August 2018 This threatened species is native to southeastern Tasmania. Our plant has grown well to 3m high in 2024.
Allocasuarina littoralis ‘Matuka Silver’
Allocasuarina littoralis ‘Matuka Silver’ was a gift from the ‘breeder’ of this plant, a natural sport from Allocasuarina littoralis in Nambour, Queensland with attractive variegation to give a silver appearance. We planted two specimens of this rounded small tree to 10m high in June 2009. This plant was slow to grow to 2m for us but did bloom with red fluffy flowers in June 2013. Then both trees began to fail in 2015 and were eventually removed.
Allocasuarina monilifera – Necklace She-oak
We planted this shrub, 3m high, which is hardy in well drained soils, has ornamental foliage and is excellent for windbreaks, in May 2021. Native to Tasmania and Victoria. Growing well to 2m high in 2024.
Allocasuarina nana
We planted thirty-three of these woody shrubs, 1m high x 3m wide, with needle-like leaves and ellipsoid cones, as part of our foundation planting in 2003. We have removed most of these, but a few remain. These plants are native to heath on sandstone, exposed situations such as ridges on the eastern highlands, coast and tablelands south from Cowan into Victoria.
Allocasuarina torulosa (lphotos above)
We planted three Allocasuarina torulosa, or Rose She-oak, as part of our foundation planting in 2003. These can grow to 20m high and 10m wide, but our three are only 10m high and 5m wide. They are brittle trees and lose branches in the wind. However their fissured bark, hanging branches and small seed cones are very attractive. The flowers are rusty gold. These trees are native to coastal Queensland and NSW. We also planted A. duncanii, or Duncan’s She-oak, in August 2018. This is a species from southeastern Tasmania, threatened in the wild, with a conical growth habit and red fluffy flowers.
Alyogynes are floriferous plants with hibiscus-like flowers and coarse foliage. We have several, A. huegelii blue, A. huegelii ‘Karana’, A. huegelii ‘West Coast Gem’ and A. huegelii ‘Misty’. All flower freely with some protection from our frost and are native to southwestern WA.
Alyogyne huegelii blue
Alyogyne huegelii blue
We planted this coarse-leaved shrub, 2m high x 2m wide, with blue flowers, in May 2020. This plant is native to dry summer areas from South Australia to southern Western Australia in a wide band along the coast. The flowers on our plant are not really blue, but bright purple.
Alyogyne huegelii ‘Karana’ (Photos below left and middle)
We planted this shrub, 1.5m high and wide, with attractive bluish foliage and many mauve trumpets clustered along stems, in October 2012. This plant has only moderate frost tolerance, so we planted under some cover - it was blasted by the frost when young, but has persisted and adapted as it grew older. We removed the original plant in the back garden in March 2024, as it was shaded out. We planted three more in March 2023.
Alyogyne huegelii ‘Misty’ (Photo above right)
We planted three of these shrubs, 1m high and wide, with with attractive bluish foliage and many lilac flowers with a burgundy centre, in December 2018. One plant was bitten off by kangaroo December 2019. These plants bloom for a long period. We trimmed the trees overhead in January 2021 and the extra sun slowed the growth of these plants for a year or so, but now they have adapted and are growing well.
Alyxia ruscifolia - Moonya (Photos below left two)
Alyxia ruscifolia, or Moonya, is an erect shrub to 3m high and 1.5m wide, although the one we planted in May 2009 has only grown to 1.5m high and wide and flowered for the first time in April 2012. Dark green glossy leaves, perfumed white flowers and orange fruit make this an attractive shrub for a protected spot in the garden. This plant comes from the rainforest areas of Queensland, Northern Territory, NSW and Papua New Guinea.
Ammobium alatum (Photos above right two)
Ammobium alatum, or Winged Everlasting, is a perennial with branched winged flower stems with whitish leaves and yellow centred white papery bracts. This plant occurs in the colder regions of Queensland, NSW, Victoria, SA and Tasmania. We planted six of these in the meadow in 2003 and I was upset that the kookaburras immediately dug them up and ate the roots. However, I should not have worried as they have spread throughout our garden and we pull them up where we do not want them. Otherwise they make a feast for the Crimson Rosellas, Red-browed Finches and butterflies.
Androcalva loxophylla (Rulingia kempeana) (photos above)
We have planted five of these erect shrubs, 1.5m high x 1.5m wide, with small hairy green leaves with toothed margins and bright yellow flowers at the base of leaves, over the period 2015-18, of which two remain. This plant is native to WA, SA, NT and Queensland.
Anigozanthos
We have planted so many different species and cultivars of Kangaroo Paw over the years, but have not had any lasting success with them. Some cultivars have done well in pots for a year or two and our original planting of A. ‘Big Red’ lasted for over a decade before completely disappearing. We have tried ‘Bush Dawn’, ‘Bushranger’, various forms of A. flavidus, lime, lime variegated, orange, pale pink, ‘Green Dragon’, ‘Lilac Queen’, ‘Orange Cross’, ‘Pink Joey’, ‘Bush Bonanza’ and A. rufus. More recently, May 2015, we have planted 20 each of Angus Stewart’s Landscape Line, Orange, Lilac, Yellow, Violet and Red. Landscape Orange has been the best performer for us, but none of these bloomed in,2020, bloomed well in 2021-2 and then poorly in 2023, late and sparsely in 2024.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Blitz’
We planted two of these upright plants, 70cm high x 50cm wide, with orange/burgundy flowers in a pot in December 2021. These plants need very well drained soils in a sunny position.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Bonanza’
We planted two of these hybrid Kangaroo Paws, 80cm high x 45cm wide, with large yellow flowers on strong upright stems, in November 2021.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Crystal’ (Photos below left two)
We planted two of these plants, height 80cm x width 50cm, with iridescent crimson flowers. Full sun, light frost tolerant.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Dance’ (Photos above right two)
We planted two of these plants, height 60cm x width 45cm, with bright red and green flowers on red stems, in December 2019. These plants performed magnificently for a year then died. We should treat them as an annual in Canberra and enjoy their extraordinary flowers.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Diamond’ (Photos below left two)
We planted this Kangaroo Paw, celebrated as the first ‘white’ kangaroo paw, a compact plant, 60cm high, with a hint of pink, in April 2012. For the first couple of years this was a fantastic plant, long flowering and vigorous, but it was frosted off in winter 2014 and removed in September 2015. We planted another in a trough in 2020 — so far, so good.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Fling’ (Photos above right two)
This plant is a shorter, more compact form of kangaroo paw with multiple luminous orange blooms in spring on branched stems. This plant has excellent disease tolerance and will grow well in a container with well drained soil in a sunny position, however our two have disappeared after one year.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Pearl’ (Photos below left two)
We planted three of these plants, height 0.5m, in November 2008, which initially bloomed for months. We divided them several times before eventually removing them in Decenmber 2013, as they were not doing well. We have now planted two in a trough in December 2019 and these are performing well so far.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Tenacity’
We planted two of these plants, 60cm high and 45cm wide, with large gold flowers at the ends of strong upright stems with red hairs, in a pot in December 2022.
Anigozanthos ‘Bush Zest’ (Photo above right)
We have planted two of these hybrids, Anigozanthos humilis x flavidus in April 2021. These dwarf kangaroo paws, 40 cm high x 45 cm wide, have bright lemon-yellow flowers and stems and a bushy growth habit.
Anigozanthos flavidus ‘Landscape Red’
We planted 20 Landscape Red kangaroo paws in May 2015. This line, bred by Angus Stewart, is a tough and tall variety of Anigozanthos flavidus. Birds love the flowers.
Anigozanthos flavidus ‘Yellow Gem’ ( Photos above))
We planted two of these clump forming perennials, with long thick green leaves and branched flower stems to 2m high, covered in hairy, tubular yellow flowers, in December 2019.
Anigozanthos ‘Frosty Red’
We planted two of these plants, 0.3-0.6m high and wide, with blue green foliage and deep red flowers, in a pot in October 2022. These plants, bred from A. rufus, need full sun and are frost tolerant. Our two were immediately nipped off by cockatoos, but are recovering.
Anigozanthos ‘Orange Cross’
We planted two of these tall growing kangaroo paws with deep orange blooms, 1.2-2m high x 1m wide, in a pot in November 2021.
Anopterus glandulosus - Native Laurel (photo below left)
Anopterus glandulosus or Native Laurel, is an endemic of Tasmania and is limited to rainforest areas. This plant forms an evergreen shrub, 2-4m high, sometimes a tree to 10m, with ‘lily of the valley’ flowers. We planted one in July 2014 and it flowered in October 2014, but died in the heat and dryness of January 2016. We planted another in a pot in March 2021 and this one has subsequently been moved into the garden, where it flowered well in October 2022. Slow as a wet week to grow.
Aotus ericoides (photos above middle and right)
We have planted two of these upright spreading shrubs, 0.5-1.5m high x 0.5 – 1.5m wide producing yellow flowers with a red centre, in 2019-2020. The first one died in the heat of December 2019, but the second persists in a pot and the long flowering stems, crowded with flowers, wave attractively in the wind. This plant is native to Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
Aphanopetalum resinosum – Gum Vine
We planted this stem twiner, with dark green shiny ovate leaves and small greenish flowers, in November 2008. This plant is native to rainforest areas from southeastern Queensland, through NSW, to northeastern Victoria. This vine is vigorous, even under the shade of a eucalypt, and we have pruned our plant back many times. This overwhelming vine was removed n September 2022.
Araucaria bidwillii, or Bunya Pine, is a tall tree to 40m high with rough bark and symmetrical branches. Leaves are long and pointed and the female cones are very large 30cm x 20cm. We planted one of these as part of our foundation planting in 2003 and covered it for the first winter to protect it from frost. Since then this tree has grown to 10m tall and fruited for the first time in February 2014. Red-browed Finches find this prickly tree a safe place to nest and we have had many broods raised in their woven grass nests in this tree. This tree is native to two parts of Queensland, southeastern and northern. We planted another Bunya Pine in September 2016 and this small tree has already hosted a number of Red-browed Finch nests at eye level.
Asplenium australasicum – Birds Nest Fern
We planted this clumping fern, which forms a ‘nest’ of glossy green leaves to 1.5m long and 20cm wide, in September 2023 in a pot. This plant needs to be kept moist at all times and is best grown in filtered light. This fern is native to coast of NSW almost down the Victorian border, extending north along the coast into Queensland to Cape York and into the tablelands and western slopes of NSW.
Asterolasia asteriscophora – Lemon Starbush (Photos above)
We planted four of these erect shrubs, 1-2m high, with star-like yellow flowers in 2017 and 2018. These plants are native to southern NSW and Victoria..
Asterolasia beckersii Dungowan Star Bush (Photo below left)
We planted two of these erect shrubs, 2m high, with oblong leaves with a green upper surface and a lower surface that is paler green to fawn, in September 2018. The white flowers are solitary, carried in the leaf axils and appear in spring. The Dungowan Star Bush is a very rare plant native to an area near Tamworth, New South Wales
Asterolasia buxifolia
We planted four of these shrubs, 2m high, with shiny leathery leaves and single yellow star flowers, in 2018 and 2020. This plant is endangered in the wild and is native to Lett River, NSW.
Asterolasia hexapetala (yellow) (Photo above right)
We planted two of these shrubs, 2m high, with hairy, grey-green leaves and white flowers with yellow stamens in September 2018. In common with other members of the genus, the flowers normally have five petals. However, A .hexapetala frequently produces flowers with six petals. A hexapetala has a restricted distribution in the Warrumbungle Ranges in central western New South Wales.
Asterolasia ‘Lemon Essence’ (Photos above)
We planted three of these compact shrubs, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with many lemon yellow star flowers, in September 2019. This cultivar was developed at the ANBG. We have since planted another seven plants in 2023-24.
Athrotaxis laxifolia - Tasmanian Cedar
We tried Athrotaxis laxifolia, or Tasmanian Cedar, in November 2014. This plant is endemic to the high country of Tasmania, an evergreen, coniferous tree to 20m high. This tree can live for up to 1300 years and grows very slowly, but we failed to establish our plant and it died in the heat and dryness of March 2016.
Athrotaxis selaginoides - King Billy Pine
We also tried Athrotaxis selaginoides, or King Billy Pine, another Tasmanian high country endemic. This tree is also an evergreen coniferous tree to 30m high, with claw like leaves. We planted our specimen in November 2004, but this tree also died in the dry spell of April 2016.
Atractocarpus chartaceus (was Randia chartacea) – Narrow-Leaved Gardenia (photos above)
We planted this bushy shrub, 2-3m high x 2-3m wide, with dark green glossy foliage and sweetly scented pure white flowers and bright red edible fruit, in a pot, in August 2019. This plant needs protection from both direct sun and frost and is native to subtropical rainforest in northern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland.
Babingtonia (was Baeckea) virgata – Twiggy Baeckea (photos above)
We planted three Babingtonia virgata, an erect dense shrub or small tree to 4 m with arching branches of dark green, narrow, oblong leaves and masses of loose clusters of small white flowers
Backhousia citriodora – Lemon Ironwood
We planted one of these trees, to 10m high x 5m wide, with dense lemon scented foliage and creamy white flowers, in March 2007 which was frosted off in August 2009. We planted another in a protected position in April 2014. This plant has made little growth in eight years, but is enjoying the extra La Nina rain in 2022. It is also now enjoying more light since the back hedge was removed from our neighbour’s property. This plant is native to the rainforests of eastern Queensland and northeastern NSW.
Baloskion tetraphyllus - Tassel Cord Rush
We had great success with our 2003 foundation planting of 36 Baloskion tetraphyllus, or Tassel Cord Rush, around the big pond. This plant has bright green feathery foliage and produces rusty brown flowers. These plants occur naturally in swampy river banks in Queensland, Victoria, NSW, Tasmania and SA. However, by 2016 all of these had died out. We should plant more as these plants attract beneficial insects.
Billardieras
We planted Billardiera bignoniaceae ‘Orange Bell’ in October 2014. This plant is a dense climber or groundcover to 3m in either full sun or part shade with elliptical dark green leaves and orange tubular flowers over a long period. We have made many cuttings of this plant as it performs very well indeed. We also grow Billardiera cymosa ‘Purple’, or Sweet Apple Berry, on a frame , planted in November 2019. This plant is flowering freely in October 2020. with attractive mauve flowers.
Billardiera cymosa ‘Purple’ – Sweet Apple Berry (Photos above)
We planted this light twining climber, to 2m high, which can also be kept pruned as a shrub, in November 2019. The fine foliage is green and purple flowers appear in spring and summer. We have this vine growing well over a birdcage with first flowers in October 2020, flowering for two months, followed by attractive seed pods.
Billardiera (Sollya) heterophylla – West Australian Blue Bell
We planted two of these evergreen climbers, with clusters of dainty brilliant blue, and pink, bell shaped flowers, in 2004 and 2011. The aromatic leaves are variable in shape and may be used to cover walls, banks, or rock works. This plant is native to southwestern WA. the pink flowered plant has died but the blue flowered one, on a wall, is well -behaved, does not sucker, and flowers every year.
Billardiera longifolia
Billardiera longifolia, or Purple Apple Berry, was a successful vine for ten years in our garden from its planting in April 2008. This plant, from NSW and ACT, is a slender climber with dark green narrow leaves and greenish yellow tubular flowers followed by shiny purple berries. This climber performed well for us until it was severely damaged over winter 2017 and did not recover.
Billardiera ringens see Marianthus ringens
Blechnum medium – (was Doodia media)
We planted 14 of these tough ferns with pinkish red new fronds, which turn green on maturity, in October 2020. These plants will grow in partial sun or shade and will tolerate dry conditions and are native to parts of Australia and Lord Howe Island as well as the North Island of New Zealand and the upper part of the South Island. Our plants were struggling in January 2021 in the shaded parterre area and we removed them from the parterre in November 2021 and replanted them under some Tree Ferns, Dicksonia antarctica. They are now thriving.
Blechnum neohollandicum – Rasp Fern (was Doodia aspera)
We planted 20 of these hardy ferns with rough pinnate fronds to 0.4m long and reddish new growth. These plants prefer well-composted damp soil in some shade. Our plants were struggling in January 2021 in the shaded parterre area and we removed them from the parterre in November 2021 and replanted them under some Tree Ferns, Dicksonia antarctica. They are now thriving. This plant is native to a variety of habitats such as rainforest margins, eucalypt forests and rainforests and is well adapted to both sunny and shaded areas. The fern occurs in Queensland, eastern New South Wales, and eastern Victoria.
Blechnum nudum
We have planted 65 of these hardy ferns, which are widespread in nature and often form large colonies in moist habitats, where they may develop a small trunk up to 30cm high, from 2003-2020. The upright fronds, which form a spreading rosette, are up to 1m tall. All of our ferns were browned off by extreme heat New Year’s Day 2006 and most were given away to other gardeners. We moved a few under Callistemon pityoides where they have prospered until browned off again in the extreme heat of February 2009. We removed all ferns under Callistemon pityoides and potted them up in February 2020 and planted them in more shade under Eucalyptus cinerea in April 2020. The transplanted ferns have done well, but the ones dug up have also regenerated by December 2020 and have never looked better than this year, 2022.
Blechnum penna-marina – Alpine Water Fern
We planted three of these very hardy groundcover ferns, height 15-30cm, that will tolerate most conditions, in a pot in October 2017. The attractive small fronds are copper coloured when new and the fern is best grown in moist shaded areas in humus rich well draining soil.. We moved the overflow ferns from the pot into our waterfall in February 2019, where they have disappeared. We then removed all of these, planted most in the parterre and replanted five in pot, in November 2020. All were struggling in December 2020, but have now filled the pot again in February 2022. The overflow ferns have again been planted in the garden in 2024 in a protected area.
Blechnum wattsii x minus
We planted three of these ferns with deep green fronds forming a thick clump and bronze new growth. These ferns perform best in full to part shade in a sheltered position with moist free draining soil. They have grown extremely well by 2022 and we probably need to transplant some to another pot or into the garden.
We grow most of our Boronias in pots, as they do not flourish in our clay soil. We plant them in 2/3 native planting mix and 1/3 river sand. Most of them last about five years in pots before deteriorating and being discarded. We have grown anemonfolia , citriodora, clavata or Bremer Boronia, coerulescens or Blue Boronia, crenulata ‘Super Dooper’, denticulata, filifolia, floribunda, heterophylla, keysii, ‘‘Lipstick’, megastigma ‘Dark Prince’, megastigma ‘Harlequin’, megastigma ‘Lutea’, molloyae, muelleri soft pink or Forest Boronia, muelleri x pinnata, pinnata , ‘Pixie’, ‘Plum Bells’ and ‘Purple Jared’. Of these Boronia heterophylla and B. ‘Purple Jared’ provide outstanding displays and all our boronias have delightfully scented foliage.
Boronia anemonifolia (photo below left)
We planted this upright shrub, 0.7mhigh x 0.6mwide, with narrow leaves and many small pink to white flowers in March 2018. This plant is native to southeastern Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
Boronia citriodora - Lemon Scented Boronia (photo above right)
We planted this low spreading shrub, 40cm high x 1m wide, with aromatic foliage and pink buds opening to pale pink or white flowers, in a pot in March 2021. This plant is happiest in a moist, well drained site with some shade and is endemic to Tasmania.
Boronia clavata – Bremer Boronia (Photos below)
We planted this shrub which grows to 1.5-2m high, with narrow aromatic leaves clustered along the stem. and many yellowish-green flowers first in August 2014. The first plant died, so we tried again in October 2019 with more success. In January 2024 we potted our Bremer Boronia into a very large pot. This plant is native to southwestern WA.
Boronia coerulescens – Blue Boronia (Photo above right)
We have planted three of these shrubs to 50cm high, with short thick linear leaves and variable flowers from bluish to pink and white. This species is native to NSW, Vic, SA, and WA. The advice is that this plant is difficult to maintain for more than three years even in optimum conditions, but we have had two plants persist for over five years, blooming over long periods.
Boronia crenulata
We saw Boronia crenulata (photo below left) growing and flowering so well at a number of Armidale gardens on a visit there in 2017 that we were determined to try some in our garden. A friend offered to buy me some from Kuranga Nursery and I planted three different cultivars and forms, ‘Buckshot’, ‘Pink Passion’ and Stirling Ranges form in September 2018. In our garden ‘Pink Passion’ was the runaway winner as it flowered profusely over a very long period. We planted another ten ‘Pink Passion’ in August 2019 and had to cover them in the heat a month later. In fact all the Boronia crenulata suffered in that hot spell. They also went backwards over winter 2019 and several, which were out in the open, died. However, we still have all the plants that were somewhat sheltered in the garden and the small plants, which form small bushes 0.3m high and wide, are covered in pink flowers.
Boronia crenulata ‘Pink Passion’ (Photo above right)
We planted ten of these small shrubs, with fresh green leaves and pink star flowers over a very long period., in August 2019 They seem impervious to frost, but do not like very hot weather.
Boronia crenulata Stirling Ranges (photo below left)
We planted this small shrub in September 2018 and saw our first flowers in October 2019. Like many other plants in our garden it suffered in the heat of December 2020, but has recovered to bloom well from September - November 2021.
Boronia crenulata ‘Super Dooper’ (Photo above right)
We planted one of these shrubs, 1m x 1m, with light green foliage and candy pink star flowers in September 2020. This plant is tolerant of only light frosts and must be protected in Canberra.
Boronia cymosa – Granite Boronia
We planted this small boronia with pink flowers in spring in clusters on long stems, in a pot, in April 2023 where it has grown well to 1m high in 2024. This plant prefers well drained soil and is moderately hardy in areas of winter rain, native to southwestern WA.
Boronia denticulata (Photo below left)
We planted two of these shrubs, 1m high x 1m wide, with bright green aromatic leaves and many showy pink flowers, in 2011 and 2018. The first plant died from heat stress in January 2018, but the second persists, despite the horrors of summer 2020. This species is native to southwestern WA.
Boronia filifolia - Slender Boronia (Photo above right)
We planted one of these dome shaped shrubs, 0.3-0.5m high x 1-3m wide, with pink flowers in September 2020. The dainty flowers are borne over long periods. Sadly died September 2023. This species is native to Victoria and South Australia.
Boronia floribunda (Photo below left)
We planted one of these small shrubs, with fern like leaves and large pink flowers in November 2019. This species is native to the area around Sydney, NSW. Removed December 2022 as it failed to grow well.
Boronia heterophylla ‘Blue Waves’ (photo above right)
We planted this evergreen shrub, 1m high and wide, with dark green aromatic foliage and mauve-blue bell shaped flowers, in a pot in October 2021. This plant will tolerate only light frosts so must be protected in the winter. Eaten in half by ravens in October 2022, so was moved into more protection.
Boronia heterophylla red
We planted this upright shrub, 1-2m high x 1-2m wide, with fine bright green aromatic foliage and red bell shaped flowers, in a pot in October 2021. This plant prefers dappled shade and must be protected from frost and hot winds. This plant is native to southwestern WA.
Boronia heterophylla x B. molloyae ‘Carousel’
We have planted two of these shrubs in pots, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with fine needle-like aromatic foliage and many fragrant pink bell flowers which deepen to red, in 2019 and 2021. These plants prefer a cool, partly shaded position in moist, well-drained soil. The first one died in the heat of January 2020, but the second persists.
Boronia keysii (Photos below)
We planted this rare species of boronia from southeastern Queensland, height to 2m, with aromatic foliage and pink, star-shaped flowers in November 2019. This plant was lost to science for 62 years then rediscovered in 1971. We repotted this plant in October 2022 when it promptly died. We planted another in in April 2024 and it is already in flower.
Boronia ‘Lipstick’ (Photos below)
We planted this hybrid boronia, B. crassipes x B. heterophylla, height 1-2.5m x 50-75cm, an upright, evergreen shrub with narrow, aromatic leaves and many large, purple-pink bell shaped flowers in September 2020. This really beautiful plant died in January 2024 as the soil in the pot became hydrophobic and I did not realise until too late.
Boronia ‘Magenta Stars’
We planted this cross between Boronia heterophylla ‘Moonglow’ and B. pulchella, 1m high and wide, with masses of magenta star flowers and slender aromatic leaves in September 2023 in a pot. This plant needs full sun or part shade in free draining neutral or acidic soils and was developed by King’s Park Botanic Gardens.
Boronia megastigma ‘Dark Prince’ (Photos below two left)
We planted this version of the popular Brown Boronia, Boronia megastigma, height 80cm x width 50cm, a compact plant with dark brown flowers with yellow inside, in November 2019. This plant has a magnificent perfume, but is what we call a fainter – needs regular water. Removed in February 2022 as was not growing well.
Boronia megastigma ‘Lutea’ (Photos above two right)
We planted this shrub, 1.5m high x 0.6m wide, with fine aromatic foliage and fragrant yellow flowers in September 2018, another in September 2018 and a third in May 2022. The first two plants have died, but the third persists and blooms well.
Boronia megastigma ‘Uncle Jack’s Red’
We have had absolutely no success with boronias in the ground in our garden. They are such beautiful plants, smell wonderful and have many flowers, but they last about five years at best with us, only in pots. We planted Boronia megastigma ‘Uncle Jack’s Red’ in March 2010. This plant can form a shrub to 1.5m high and 0.6m wide with aromatic foliage and fragrant, deep red flowers with yellow inside. This plant did flower for us in October 1010 and following years, but we made the mistake of cutting it back in December 2013, and it resented this, and died in the heat of January 2014.
Boronia molloyae (photo below left)
This plant grows in sandy soils in the southwestern coastal regions of Western Australia and was named after Georgiana Molloy, early botanist, 1805-43. This slender shrub has many purple-pink bell flowers along the stems and aromatic foliage. Our original plant, planted March 2016, died in the heat in January 2018. Ben had taken three cuttings and we potted these up in February 2019 and all have thrived.
Boronia muelleri soft pink – Forest Boronia (Photo above right)
We planted this shrub, 1.2-2m x 1.2-2m wide, with reddish branches and aromatic green pinnate foliage, dark pink buds followed by pink flowers in November 2019. This plant is native to Victoria and NSW. Died January 2023.
Boronia muelleri x B. pinnata (Photo below left)
We planted one of these hybrid boronias, 1.5m high, with fragrant leaves and light pink to purple flowers in September 2020. This plant needs a sheltered position. We repotted ours in February 2022 and this plant is still sulkiing.
Boronia pinnata (Photos above right))
We planted one of this variable species, height 1.8m x width 1.5m, with ferny scented leaves and star-shaped pink flowers in November 2019. This plant is native to coastal regions of NSW between Nowra and Ballina. Sadly died December 2023.
Boronia ‘Pixie’ (Photo below left)
We planted this shrub, 2m high and 1m wide with aromatic foliage and pink flowers in spring in September 2020. This beautiful plant died in April 2024 as the soil in the pot became hydrophobic and I did not realise until too late.
Boronia ‘Plum Bells’ (Photo above right)
We planted this hybrid boronia, B. ‘Moonglow’ x B. megastigma, 1m high and wide, bred by King’s Park, Perth, with many plum bells and slender aromatic leaves. in September 2020.
Boronia (pinnata x muelleri) ‘Showoff’
We planted this small plant with dainty aromatic foliage and soft pink star flowers in a pot in January 2023. This plant needs a well drained soil that remains moist all the time – morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Cut back by one third after flowering to keep bushy.
Brachyscomes
Brachyscome angustifolia ‘Mauve Delight (photo below left)
We planted six of these daisies, 15-30cm high x 30-40cm wide, with a mounding habit, and plenty of mauve flowers, in December 2021 and another ten in February 2022. One died in June 2022.
Brachyscome formosa ‘Bonstar Mauve’ (Photo above right)
We planted three of these compact groundcovers, with mauve flowers in February 2015. These plants will only tolerate light frosts so we have planted them under a cypress. They bloom well every year.
Brachyscome ‘Magenta Bliss’
We have planted twenty-six of these compact fine foliaged plants, 30cm, high x 30cm wide, with large magenta daisy flowers for much of the year, from 2013-2016. They are somewhat sensitive to frost in our garden, but do regenerate after winter.
Brachyscome ‘Mauve Bliss’ (photo above)
We have planted eleven of these compact fine foliaged plants, 15cm, high x 30cm wide, with large mauve daisy flowers, from 2012-2015. They have been damaged by the frost more than ‘Magenta Bliss’ and very few remain. Two died in March 2024
Brachyscome multifida ‘Amethyst’ (photo below left)
We have planted 110 of this low growing perennial with attractive purple daisy flowers over many months, from 2003-2009. Some of these have died in the heat and drought, but most persist, especially if they have some cover.
Brachyscome multifida ‘Break O’Day’ - Cut Leaf Daisy (Photo above right)
We have planted 157 of this compact perennial, 40 cm high x 1 m wide, with finely divided leaves and many mauve daisy flowers throughout the year. Many have died in heat and drought, but some persist.
Brachyscome ‘Radiant Magenta’
We planted three of these plants in both 2015 and 2021, 20cm high and wide, with finely divided dense, dark green foliage and bright magenta daisy like flowers that appear for most of the year. We planted another three in November 2022, but most seem to have disappeared.
Brachyscome ‘White Bliss’
We have planted six of these compact plants, 15cm high x 30cm wide, with fine green foliage and white daisy flowers, in December 2021. These plants are frost resistant and will grow in full sun to part shade.
Brachyscome ‘White Delight’ (Photos above)
We planted three Brachyscome ‘White Delight’ in December 2008 and they grew and flowered well, height 25cm, with finely divided dark green leaves and white daisy flowers with yellow centres. Ben made a number of cuttings of this plant and we planted 15 in May 2010. These grew and multiplied, so Ben made even more cuttings and we planted 25 of these in September 2012. Since then these plants have grown well and flowered over long periods. They light up dark areas of the garden and are very reliable.
Buckinghamia celsissima - Ivory Curl
I fell in love with Ivory Curl, or Buckinghamia celsissima, when I saw it in bloom in Queensland, a large shrub or small tree with glossy dark green leaves, red new growth and showy sprays of fragrant creamy white flowers. We tried one in April 2017 and it was very browned off during the winter and died. In October 2017. I planted another specimen, this time in a pot to protect it from the frost. This plant grew so well that we planted it in a very sheltered position in the garden in February 2019. We then planted four more in 2019 in protected parts of the garden and all these grew well for a while with glossy leaves and red new growth. No flowers as yet, although two in the Australian National Botanic Gardens flower well each year. After winter 2022 three plants were struggling and removed. One persists although still no flowers in 2024.
Bulbinella floribunda
We planted three of these clump-forming plants, 90cm high x 60cm wide, with long strap-like leaves and yellow flowers in winter to early spring, in August 2012. These plants originally came from the Cape Province of South Africa, although now are naturalised in WA. They do spread somewhat in the garden and are the first flowers in spring every year.
Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa photos below)
We planted three different subspecies of Bursaria spinosa after asking George Adams, (author of Birdscaping Your Garden and Complete Guide to Australian Birds), which plant he felt was most beneficial to birds in the garden. He nominated Bursaria for its prickly nature and masses of white flowers that attract insects at Christmas season. We planted Bursaria spinosa ssp lasiophylla and Bursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa in the garden in 2011. We also planted Bursaria spinosa, Native Box or Blackthorn, four in 2012, and then 20 more in 2018 along one boundary of our property. These are all growing well and achieving great thorniness. We have yet to see a nest in one, but these plants are still small. Not so small now in 2024, some are probably 5m high. Many we have cut in half to promote bushiness.
Cadellia pentastylis – Ooline
We planted this tree, to 10m high, with slender branches and dense glossy green foliage, five-petaled white flowers and brown wrinkled fruits, February 2020. This plant is native to the Darling Downs and other inland areas of Queensland. This hardy tree is slow growing, resents disturbance and has beautiful dark red new growth.
Callitris oblonga
We planted two of these hardy shrubs, 2.5m high x 1m wide, which grow well in full sun in an open position and are frost and drought tolerant, in September 2009. In December 2011 both trees were totally denuded by Skipperjack butterfly caterpillars, Ben sprayed with white oil and both did refoliate well by spring 2012. Then the best specimen blew flat in big storm in February 2014. Ben staked it up and it has recovered. We removed the poor specimen in February 2016. Native to eastern NSW and one subspecies in Tasmania – listed as vulnerable.
Callitris rhomboidea – Oyster Bay Pine or Port Jackson Pine
We planted four of these attractive narrow plants, to 10 m high, with a slightly weeping habit in new growth, as part of our foundation planting in 2003. The foliage is deep green, neat and feathery. These plants are best grown in a well drained position with plenty of moisture in the summer and are frost tolerant. These trees grow in woodlands, coast and tablelands of northern NSW and southern Queensland. Gang-gangs like the nuts and removed all nuts from one tree while we were away in Adelaide in September/October 2011.
Calothamnus quadrifidus (photos above)
or Common Netbush or One-sided Bottlebrush, from southwestern Western Austalia, is a marvellous garden plant. We planted our first twenty green leaved Calothamnus in November/December 2003. These plants form an erect shrub to 2.5m high and wide, with attractive pine like leaves and long, showy, red and sometimes yellow, bottlebrush like flowers. We planted a further three grey-leaved Calothamnus in December 2006. Since then we have planted 15 more specimens, come yellow flowered, some dwarf, over 11 years. All of these plants are valuable in the garden, the grey leaved forms being particularly beautiful. We have also planted seven Pencil Form Calothamnus quadrifidus in April 2018-23 and these are growing and flowering well.
Calothamnus quadrifidus ‘Aurea’ – One Sided Bottlebrush
We planted this shrub, 2m high and wide, with yellow flowers in December 2018. This plant first flowered for us in November 2020, but has remained smal, only 0.5m high and wide.
Calothamnus quadrifidus ‘Little Ripper’
We planted this groundcover form of Calothamnus quadrifidus, 0.2-0.4m high x 1.5-2.5m wide with fine grey-green foliage and red brush style flowers that are bird attracting, in September 2020. This plant is recommended for coastal gardens, but tolerates some frost and dry spells once established. This plant has stayed small for us so far. Removed October 2023 - not doing much.
Calothamnus quadrifidus Pencil Form (photo below left)
We planted two of these vertical shrubs, growing 30-40cm wide and 2m high, with red flowers on old stems, in April 2018. This plant is ideal for a narrow spot and is suitable for shady positions in all soil types. Both plants browned off over winter 2018 but tolerated winter 2019 better. Both flowered in November 2019 and in the years after with showy red blooms along old stems. We planted three more in September 2023, and another two in October 2023.
Calothamnus rupestris (photo above right)
I was mystified by the common name of Calothamnus rupestris, Mouse Ears, until I planted one in March 2013 and it flowered in November 2017. After flowering it developed small, soft, grey, furry fruiting capsules that were exactly like mouse ears. Very strokable. The shrub can grow to 2m high and wide, although ours is smaller than that, perhaps 1.5m high x 1m wide. This plant is native to southwestern WA.
Calothamnus villosus
We planted this erect or spreading shrub, 2m high, with green to greyish-green hairy foliage and one sided bright red bottlebrush flowers with gold anthers, in March 2023. This plant is native to southwestern WA.
Calytrix tetragona – Dwarf Fringe Myrtle (photos above: left is pink, middle is red and left is white)
We have planted 19 of these shrubs, 1-2m high x 1-2m wide, with fine foliage on arching stems and pink or white star flowers, with colourful calyces, from 2010-18. These plants, native to eastern and southern Australia, including Tasmania, are very slow to grow in our garden but improve their flowering each year.
Photos above are Carpobrotus glaucescens ‘Aussie Rambler’
Carpobrotus
We all know the cheerful pigface of the beach dunes but we have grown several different sorts of Carpobrotus in our garden, glaucescens ‘Aussie Rambler’, modestus or Inland Pigface, rossii ‘Pink Passion’ and ‘White Hot’ or Native Pigface. The winner in our garden is ‘Aussie Rambler’ as it grows vigorously, is amenable to being cut back, has a very large and bright pink flower, and blooms over a long period. The other Carpobrotus are also useful garden plants, but less vigorous. We planted three ‘Aussie Rambler’ in October 2014 and have been happily starting new plants and giving them away ever since. King Parrots really enjoy the foliage.
Cassinia aureonitens – Yellow Cassinia (photos above)
We planted three of these erect shrubs, 1.5-2.5m high x 1.5-2m wide, with dark green linear leaves and dense clusters of bright yellow flowers, in February 2022. These plants will thrive in full sun or shady positions in free draining soils and have moderate frost and drought tolerance. This species is native to NSW from Taree to Eden.
Cassinia uncata – Sticky Cassinia
We planted three of these narrow upright shrubs, 1-2m high, with silver leaves and creamy yellow, long lasting flower clusters, in November 2023. These plants are quick growing on well-drained rises, frost and drought hardy, and native to inland NSW and southeastern SA. Our three are looking a bit battered in May 2024 - I hope that they can come through the winter.
Casuarina cunninghamii
We planted five Casuarina cunninghamiana, or River Oak, as part of our foundation planting in 2003. These plants grow into a handsome tree 20m high along river beds, both on the coast and inland areas of NSW, Queensland and Northern Territory. The branches are somewhat drooping which gives a graceful appearance, with green needles, small cones and red fluffy flowers. One of our mature trees was smashed by the fall of the pine in July 2016 and had to be removed. We use the fallen needles as mulch for terrestrial orchids to suppress weeds in pots. We trimmed the long branches that drooped over the path in May 2024.
We planted two Casuarina glauca prostrate form in October 2008 which we sourced from Grevillea Park, Bulli, where the prostrate form first occurred. This plant is commonly called the Swamp Oak as it occurs along brackish waterways. The bark of this plant is grey-brown and scaly, with horizontal, dense spreading foliage, which produces no flowers. This plant does get hit by the frost late in winter, but regrows well. We then planted cultivars of this original plant in 2011-12, ‘Cousin It’ and ‘Shagpile’, to spill over a rock wall. We have since planted another two Casuarina glauca cultivar in February 2020 called ‘Greenwave’, which is a shrub to 2m high and wide, with a natural ball shape. Our Italian Greyhounds love to roll on the scratchy foliage.
Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’
We planted one of these unusual and extremely tough groundcovers, 10cm high x 1m wide, with glaucous green foliage and a spreading habit, in March 2011. This plant needs full sun, is tolerant of light frost, and is adaptable to most soils.
Casuarina glauca ‘Greenwave’
We planted two of these hardy evergreen shrubs, 2m high and wide, with a natural ball shape, in 2020. These plants have really lovely foliage.
Casuarina glauca (prostrate form)
Casuarina glauca is commonly called the “Swamp Oak” due to the wood's oak-like appearance and natural occurrence near brackish waterways. The prostrate form is a non-flowering curio originating at Bulli south of Sydney. The bark is grey-brown and scaly, with stems growing horizontally to mold over surfaces. The reason for its form and failure to produce flowers is unclear. However many other coastal heath plants, such as Banksia and Themeda similarly produce prostrate forms. Cuttings were taken from plants near Booderee National Park in 1989 and are now established in Canberra's Australian National Botanic Gardens, where they cover the ground with dense spreading foliage creating sanctuary for reptiles and invertebrates. Heavy frost can kill the top layers of the foliage but the stems reshoot readily in spring. We planted two of these in October 2008 and another two in September 2009.
Casuarina glauca ‘Shagpile’
We planted one of these hardy compact groundcovers, 1.5m wide, in March 2012. This plant grows best in full sun and is adaptable to any well drained soil and is frost tolerant. Width 1.5m.
Ceratopetalum gummifermum ‘Albery’s Red’
We tried to establish Ceropetalum gummiferum ‘Alberys Red’ in the garden four times between 2006 and 2009, but all were gone by 2011. This plant is a compact selection of the NSW Christmas Bush with many white flowers followed by red bracts. This plant can grow to 5m in height and 2m in width, but our specimens were very slow to grow. We now have a great specimen of Ceropetalum gummiferum in a pot which is thriving away from the frost. All gone by August 2011.
Cerapetalum gummiferum dwarf – NSW Christmas Bush
We planted this compact bush, height 1m, width 1m, with creamy white flowers and red calyces, in a pot, in November 2012. This plant was blasted by the frost in August 2014, but has recovered.
Chamelauciums
C. ‘Lady Stephanie’ (Photo above left) C. ‘Paddy’s Pink’ (Photo above right)
We have planted nearly 30 Chamelauciums over 14 years and had quite a bit of success with them. They do need overhead protection in our garden. The most successful plants are two ‘Lady Stephanie’, one planted in October 2014 and the other planted in January 2019, and 17 ‘Paddy’s Pink’ planted in 2017-2018. ‘Lady Stephanie’ grows to 1-2m high and wide, with fine green needle foliage and many pale pink strongly scented flowers with maroon centres over a long period. ‘Paddy’s Pink ’is a hybrid between C. uncinatum and Verticordia plumosa, a bushy shrub growing to 2m high and 1.5m wide, although smaller in our garden. The narrow grey foliage has a spicy fragrance and the heads of mauve pink flowers last for many months. We saw these plants growing magnificently in the garden of Bob and Dot O’Neill in Melbourne. We aspire to grow our C. ‘Paddy’s Pink’ as well as theirs. We have five different species growing and flowering well in 2024, but we have planted another eleven different cultivars which have not thrived.
Chamelaucium ‘Dancing Queen’
We planted this shrub, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with double blooms of soft pink and candy pink flowers on fresh green foliage, in February 2022. This plant is suited to well drained soils, in sunny to partly shaded positions and tolerates dry periods.
Chamelaucium ‘Ice Queen’
We planted this rounded bush, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with fine fresh green foliage, red buds and white waxy flowers, in May 2022. This plant prefers an open sunny to partly shaded position in free draining soils and is tolerant of hot dry conditions and drought.
Chamelaucium ‘Lady Stephanie’ (photos above)
We have been able to grow five cultivars of Chamelaucium in the garden, but have failed with five others, ‘My Sweet Sixteen’, ‘Sarah’s Delight’, uncinatum pink, ‘University’ and uncinatum ‘White Surprise’. Most of these did not grow or bloom well and were removed for failure to thrive. These plants do need overhead protection and well drained soils. A standout cultivar for us is ‘Lady Stephanie’ with white flowers with a red centre over many months.
Chamelaucium ‘Local Hero’
We plante this rounded shrub, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with many glossy red buds, opening to waxy pink flowers, in November 2023. This plant prefers an open sunny to partly shaded position and well-drained soils and was bred by Kings Park.
Chamelaucium ‘Marshmallow Delight’
We planted this hybrid, 3m high x 1.5m wide, with fine bright green foliage and white, pink and purple flowers, in February 2022. This plant enjoys well drained soils, sunny to partly shaded positions and tolerates dry periods.
Chamelaucium ‘Pearl Buttons’
We planted one of these shrubs, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with fine green foliage and many clear, waxy, white blooms on tall thin stems, in September 2019.
Chamelaucium uncinatum ‘Pink Petticoat’ or ‘Petticoat Pink’ (photos above)
We planted two of these shrubs, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with needle like dark green leaves and many small pink, star shaped flowers, in 2011 and 2019. The first plant died right away but the second persists.
Chorilaena quercifolia
We planted this bushy shrub, 2m high x 2m wide, with oak-like foliage and pendulous clusters of green flowers, which are attractive to birds, in November 2023. This plant prefers dappled to heavy shade in moist, well-drained soil.
Chorizema cordatum – Flame Pea (Photo below left)
We have planted five of these spreading shrubs, to 1.5m high, with heart-shaped leaves and sprays of red, orange and pink pea flowers, from 2009-20. This plant needs protection from heavy frosts in Canberra and we only have one remaining in a pot. This shrub is native to southwestern WA.
Chorizema varium – Limestone Pea (Photo above right)
We planted this dense spreading shrub, 30cm high x 70 cm wide, with attractive holly-like foliage and profuse orange/red flowers, in a pot in August 2019. This plant tolerates only light frosts and is an endangered plant from the Swan Coastal District of WA.
Chrysocephalum apiculatum – Common Everlasting (forb)
We have planted 355 of these versatile plants from 2003-2018. There are many forms of this variable perennial. It can vary in height from prostrate to a rounded form, 30 cm high to 1m wide. The green to silver grey leaves with a small point at the tip are often covered with woolly white hairs. Clusters of small golden heads are produced from spring to summer. A hardy species, which will grow in most soils and situations provided drainage is good. It likes lots of sun – prune hard in late winter to encourage vigorous growth. A lovely spreading plant for the garden edge or rockery. Called Yellow Buttons or Common Everlasting
Chrysocephalum apiculatum ‘Cate’s Orange’
We planted this selection from Riverside Nurseries, a suckering forb to 30cm with grey green foliage and orange buttons, in February 2021. This plant is hardy to frost and drought in full sun and free draining soils. Died over winter 2022.
Chrysocephalum apiculatum “Sun Buttons’ (photos above)
We planted this hardy form, 0.3m high x 0.5m wide, which suckers and produces many bright gold buttons in clusters above fine grey-green foliage, in November 2019. This plant is frost tolerant and grows best in full sun and is adaptable to well drained moist soils.
Chrysocephalum apiculatum ‘Yorke Peninsula’
We were lucky to obtain six Chrysocephalum apiculatum Yorke Peninsula in November 2012 and these plants did last in the garden until 2017, but they were never happy. They suffered in both the heat and the frost in our garden, and although Ben made five cuttings from them as well as the original six, all 11 were removed with much reluctance as these plants are very beautiful in flower. They have spreading silver foliage and deep gold flower buttons. Removed in January 2017 with much sadness. The silver forms of Chrysocephalum find it difficult in our garden.
Chrysocephalum ‘Desert Orange’
We planted this groundcover, 25cm high x 50cm wide, with orange buttons on green foliage, in February 2015.
Chrysocephalum ramosissimum and Chrysocephalum semipapposum
As part of our foundation planting we planted 75 Chrysocephalum apiculatum, or Common Everlasting, in 2003. Since then we have planted more than 300 of these plants in many positions around the garden. This perennial varies in height, foliage colour and size of flower heads. It can be prostrate to 60cm high and 1m across. The leaves can be green or silver and the golden flower heads vary in size. These plants flower on and off throughout the year. We have planted many forms of Chrysocephalum but the two standout favourites are Chrysocephalum ramosissimum and Chrysocephalum semipapposum. We planted three C. ramosissimum in September 2016 in our, then new, upper sand garden around some rocks. These plants grew into a dense mat 0.3m high and 1.5m in width. They browned off over winter 2017, but plenty regrew from under the rocks at the end of winter and have raced away since then. We have given away many and planted them in the Terra Australis Garden at the National Arboretum in Canberra where they are thriving. We planted three Chrysocephalum semipapposum in November 2017 and another three in April 2018. These suckering shrubs can grow to 1m high and 1.5m wide, but are smaller in our garden. They have grey leaves and large clusters of gold flowers. They die down in the winter and resurrect themselves in spring.
Chrysocephalum ramosissimum (photos below)
We planted three of these low growing groundcovers in September 2016 which form a dense mat of orange button flowers, height 0.3m x width 1.5m. These original plants have spread widely and provided plenty of seedlings for other gardens. This plant is native to all states of Australia and is presently included as a variant of Chrysocephalum apiculatum.
Chrysocephalum semipapposum (photos below)
We planted six of these suckering shrubs, 0.2-1m high x 0.5-1.5m wide, with small grey leaves and clusters of gold flowers, in 2017-18. These cheerful plants flower over a long period, die down over winter and reliably return each spring. This plant is native to most Australian states.
Citrus hybrid – Rainforest Pearl
We planted Rainforest Pearl, Citrus australasica var. sanguinea, in June 2012. The fruit is finger sized and has a fragrant thin green skin blushed with crimson, containing lime-flavoured citrus pearls.
Citrus hybrid – Red Centre Lime
We planted Red Centre, a cross between a finger lime and a Rangpur lime, with lustrous red, egg shaped fruit about the size of a cumquat, in June 2012. This plant has vicious spines.
Citrus hybrid – Sunrise Lime
We planted Sunrise Lime in June 2012, a cross between a finger lime and calamondin, with an elegant pear shaped golden fruit that is juicy and sharp in flavour. The fruit can be eaten whole as the skin and pith is sweet. The fruit of this plant makes great marmalade.
Citrus limon - Meyer Lemon
In Ben’s courtyard we planted three Meyer Lemons as Ben had never lived anywhere before where lemons would grow. These three trees produce enough fruit to satisfy ourselves, our family, many friends and also two restaurants which we frequent. The lemons are particularly juicy and delightfully tangy.4065
Clematis leptophylla (was var. leptophylla)
We planted this climber with slender stems, divided leaves with narrow leaflets, creamy-green flowers and bearded fruits, in April 2008.. This plant is a quick growing local species in well drained soils in sun. This plant first bloomed in August 2008 and has since spread widely along a fence. We planted another four seedlings along the back fence and are now pulling our many seedlings everywhere in the garden.
Clematis microphylla (Photos above)
We planted Clematis microphylla or Small Leafed Clematis, in March 2007 on a frame near a fence. This plant has now climbed ambitiously into a nearby tree and flowers generously every year with small greenish cream flowers. The foliage is dullish green with three leaves together and the flowers of female plants produce one-seeded dry fruits that have a feathery tail. The fruits are very light and the feathery tail allows them to be dispersed by the wind.
Commersonia (Rulingia) hermanniifolia
We planted four of these groundcovers, 0.2m high x 1m wide, with soft wrinkled leaves and small pink and white flowers two in 2006 and two in 2015. These plants are happy in dry or moist well drained soils in full or filtered sun and are native to eastern central NSW. Removed November 2022 as were not thriving.
Conostylis candicans Eneabba Form (photos above)
We planted this clumping plant, 50cm high and wide, with grey foliage with clusters of yellow tubular flowers carried on long stems, in February 2015. These plants prefer a sunny open well drained site and are toleratant of drought and medium frosts.
Coopernookia georgei – Mauve Coopernookia
We planted three of these long flowering shrubs, 1-5m high x 1m wide, with dark green elliptical leaves with toothed margins and mauve fan flowers, in October 2023. This rare plant is native to Ravensthorpe area, WA, needs free draining soils in a partly shaded area, and is tolerant of light to moderate frosts.
Cordyline australis ‘Sundance’ (photos above)
We planted Cordyline 'Sundance', 2m high, with dark green sword like leaves, shaded through the middle with a pink red colour, and creamy white flowers that appear high above the foliage in long drooping panicles, in 2003. This plant prefers a sunny or partly shaded position in well drained soil and is frost hardy.
Cordyline stricta
We have planted ten of these slender upright palm-like plants, 3m high, with many stems and linear leaves which bear small purplish flowers on long stems, followed by black fruits, from 2007-17. This plant is native to the tropical forests of NSW and Queensland and is hardy in areas of low frost. This is an adaptable feature plant for full sun or heavy shade. Our plants have suffered frost damage during colder winters, but persist. First flowers November 2022.
Croweas
We have never had much luck with Croweas in our garden, despite the fact that they grow very well in other Canberra gardens. We particularly regret that Crowea saligna failed in our garden even though we planted it many times in many different parts of the garden. We now plant Croweas in pots and they are a great success with better drainage than we can offer them in the garden.
Crowea exalata
We planted this rounded hardy shrub, 0.7m high x 0.7m wide, with linear leaves and star-like white to pink flowers in March 2022. This plant is suited to most positions in well-drained mulched soils.
Crowea exalata ‘Profusion’
We planted three of these dainty evergreen shrubs, 1m high x 1m wide, with aromatic leaves and a profusion of pink star flowers in August 2019. They prefer a cool, partly shaded position in moist well-drained soils. These plant first bloomed for us in November 2019. Two have since died, one in the heat of February 2020 and another in the rain of March 2022.
Crowea exalata white
We planted one of these showy evergreen shrubs, 1m high and wide, bearing many white, waxy star-shaped flowers in November 2019. This plant grows best in moist, well drained soil in a cool position, but tolerates light shade, well drained clay soils and light frost.
Crowea saligna ‘Large Flower’ (photo above)
We planted three of these small shrubs in pots, 80cm high x 60cm wide, with large pink flowers and aromatic foliage. Native bees and butterflies are attracted to this plant.
Dampiera diversifolia ‘Southern Blue’
We planted two of these hardy groundcovers, prostrate to 2m wide, with neat, bright green foliage which suckers, and blue fan-like flowers, in a pot, in December 2021.
Darwinia citriodora (photos above)
We have planted six of these spreading shrubs, 1-2m high x 1-2m wide, with oval, opposite, lemon scented foliage and reddish flowers, from 2016-18. These plant grow best in some shade, but will withstand full sun and good drainage is essential. We have lost three of these plants, but three survive. They bloomed first for us in August 2020.
Dianella caerulea
We planted three of these tufted plants, with flax-like leaves to 0.75m long, suckering to form clumps to 1m wide, in April 2018. These have bright blue flowers on branched stems in spring & summer, then bright blue fruits, and perform best in a warm site in most soils. We have only had very sparse bloom so far.
Dianella ‘Currabubula’ – Blue Berry Lily (photos above)
We planted one of these plants with grey-blue leaves, 0.75m high x 1m wide, with pale blue flowers along upright stems followed by showy bright blue tasty fruits, in October 2018. Our plant first flowered in November 2021, but flowered better in January 2022, and even better in November 2023 developing stunning shiny blue berries after flowering.
Dianella longifolia ‘Warrumbungle Rain’
We planted Dianella longifolia ‘Warrumbungle Rain’, a plant bred by our friends at Bilby Blooms near Coonabarrabran, in March 2013. This is a clumping plant to 0.4m high with pale blue flowers in spring followed by pale berries in summer. Until 2017 this plant performed very well, but then we somehow contracted the dianella disease which causes the flowers not to open. We sadly removed this plant in November 2019 and continue to remove many dianellas from our garden.
Dianella tasmanica
We planted 200 viro tubes of Dianella tasmanica, or Flax Lily in 2003, and these have not been successful. Originally they were in too much sun and we moved them into the shade where they thrived. However, about ten years ago, many Dianella in Canberra contracted a disease which causes their flower buds to remain closed and droop. We had planted a number of different dianellas over the years, but all have contracted this disease and we have removed most of them. This year, 2022, some are flowering again.
Dianella ‘Uralla’ – Mini Flax Lily
We planted ten of these hardy tufted plants with flax like leaves suckering to form clumps to 1m wide. These plants have bright blue flowers on branched stems, followed by bright blue fruits. Unfortunately our plants are mostly being overrun by a vigorous correa October 2020.
Dicksonia antarctica - Tree Fern
We planted 30 Dicksonia antarctica, or Soft Tree Fern, as part of our foundation planting in 2003. This iconic plant is common in moist forests from Queensland to Tasmania. The Soft Tree Fern has a thick trunk up to 10m high covered in red brown hairs and the green fronds can unfurl rapidly to 3m long. As we were planting in drought the cockatoos originally nipped off all the fronds that formed in 2003-2004. We wired up the ferns and were successful in keeping the cockatoos at bay, but the plants still looked very battered in July 2005. We removed the wires and moved most of these ferns to a position closer to the house so that we could monitor them more easily in October 2005. The wet conditions during 2010-2011 in Canberra encouraged these plants to grow well and they have continued to do so. In twenty years our plants have doubled in height.
Diplolaena grandiflora (grafted) (pot) (photos above)
We planted two of these shrubs, height 2m x width 1.5m, with woolly grey leaves and large orange to red flowers surrounded by green bracts in January 2010 and October 2017. The first one died in March 2010, but the second is still flowering well., despite being attacked by choughs. Attacked again by cockatoos September 2023. Native to the area between Geraldton and North West Cape. Plant resurrected itself in April 2022.
Dodonaea
Dodonaea boroniaefolia – Fern-leaf Hop Bush (Photos above)
We planted three of these shrubs, 2m high x 1m wide, with attractive fern like leaves and decorative purple-red seed pods, in April 2019. Native to the Ballarat area, Victoria.
Dodonaea filiformis – Fine Leaf Hop Bush
We planted this soft-foliaged shrub, 1.2m high, native to eastern side of Tasmania, in March 2021. Female plants have reddish seed capsules and this plant is very hardy.
Dodonaea sinuolata subsp. sinuolata
We planted this spreading shrub, 1-2.5m high x 2m wide, with ferny divided foliage and insignificant red flowers followed by red hops, in October 2014. This plant was flattened by a tree in November 2015, then overgrown by a large Prostanthera incisa which was removed in January 2021. Native to Hunter Valley, NSW to central Queensland.
Dodonaea stenozyga – Desert Hop Bush
We planted this rounded compact shrub , 0.5-1.5m x 2m, with pinnate leaves and small flowers in pairs, followed by ornamental bright red seed capsules, in May 2019. So far this shrub is very slow to grow, 2024. Native to southern Australia.
Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustifolia (Photos above)
We were given a Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustifolia, or Sticky Hop Bush, and planted it in the upper sand garden in April 2016. This shrub has grown exceptionally well to 3m high and wide with attractive, narrow sticky leaves and deep pink fruits. The Hop Bush is widely distributed over all Australian states. We trimmed the bottom of this tree in 2024 to allow more light and air.
Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily
We have planted two of these spectacular plants in 2008, to 1.8m high and 3m wide, with a rosette of giant word shaped leaves and large globular heads of striking deep red torch shaped flowers on stems which may reach 6m high. This plant may take 5-10 years before it flowers and thrives in well drained humus rich soil in a sunny, open position. Flower heads may be damaged by frost but leaves are hardy. We have had a couple of flower stems, but they have been frosted off before they can open. Native to the coastal area near Sydney.
Doryanthes palmeri - Spear Lily
We were ambitious to try planting Doryanthes palmeri, or Spear Lily, in our garden in October 2011 even though we gave it plenty of protection. The large specimen in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, admittedly under considerable protection, flowers regularly with a 3m flower spike of brick red flowers along the stem. This is a spectacular plant with bright green leaves 3m long which can be damaged by frost as ours were. We moved it under even more protection in December 2014, but this plant just sputters along, will not die, but does not flower. In 2022 we removed the shading leptospermums and now this plant is in more sun. Native range restricted to southeastern Queensland and northeastern NSW.
Dypsis lutescens - Golden Cane Palm, Areca Palm
We planted two of these palms, native to Northern Queensland, in pots in June 2019. We keep them indoors and hope that they do not reach their maximum size of 6-8m high x 2-2.5m wide. So far they are 2m high and 1.5m wide with very decorative dissected foliage.
Eleaocarpus reticulatus - Blueberry Ash (Photos above)
As part of our foundation planting in 2003 we planted 22 Eleaocarpus reticulatus, or Blueberry Ash. This rainforest tree is native from coastal southeastern Queensland south to the islands in Bass Strait. The Blueberry Ash can grow to 15m high but is much smaller in our garden. We lost the tops of our young trees to frost in 2003-2004 and three trees died over winter 2006. The others have adapted to the cold and dry conditions and bloomed exceptionally well after the rain in 2010-2011 with pink fringed bell flowers, followed by blue fruits. In the La Nina year of 2020-2021 these trees were even more remarkable in the generosity of their flower.
Epacris impressa (Bega Form) – Common Heath
We planted two specimens of this species, with narrow pointed foliage and masses of red tubular flowers, in 2012 and 2019. The first one died in the heat of January 2017, but the second one persists. This plant is the floral emblem of Victoria.
Epacris longiflora (photos above)
We planted this shrub, 0.5-1.3m high x 1m wide, with small pointed leaves and long red bell flowers with white tips, in September 2010 and March 2019. The first plant was a fantastic plant from Dawn Barr’s garden, Bairnsdale, Victoria which did not appreciate being repotted, and then died in February 2017. This plant is native to heath and open forests of New South Wales and southern Queensland and blooms every year in spring and lasts until Xmas.
Epacris purpurascens
We planted Epacris purpurascens in a pot in August 2012. This plant grows to 80cm and forms a stiff shrub with pale pink star flowers with red stamens and is native to the Sydney region. Our plant flowered well from 2013-2016 then died in December 2016.
Epacris reclinata (photos above)
We planted this shrub, 0.6-1m high x 0.5m wide, with small prickly leaves and pink to red bell flowers in August 2019. This plant is native to the Blue Mountains, NSW. Magnificent all over flowering in May 2022.
Eriostemon australiasius - Pink Wax Flower
We planted one Eriostemon australasius, or Pink Wax Flower, in the ground in February 2008 and another in a pot in September 2015. This attractive plant is 1-2m high and 1-1.5m wide with leathery dark green leaves and waxy pink star shaped flowers. It is native to the Illawarra area of NSW north to southern Queensland. The first plant rotted out in May 2008, and the other, although in a pot with excellent drainage, died over winter 2016.
Gahnia sieberiana - Red Sedge (photos above: left flowers, right berries)
We planted three Gahnia sieberiana, or Red Sedge, around the small pond in November 2005. These flowering sedges can grow to 3m high with leaves up to 1.5m long, with heads of brown flowers in summer. The Red Sedge grows in damp areas of NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. We removed one of these plants in February 2014 as it had browned off and cut the other two back to the ground in June 2016. These plants have regenerated well.
Gastrolobium celsianum (G. lanceolatum) - Swan River Pea
We planted this dense dwarf shrub, 1.5m x 2m, in September 2006. This plant is suitable for most well drained soils in partial or full sun, is able to grow under eucalypts, and responds to pruning. This plant bears red pea flowers in spring-summer and is native to southwestern
WA.
Gastrolobium praemorsum ‘Brown Butterfly’
We have planted three of these groundcovers in 2019-20, 30cm high x 1.5m wide., with dark bronze to burgundy foliage with green margins. and red pea flowers in spring and summer. These plants are only moderately frost and drought tolerant and need shade. Our first plant died but the other two, one in a pot and the other in a protected position in the ground, are thriving. The one in the pot met its demise in December 2022, but the one in the garden remains.
Gastrolobium sericeum black form (photos above)
We planted this vigorous evergreen low spreading shrub, 1m high x 4m wide, with leathery leaves and unusual black pea flowers, in September 2016. This plant grows under trees and prefers moist partial shade. This plant was removed in September 2023 for failure to be of much intereest.
Gastrolobium sericeum ‘Lemon Drops’ (photos above)
We planted three of these yellow flowering compact shrubs in February 2019, with long lasting blooms, forming a spreading low shrub, 1m x 1m, with rich green oval leaves and lemon pea flowers that are attractive to birds.
Geijera parviflora - Wilga
We planted one Geijera parviflora, or Wilga, in March 2016 in the lower sand garden. This tree is native to the inland parts of eastern Australia and has leathery hanging foliage which is aromatic when crushed and small white flowers. The Wilga is a useful shade and fodder tree, especially for sheep.
Goodenia macmillanii (photos above)
We planted three of these sprawling shubs, 0.5m high and wide. with large pink flowers with purple veined throat on long stems, in December 2018. These plants prefer well drained soil and are frost resistant. This plant is native to a few locations in East Gippsland in valleys of the Macalister, Deddick and Snowy Rivers. Most of these seem to have disappeared in 2024.
Goodenia pinnatifida
We have planted six of these small suckering shrubs, 0.2m high x 0.2m wide, with a tuft of oblong basal leaves and bright yellow showy flowers, in 2015. These plants thrive in a variety of soils type in full sun. Native to all Australian states except the NT.
Goodia lotifolia ssp. pubescens – Golden Tip (photos above)
We planted one of these shrubs, 1-2m high, with yellow flowers and attractive seed pods, in August 2018. These plants prefer full sun/part shade in a well-drained position and can withstand frost to -7 deg.C. Bird and butterfly attractant. This plant is a widespread species occurring in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Named after Peter Good, a botanical collector. Removed February 2024 for failure to thrive.
Gossypium sturtianum - Sturt’s Desert Rose
We planted Gossypium sturtianum, or Sturt’s Desert Rose,in a pot in November 2012. This shrub is the floral emblem of the Northern Territory and has smooth blue grey leaves which rapidly shed water, and pale pink to mauve flowers with red centres. Our plant flowered well for several years and then began to fail. We cut it back in January 2017, but it did not reshoot and died the next month.
Gossypium ‘Flirtatious’ (photos above)
We planted, in a pot, in November 2020, this very attractive cultivar of Gossypium which flowers in the warmer months with large pink flowers with maroon centres.
Graptophyllum ilicifolium x G. excelsum ‘Holly Hedge’
We planted this low bushy shrub, 1.5m high x 1m wide, with prickly foliage and brilliant red glossy ‘fuchsia’ flowers, in a pot, in November 2019. This plant had its first flowers in November 2020 and bloomed for two months. Tends to get yellow foliage in the winter - treated with chelates.
Guichenotia ledifolia
We planted two of these shrubs, 0.5-1m high x 1m wide, with grey green linear leaves and profuse mauve pink flowers in 2013 and 2019. These plants grow best in well-drained sites in semi-shade and are good in a raised bed or rockery.. Native to southwestern WA. First fplant lowered in July 2014 but was blasted by frost over winter ’14 and died. New one keeps getting buried in pine straw, 1/22 and was moved into more sun 9/23, but did not survive.
Halgania preissiana
We planted 3 Halgania preissiana in October 2006. This plant from Western Australia is a small shrub 0.3m high and wide with dull green prickly leaves and small blue flowers. These plants lasted and bloomed well for us for a number of years before disappearing in December 2012. We also planted 3 cultivars of this plant, ‘Purple Haze’ in 2017, but these did not last with us.
Hardenbergias
Hardenbergia violacea ‘Bonnie Bilby’
We have planted four of these compact shrubs, 0.5m high x 0.3m wide, with small lance shaped leaves and many purple flowers in 2018. Thes plants prefer full sun to part shade and free draining soils. They are frost and drought tolerant and should be pruned hard. We saw our first blooms in September 2019. We now have one remaining plant which is blooming well. Other plants were transplanted as they were overgrown and did not survive.
Hardenbergia violacea ‘Candy Wrapper’
We planted two Hardenbergia violacea ‘Candy Wrapper’, one in September 2005 and another in September 2009. This vine has attractive figured leaves and bright candy-pink flowers and grows well but not rampantly. This plant is very free flowering and flowers early in the season. One died suddenly in November 2006 and the other equally suddenly in October 2011.
Hardenbergia violacea ‘Free ’n’ Easy’
Another lovely climber is Hardenbergia violacea ‘Free ‘n’ Easy’, which is more vigorous, with frothy white sprays of flowers and pink buds. We planted one in March 2005 and another in September 2010 and both grew vigorously. We had to keep cutting them back, despite the fact that they did get frosted off over winter. We eventually removed one in October 2012, as it had become unmanageable. The other was infested with green caterpillars and was eventually removed in December 2013.
Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Wanderer’
We planted two of these twining vines with purple pea flowers near the front door in 2015.
Hardenbergia violacea ‘Meema’
We planted two of these bushy groundcovers, 0.5m high x 2m wide, with many purple pea flowers, in pots in January 2015. Two years later we moved these two plants from their pots and planted them in the ground with more shade. We found that they did not do well without some overhead cover, but since then they have grown quickly. We decided to add three more plants in 2022 – they disappeared overnight, roots and all. We suspect our resident hares. We have replanted these three ‘Meemas’ in February 2022 and put wire cages around them and added three more to the Rock Garden in 2023.
Hardenbergia violacea ‘Mini Ha Ha’ (photos above)
We have planted seven of these evergreen small shrubs, 50cm high x 1m wide, with profuse deep violet pea flowers, from 2009-2013. We have only one left after winter 2017, but it is flowering well.
Hardenbergia violacea ‘Regent’ (photos above)
We planted two of these hardy upright shrubs in October 2009 which grow to approximately 1m high and 0.75m wide. They have large leathery leaves and purple pea flowers in spring. They are best grown in full sun and tolerate a wide range of soil types. They can be pruned after flowering. Both plants are growing strongly
Hibbertia empetrifolia
We have planted three of these low spreading shrubs, 0.6m high x 1.5m wide, with dark green leaves and bright yellow flowers in 2012., 2014 and 2020. These plants form a scrambling ground cover in well drained moist soils in full or part sun. The first two plants died, but the last one is protected under a eucalypt and is lowering well. Died in March 2024.
Hibbertia grossulariifolia – Gooseberry Leaved Guinea Flower (Photos above)
We planted this vigorous prostrate plant, spreading to 2m, with soft ovate leaves and bright yellow flowers, in September 2009. This plant is native to southwestern WA, is excellent in a well drained site and accepts some shade.
Hibbertia pedunculata ‘Boomers’ (Photos above)
We planted three of these groundcovers, 1m wide, with bright yellow flowers and dense green foliage, in August 2019. Bees and butterflies love them. All removed November 2022 as were browned off.
Hibbertia stellaris - Orange Stars
I love Hibbertia stellaris, or Orange Stars, for its brilliant orange flowers. We planted seven of these in pots over the period 2008 to 2014, but they were never really successful. They did flower but they did not persist, despite being fussed over. These plants are native to swampy areas of southwestern WA.
Hibbertia serrata ‘Sun Shine’
We tried 7 Hibbertia serrata ‘Sun Shine’ in the garden over 2013-14. This plant is an upright small shrub to 0.3m high and wide with bright yellow flowers. These plants did flower for us in August 2014, but after winter 2014-15 all were frosted off and subsequently died.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus ‘Aussie Delight’ (photo below left)
We planted this hybrid, H. heterophyllus x H. divaricatus, in a pot, in March 2021. This fast growing shrub, 2m high and 1.5m wide, with glossy green leaves, red-brown stems and scented light pink flowers, first bloomed for us in December 2021.
Hibiscus ‘Barambah Creek’ (photo above right)
We planted this upright shrub, 2-3m high x 1.5-2m wide, with soft grey divided foliage and large mauve-pink flowers, in a pot in May 2022. This plant, native to Gayndah/Goomeri area of Queensland, needs a warm sunny position in well drained soil and is tolerant of only light frosts.
Hibiscus geranioides (photos above)
We planted this annual or biennial species, 0.75m high x 0.75m wide, with dark green, lobed leaves and delicate pink flowers with a darker throat, in a pot in October 2015. This charming plant flowers over many months. We removed our original plant in 2021, as it had grown too large for its position and was not blooming so freely, but the cutting Ben made is growing and flowering well. Widespread in tropical areas of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. In common with most Hibiscus species, the individual flowers last only 1-2 days but new flowers continue to open over a long period.
Hibiscus heterophyllus ‘Lutea’ (photos above)
We planted this open shrub, 4m high x 3m wide, with lobed leaves and large yellow flowers with maroon centres, in a pot, in March 2022. This plant needs well drained soils, is tolerant of light shade, and must be protected from frost.
Hibiscus heterophyllus pink (photo below left)
Also known as Native Rosella, this hibiscus is endemic to New South Wales and Queensland where it can grow to a shrub or small tree. We planted one in a pot in November 2019. Our plant had its beautiful (but prickly) leaves shredded by hail in January 2020, but they have regrown. The pink flowers are large and showy.
Hibiscus ‘Ian’s Gold’ (photo above right)
We planted this hybrid hibiscus dedicated to the memory of Ian Waldron, in a pot in October 2021. This bushy shrub, 2m high x 1.5m wide, has large single gold flowers with a crimson centre. This plant needs a sunny well drained position and can be pruned to retain its shape. It tolerates only light frosts, so must be protected in Canberra. We moved this plant to a protected area of the garden in April 2024.
Hibiscus ‘Wirruna’
We planted Hibiscus splendens x H. heterophylla ‘Wirruna’ in November 2010 in a pot. This plant forms a rounded open shrub 4m x4m, and has grey-green lobed leaves to 15cm long with large showy apricot flowers with red spotted centres during spring and summer. Lyn Craven recorded information on Hibiscus ‘Wirruna’ in Australian Plants, June 1971. By crossing a pink Hibiscus splendens and a yellow-flowering form of Hibiscus heterophyllus, Lyn obtained an apricot-flowering plant. We had to remove this glorious plant in February 2012 as it grew too high to be protected under the eaves of the house.
Homoranthus prolixus
We planted two of these attractively layered form of this plant, 30cm high x 1m wide, with the creamy yellow flowers and grey green foliage, in March 2017. The foliage is aromatic when crushed. Native to northern NSW, near Bendemeer and Inverell, considered vulnerable. Flowering for the first time 12/17 and flowering well since every November.
Hovea lanceolata (photos above)
We planted nine Hovea lanceolata in December 2018 and another three in September 2020. This shrub in the pea family, 2m high x 1m wide, is native west of the Great Dividing Range in northern New South Wales and Queensland. The plant has narrow greyish leaves, blue-purple pea flowers and needs excellent drainage, a cool root run and some overhead shade. Light pruning is beneficial. We have six plants remaining, all flowered this year (2021) and some have developed interesting green fruits.
Hovea longifolia – Rusty Pods
We plantd three of these erect open shrubs, to 2m high x 1m wide, with long narrow leaves and mauve pea flowers, followed by round brown pods, in November 2022. These plants grow best in good drainage with some shade cover and a cool root run..Native to southeastern NSW.
Howittia trilocularis
We planted three of these shrubs, 3m high, with ovate, hairy green leaves and pink to mauve flowers, in November 2022. These plants grow best in a well drained partly shaded site. This plant is native to sheltered gullies, rainforest margins and eucalypt forests in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia
Hymenosporum flavum - Native Frangipani (Photos above)
We have planted two Hymenosporum flavum, or Native Frangipani, in December 2014. This tree is native to the rainforest areas of NSW and Queensland, from the Hunter River north, even extending into New Guinea. This evergreen tree, with glossy foliage and fragrant cream flowers aging to gold, can grow to 10m tall but is about half that in our garden. Both trees have flowered exceptionally well during the La Nina period, 2020-21.
Hymenosporum flavum dwarf ‘Lushious’
We planted this shrub, 4-6m high x 1-1.5m wide, with pale lemon to cream fragrant flowers from late spring to early summer, November 2012. This plant prefers full sun to dappled shade and is adaptable to most well drained soils. Breeder P and M Goldup. This plant is very slow to bloom for us, but has handsome glossy foliage.
Indigofera australis (photos above)
We planted 10 Indigofera australis, or Austral Indigo, before we found the best position in the garden for them. This open shrub, to 2m high, with blue green pinnate leaves and mauve sprays of flowers, occurs in southern Australia, including WA. Our first plants did not survive, as they frosted off in a too open position. The next six plants we positioned under eucalypts and they have thrived. Cut in half in March 2024 but have since regrown.
Indigofera coronillifolia (photos above)
We planted four of these open spreading shrubs, 1.5m high x 1m wide, with small grey leaves and hot pink flowers in September 2017. Our first flowers were in October 2019. Not much of a plant in our garden. One plant is growing well and flowering in October 2021, but the others seem to have disappeared. This plant is native to central NSW.
Isopogon anethifolius – Broad Leaf Drumsticks
We have planted eight of these erect shrubs, 3m high x 1.5m wide, with divided leaves, reddish stems and young growth, globular cones and prominent terminal heads of yellow flowers, from 2011-18. This plant is native to Braidwood area, NSW. These plants have not grown well in our garden and only two remain, still very small.
Isopogon ‘Coaldale Cracker’ (I. mnoraifolius x petiolaris) - grafted (photo below left)
We planted one of these dense upright shrubs, 1.2m high x 1m wide, with bright green, fine foliage and yellow flowers along the stems and terminal clusters in spring, in October 2017. Our plant was grafted by Phil Trickett, has pale pink and green buds, and is native to northern coastal NSW. This plant is tolerant of wet and dry conditions, full sun to part shade. Mnoraifolius is named after the menora. We now have planted three more in October 2022.
Isopogon cuneatus (photo above right)
We have planted five of these upright shrubs, 2m high x 1m wide, with flattish bright green leaves and large pink drumstick flowers, in 2016-17. Only the one grafted plant remains in 2021 and died over winter ‘23. We have now planted one in a pot in August 2023. This plant is native to southern WA, between Albany and Esperance.
Isopogon formosus (photos above: left two are I. formosus and right is “Cherry’))
We have planted six Isopogon formosus, or Rose Cone Flower, of which three remain. This bushy shrub can grow to 1.5m high, but ours are closer to 1m high. The prickly, divided foliage turns an attractive red at the tips during winter and the large, deep pink cone flowers last a long time. We also planted three Isopogon formosus, '‘Cherry’ in September 2016 - these are very similar to the species, and have grown well. This plant is native to the south coast of WA.
Isopogon ‘Pink Drumsticks’
We planted 9 Isopogon cuneatus x buxifolius ‘Pink Drumsticks’, also sometimes called Stuckey’s Hybrid, over the years 2006-2017. This plant is a hybrid of two WA varieties, with pink drumstick type flowers forming a shrub 1.5m high and wide. We did get some flowering but many died and all were removed by November 2019.
Isotoma anethifolia (photos above)
We found a small plant, 0.3m high x 0.5m wide, with deeply divided leaves and white star flowers, in our garden in 2015. We eventually identified it as Isotoma anethifolia. Ben grew some cuttings and they prospered until 2021, when all but the original plant died. We must try again, as this is a long flowering and attractive plant. Native to northern NSW north of Ebor.
Jacksonia scoparia (Photos above)
We planted 9 Jacksonia scoparia, or Dogwood, in 2007-2008. This grey leaved shrub can grow to 4m high and 2m wide, with profuse yellow and red pea flowers in spring for a short period. The plant occurs in coastal NSW and Queensland. We love the mass display of yellow and red, but wish that it would last longer.
Jasminum suavissimum – Sweet Jasmine
We planted this slender climber, which can twine to 3m high, with burgundy buds and white sweetly scented flowers followed by shiny black berries, in October 2018. This plant tolerates light to medium frosts and is native to northeastern NSW and southeastern Queensland.
Kennedia nigricans - Black Coral Pea
We planted Kennedia nigricans, or Black Coral Pea, under protection in October 2009. This vigorous climber from WA has large green trifoliate leaves and unusual black and yellow pea flowers. Our shrub began to climb and bloom in October 2010, but got badly frosted over winter 2011. This plant is not hardy in our garden so was removed in December 2012.
Kennedia prostrata – Running Postman
We have planted three of these creepers or trailers, prostrate x 1.5-3m wide, with round leaves in threes and bright red pea flowers, in 2014, 2015 and 2109. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils, but needs some overhead protection in Canberra and is native to southern Australia from southern Western Australia to northeastern New South Wales, including Tasmania.
Kennedia rubicunda (photos above)
We planted this vigorous climber with oval leaves in threes and red pea flowers in 2012 and 2015. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils and conditions, but is best in semi-shade in Canberra. The first one died in February 2013 – too dry where it was. The second one bloomed for the first time in October 2015 and performed best in the wetter La Nina years, 2020-21. Large seed pods occur after flowering. This plant is native to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Kunzea affinis
We planted this shrub, 0.7 – 2.5m x 0.7 – 2.5m, with bright green foliage and many bright pink flowers, in October 2019. This plant is ideal for screening and the flowers attract birds. Our plant lost half of its foliage and is struggling somewhat, but still flowering well in October 2021. This plant is native to the south coast of WA.
Kunzea ambigua - Tick Bush
We planted 10 Kunzea ambigua, or Tick Bush, as part of our foundation planting. This plant is a tall and spreading shrub to 3m high and 4m across, with narrow heath-like leaves and starry white fragrant flowers. The foliage is aromatic and its essential oil is used in aromatherapy. I did not like the bush, despite the great scent of the flowers. The bush was often yellowish and unattractive, so we removed all of these by January 2017. However, I do miss the scent of the flowers pervading the whole garden. This plant is native to northeastern NSW, through Victoria and into Tasmania.
Kunzea ‘Badja Carpet’
We planted this groundcover, 0.5m high x 2m wide, with small oval leaves and white fluffy flowers, in March 2015. This plant is suited to hull or part sun but flowers best in full sun. However it has not flowered at all for us so far, 2024. This very hardy groundcover is native to Badja Mountain, near Cooma, NSW.
Kunzea baxteri – Crimson or Scarlet Kunzea (photos above)
We planted four of these spreading, many stemmed shrubs, 1-2m high, with narrow oblong leaves and deep red brush flowers, in 2014. These plants are spectacular in flower and are native to southwestern WA.
Lagostrobus franklinii – Huon Pine
We have planted two of these very slow growing tall trees which In cultivation may reach 2.5m high in 10 years, one in September 2013, which did not thrive and another in September 2021, already ten years old in a pot. This plant grows best in cool moist shaded areas. Native to western Tasmania – threatened. Huon pines are some of the oldest living organisms on the Earth. A stand of trees in excess of 10,500 years old was found in 1955 in western Tasmania on Mount Read. Each of the trees in this stand is a genetically identical male that has reproduced vegetatively. Although no single tree in this stand is of that age, the stand itself as a single organism has existed that long.
Lambertia formosa - Mountain Devil
We have planted 5 Lambertia formosa, or Mountain Devil, over the years 2004-2017, but have had no lasting success with this plant in our garden. This hard dense shrub, which is endemic to coastal NSW, grows to 3m, has narrow, pointed, dark green leaves and bright red tubular flowers followed by ‘devil’s head’ seed capsules. We did get some bloom in February 2007, but most plants did not thrive and were removed.
Lambertia inermis – Noongar Chittick (photos above)
We planted this attractive shrub with elegant habit, to 5m high, with striking orange ‘wagon wheel’ flowers in November 2022. This plant is drought resistant but must be protected from heavy frost. Endemic to the south coast of Western Australia. First flowers for us in November 2023. Now gets more sun with removal of trees in 2024.
Lasiopetalum baueri ‘Velvet Pink’
We planted this hardy small shrub, 1m high x 1.5m wide, with greyish linear oblong leaves and racemes of papery purple-pink flowers, in April 2021. This plant is tolerant of dry periods and most frosts in a sunny or partly shaded position in well-drained soils. First flowers 10/21.
Lasiopetalum behrii
We planted Lasiopetalum behrii in March 2012 and it lasted until January 2018. This lovely plant, 70cm high and 1m across, has grey green leaves and pink flowers over a long period and is native to Victoria and South Australia. We had profuse flowering from this plant in October each year until it died in the heat of January 2018.
Lasiopetalum macrophyllum ‘Bronze Velvet’ (photos above)
We planted this scrambling, low growing shrub, 50cm high and 2m wide, with coppery new growth and small flowers, in two tall pots near the front door, in February 2020. This species is native to Queensland, NSW and Victoria but this selection comes from Tasmania.
Lechenaultia biloba ‘Big Blue’ (photos above)
We have planted six of these shrubs, 0.3m high x 0.3m wide, crowded linear foliage, and bright blue showy flowers, from 2010-2022. These plants grow best in well drained light soils, with sun to part shade protected from frost. Ben took cuttings. Our original pot plant lasted 6 years and was discarded in December 2016.
Lechenaultia ‘Mango’
We planted this shrub, 30cm x 50cm, with fine light green foliage and many orange flowers over a long period in a pot in August 2023. This plant is tolerant of moderate frost once established. Not so many flowers so far 2024.
Lechenaultia biloba dark blue
We have planted two of these rockery plants, 0.3m high x 0.6m wide, with soft narrow leaves and bright, dark blue flowers in 2014 and 2020. These plants need perfectly drained sandy soil and part to full sun and are native to southwestern WA.
Lechenaultia biloba ‘Sky High’
We planted this bush, 50cm high and wide, with large sky blue flowers, and soft grey foliage, native to the foothills of the Darling Ranges of WA, in August 2019 . This plant needs ample air movement. Beautiful colour. Rotted out in the rain of November 2021.
Lechenaultia tubiflora ‘Lip Stick’ (photos above)
We planted this low growing shrub with soft heath-like foliage and white tubular flowers with red tips in November 2019. Unfortunately this plant died over winter ’21.
Leionema elatius ‘Donnybrook’ (photos below two on the left)
We planted three of these shrubs, 1m high x 1m wide, with strongly aromatic leaves when crushed, and white flowers in terminal clusters, in february 2019. Leionema elatius is native to northeastern New South Wales and southern Queensland. The species is considered rare in nature. First blooms for us in September 2020. One died suddenly February 2022, but two remain.
Leionema ‘Green Screen’ (photos above two on the right)
We have planted seven specimens of this hybrid between L elatius and L. lamprophyllum, a dense, vigorous, compact shrub, 2m high and wide, with bright green aromatic foliage and honey scented clusters of white star flowers, from 2011-2020. This plant will grow in heavy or light soils with average drainage in full sun to part shade and is hardy to moderate frost and extended dry periods. Our original plant had nothing green about it – it turned a burgundy colour in April 2011, never looked healthy and was removed in February 2012. Another plant died in the heat in December 2018 and another in December 2019. We now have three established and flowering well in September 2020.
Leionema phylicifolium ‘Golden Fleece’
We planted three of these small natives, 1m high x 1m wide, with fresh green foliage and many light golden flowers, in September 2013. This plant prefers a sunny or partly shaded position in well drained soil. We have only two remaining and flowering in October 2021. All disappeared by April 2024.
Livistona australis – Cabbage Tree Palm
We planted two of these tall palms, to 25m, with a slender stem and bright green fronds to 4m long, in April 2004. These plants are conspicuous in flower. We had several fronds damaged by cockatoos. These plants are native to swampy sites along the NSW coast, extending into Queensland and Victorian coasts. The smaller one lost a few fronds from the crash of the pine in July 2016, but is now in more sun, grows better and flowers more. The largest palm toppled over in the wind 14 October 2016.
Lobelia quadrangularis
We planted Lobelia quadrangularis sky blue, or Native Lobelia, in a pot in October 2009. This small carpeting plant has green, linear leaves and many showy blue flowers held above the foliage. It grows exceptionally well in the cracks in our pavement! It blooms over a very long period and we have planted two more bowls of it in December 2019. this plant is native to northern Australia from coastal Queensland to the Pilbara, WA. Discarded November 2022.
Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’
We planted ten of this compact selection of L. longifolia x confertifolia ssp. pallida, 0.4-0.7m high and 0.3-0.5m wide, with fine lime green leaves, in September 2014. In summer fragrant small yellow flower spikes emerge. This plant is extremely hardy and tolerates frost and dry conditions in full sun to part shade in most soils. We then planted six new plants to replace ‘Lime Divine’ and ‘Lime Wave’ around the pond, which died over winter ’15 and another twenty one in another area of the garden. Since then another two plants have died and been replaced.
Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’
We planted 115 Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’ as part of our foundation planting in 2003. This plant has fine green leaves and grows to 60cm high and wide. We have tried transplanting clumps of ‘Tanika’ on occasion without much success. We also tried dividing clumps which seems to work better. Although the advice is to trim these back every 3-4 years we have found they resent this. The (apochryphal?) story about ‘Tanika’ is that 2 million Lomandra longifolia were planted for the Sydney Olympics and one turned out to be fine leaved, from which all other ‘Tanika’ stem.
Lomatia arborescens (photos above)
We planted this tall shrub or small tree, 6m high by 3m wide, with light green oblong leaves with toothed margins and sprays of cream flowers, in April 2005. This plant has attractive glossy foliage and enjoys heavy shade and well composted soil. This plant is native to the area north from Barrington Tops, NSW to southeastern Queensland.
Lomatia ilicifolia
We planted this bushy shrub, 1.5m high x 2m wide, with prominent white flowers held on stems above the foliage, in February 2022. This plant is native to southeastern NSW and Victoria.
Lomatia myricoides (photos above)
We planted eleven of these rounded open shrubs or small tree, 5m high by 3m wide, with dark green, narrow, sparsely toothed leaves and sprays of cream flowers, in December 2003, as part of our foundation planting. This plant is hardy in shade or sun and the flowers are suitable fo cutting. These plants are native to open forests of eastern NSW and Victoria, usually in moist locations. We cut all these plants back to the ground as all were browned off in the heat and dryness of January 2014 – all removed except one.
Lythrum salicaria – Purple Loosestrife (photos above)
We planted 5 of these erect perennials in 2004-5, growing to 2m with opposite leaves and spikes of purple flowers in late spring or summer. This plant is native to southeastern Australia and also to Europe, Asia and North America. Our plants have naturalized around the pond. They demand wet feet. We cut them back to the ground each year and they grow back very quickly in the spring.
Macrozamia communis – Burrawang
We planted nine of these Australian native cycads as part of our foundation planting in 2003. An attractive rockery plant with good drainage and some shade desirable. Decimated by cockatoos in March 2004 and browned off in the dry of December 2006. Endemic to coastal NSW. One was frosted off, but the rest remain.
Marianthus (Billardiera) ringens – Chapman River Climber (photos above)
We planted three of these light climbers with dark green leathery foliage and large clusters of orange-red tubular flowers, in hanging baskets in August 2021.This plant responds to pruning and needs good drainage in a sunny to partly shaded position. This species is native to the the area between Kalbarri and Mingenew, WA. They need constant watering.
Melia azedarach var. australasica – White Cedar
We have planted two of these spreading, deciduous trees of variable height from 10-40m, one in 2003 and another in 2006, with bipinnate ovate leaflets to 7 cm and clusters of smoky mauve purple flowers in spring followed by yellowish ovoid fruits1.5 cm long. These trees grow in most soils and aspects but are subject to caterpillar attack. Parrots are attracted to the fruits which are said to be toxic to humans. One died overnight in December 2021.
Melia azedarach ‘Caroline’
We planted this selection of Melia, 10m high x 6 m wide. which features a more controlled upright even, growth habit, in November 2015. This tree has soft green pinnate foliage and lilac flowers and is an excellent spreading shade tree with spring flowers and yellow autumn colour. ‘Caroline’ loses her leaves earlier than the species and was totally denuded of leaves by invisible caterpillars towards the end of the season in April 2024.
Mirbelia oxylobioides
We have planted 17 of these hardy variable shrubs, 1m high and wide, with stiff, hairy, oblong leaves and orange-yellow pea flowers, from 2009-2011. We have five remaining which bloom cheerfully every year. This plant is native to NSW, ACT, and Victoria.
Myoporum floribundum
We have planted 11 Myoporum floribundum, or Slender Myoporum, in our garden over the decade from 2006-2016. This plant grows to 3m high and wide with horizontal branches showing drooping aromatic leaves and white scented flowers along the tops of the branches. It is a versatile plant in the garden, as it is light and graceful in all seasons. We have had some plants die suddenly and others knocked over in the wind, or by falling branches, as they are somewhat brittle.
Myoporum floribundum x bateae
We planted one of these open shrubs, 3 m high x 3m wide, with long narrow drooping leaves and small sweet scented pink flowers along branches, in November 2015. These plants are best in a well drained soil with light shade or full sun. In December 2020 we planted four runners from the original plant which have thrived, although we removed one for leaning heavily on another plant in 2022.
Myoporum parvifolium (from rootstock)
We have planted 8 of these in the parterre and 3 at third gate, in September 2023. Three were eaten off the first night in the parterre, then we belatedly covered them.
Myoporum parvifolium – Broad Leaf Pink
We planted one of these hardy evergreen low growing plants, 10cm high x 3-4m wide, with broad green foliage and pink star flowers in December 2019.
Myoporum parvifolium ‘Centenary Carpet’
We planted five of these fast growing groundcovers with a spread of 2m with white star flowers, in December 2021. These plants are best in full sun, or part shade and were created by the Yarralumla Nursery to mark its centenary.
Myoporum petiolatum
We planted this shrub, 0.5 - 2m high, in March 2022, with elliptical, shiny, dark-green leaves arranged alternately, with tiny serrations at the margins and white flowers, borne in leaf axils in clusters of 2 to 5, with a lilac flush and purple spots on the lobes and in the tube. The fruit is a succulent, rounded, yellow-green drupe. This plant is native to South Australia and Victoria, in the Flinders Ranges, the Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the ranges around Melbourne. This plant is very vigorous for us and has sprawled over all nearby plants.
Nothofagus cunninghamii – Myrtle Beech
We planted this tall tree, to 50m, although less in cultivation, with triangular leaves with bluntly toothed margins and insignificant flowers and fruit, in September 2009 . Native to Tasmania and southern Victoria. This slow growing tree has attractive foliage, with bronze new growth, but is not often seen in cultivation. This hardy plant prefers richly composted soil with ample moisture, and will grow in full sun but prefers shade. This tree is threatened by logging and the spread of disease.
Olearia ‘Ghost Town’ (Photos above)
We planted six Olearia lanuginosa ‘Ghost Town’ in 2010-11. The main feature of this plant is its spiky grey foliage and upright habit. The flowers are tiny and white, and it grows to 70cm high and 1m wide.
Olearia phlogopappa ‘Nimmity Belle’
This plant was discovered and introduced by Kangarutha Nursery, Tathra, NSW. The small glossy green leaves have spectacular red tips in the spring before flowering with a white daisy flower. This plant is very hardy to frost and is my favourite daisy. Removed February 2017 as was dying in the heat.
Orthrosanthus multiflorus
We have planted 18 of these Iris-like plants, 0.4 m high, with strappy light green foliage and many spikes of blue flowers from 2004-21. These plants are best in a sunny to part shady well-drained position and are hardy in most soils. This species is native to southern South Australia and Kangaroo Island – and also occurs in Victoria and Western Australia.
Pandorea jasminoides ‘Lady Di’ (Photo below left)
We planted this dense vigorous climber, long-blooming, with many delicate white trumpet flowers with golden throats and a sweet fragrance, in January 2007.
Pandorea jasminoides ‘Pink Magic’
We planted this evergreen climber with a neat habit, and profuse flowering from spring until autumn with sprays of large pink blooms with darker pink throats, in April 2008 and it has climbed through a Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’ with some vigour.
Pandorea pandorana ‘Golden Showers’
We p;anted this twining climber with glossy oval leaves and golden bell flowers in December 2003. This plant is fast-growing in well-composted soils in some shade. It can suffer some frost damage when young, or in heavy frosts, but flowers reliably every October.
Pandorea pandorana ‘Lemon Bells’
We planted eight of this free flowering form of P. pandorana with large clusters of lemon bells in winter and early spring and bright shiny green foliage, in December 2003. This plant remains green all year long and will grow in full sun or light shade in a well watered position. We have lost half of them to frost, but four remain.
Paraserianthes lophantha – Cape Leeuwin Wattle or Plume Albizia
We planted this fast growing tree to 10m high, with fine bipinnate foliage and silky iridescent yellow-green toothbrush flowers which are always cold to the touch, in January 2021. This plant is native to southwestern WA, from Fremantle to King George Sound. While it is strictly neither a wattle nor an albizia despite its common names, this tree has grown to 3m high and is flowering for the first time in April 2022. I have placed this plant in a very protected area with lots of sun, it has made it through two Canberra winters and I have high hopes that it will continue to cope. We have seed pods in October 2022. We have planted two more in May 2024.
Patersonia occidentalis - Purple Flag
We have planted 20 of these tuft forming plants, 0.3m high, with pale blue, mauve or purple flowers, in October 2022. These plants require a sunny position with a moist to wet soil. Pruning rejuvenates old plants. This species is native to Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Many have died in the heat.
Pelargonium australe (Photo above right)
We have planted about ten of these rounded plants to 0.5m diameter, with pink-mauve flowers with darker markings for long periods. This plant is hardy in most soils in full sun and self seeds and is native to all states.
Pennisetum alopecuroides – Swamp Foxtail
We planted 50 of these tussock forming grasses with narrow arching leaves, and feathery purplish flower heads, on erect stems to 1m high. These plants are hardy in most soils, even those not well drained, and are best grown in full sun. We removed many of these in the garden, but these plants have persisted around our water features. We cut them right back each year for better growth. These plants are native to both Australia and Asia.
Persoonia mollis ssp. leptophylla – Soft Geebung
We planted this rounded shrub, 2m high x 1.5m wide, with soft, hairy, bright-green new growth and yellow flowers, in October 2009. This plant is hardy in most soils in a sunny, well drained position. Subspecies is native to southern NSW, both coastal and inland. Our plant should do better after removal of Grevillea ‘Hills Jubilee’ which was shading it before November 2023.
Persoonia sylvatica – Forest Geebung
We planted this shrub or small tree, 1.5–9 m high, with dark green lance shaped leaves and yellow flowers with white centres, the young branches having a sparse covering of hair, in 2010. This plant is native to southeastern NSW and Victoria. We removed this plant in February 2024 as was being overcome by an Allocasuarina.
Phebalium aff. squamulosum ‘Dulcie’s Delight’
We have planted 11 of these hardy compact shrubs, 1m high and wide, with small light green leaves and profuse bright yellow star flowers, from 2007-2018. These plants are best in a well drained, sunny or part shaded position in most soil types. These plants arose in Rowley’s Scrub, Mount Schank in south eastern SA, once owned by Dulcie and Brian Rowley. Only a single plant remains in the wild. Most of our plants have died in the heat - only one remains.
Phebalium glandulosum – Desert Phebalium
We planted this rounded shrub, 1m high x 0.7m wide, with small narrow light green rough leaves and cream to yellow flowers in clusters, in November 2013. This plant is native to open forests, mallee and heath in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, usually in drier areas.
Phebalium nottii pink
We planted this bushy shrub, to 1m high, with dark foliage and clusters of pink star flowers in April 2021. This plant is frost and drought tolerant and is native to northern NSW and southern Queensland. The first blooms were in June 2021. We have planted another six in 2022-23, but are left with the original plant in 2024.
Phebalium whitei
We planted this evergreen shrub, 1.5m high, with conspicuous bright yellow flowers, in a pot, in August 2019. This plant is endemic to southeastern Queensland and makes a great show each year.
Philotheca ‘Flower Girl’
We planted one of these shrubs, 1m high and wide, with deep pink buds which open to soft pink star flowers borne in clusters along the stems, in September 2019. These plants need full sun or semi-shade and are frost hardy.
Philotheca myoporoides – Long Leaf Wax Flower
We planted 109 of these very variable shrubs, which usually form a rounded bush, 1-2m high x 2m wide, as part of our foundation hedge planting . The aromatic leaves of this plant are smooth and very variable in length from 2-11 cm long, usually oblong, elliptical or ovate. The flowers are white and star-like, pink in bud. This plant is reported to be very hardy in full sun or partial shade. Our plants did not do well at all in the early drought years and we are left with only two.
Philotheca myoporoides ‘Bushy White’
We planted one of these very variable shrubs, which usually form a rounded bush, 1-2m high x 2m wide, with smooth leaves and white star flowers with pink buds, in September 2019.
Philotheca myoporoides subsp. acuta
We planted this shrub, 2m high, with a bushy, dense habit, in September 2019. The branches are "warty" and the aromatic leaves are a deep, glossy green. The leaves have a strong aroma when crushed due to the presence of volatile oils. The waxy, white flowers are seen from late winter through to late spring and are about 15-20 mm in diameter. This subspecies is native to central NSW.
Phymatocarpus maxwellii
We planted this bushy shrub, 1-2m high x 1-2m wide, with bluish-grey foliage and bright pink-purple flowers in October 2019. This plant is native to the southern coast of WA, between Albany and Esperance.
Pimelia ciliata ‘Marshmallows’
We planted three of these shrubs, 1m x 1m, with neat green foliage and prolific pale pink flowers during spring, in February 2022. This plant needs a partly shaded position and some overhead protection and will tolerate moderate frost. We have planted a further ten in February 2023, but have lost six by 2024.
Pimelea ferruginea ‘Bonne Petite’
We have planted ten of these rounded shrubs, 0.5-1m high x 1-1.5m wide, with small shiny leaves and deep pink flowerheads, from 2014-17. These plants thrive in dry or moist well-drained soil in full or part sun and will tolerate clay.
Pimelea ferruginea ‘Magenta Mist’
We have planted eleven of these dense, rounded shrubs, 1m high and wide, with many magenta to pink terminal flower heads, from 2020-22. The small green oval opposite leaves are packed in four ranks around the stem.
Pimelea ferruginea ‘Sunset Blush’
We have planted eight of these dense glossy leaved goundcovers, 30cm high x 80cm wide, with many musk pink and white rounded flower heads, from 2016-19. Two died in January 2020, but most are thriving.
Pimelea humilis – Dwarf Rice Flower
We have planted three of these lightly suckering groundcovers, 20cm high x 1m wide, with greyish foliage and terminal creamy white scented flower heads, in 2012 and 2015. We have two patches remaining after one patch succumbed to the heat. This plant is native to NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Pimelea nivea (Photos above)
We planted four Pimelea nivea from 2019-2020, of which three survive. One was ring-barked by a kangaroo in December 2019. These are upright shrubs, 1.5m high and 1m wide, with shiny dark green foliage with white backs, and scented white flowerheads.
Pimelea physodes (grafted) – Qualup Bell
We have planted five of these shrubs, 1m x 1m, with grey-grey foliage and pendant bell-shaped bracts enclosing the small flowers, in pots from 2011-2022. One plant grafted onto Pimelea ferruginea rootstock lasted for ten years and attracted birds to its flowers every year. Our original plant was frosted off and two others were destroyed by Crimson Rosellas, but our newly planted one is flowering well. This plant is native to southwestern Western Australia and is considered the most outstanding of the genus.
Pimelea suavolens - Scented Banjine
We planted Pimelea suavolens, or Scented Banjine, in June 2017. This plant is a slender shrub with large, rather hairy, yellow flowers, native to southwestern WA. Our plant flowered in July 2018 and kept flowering until it died in September 2018. We now have planted one in a pot and it is flowering September and October 2022. Sadly died in September 2023.
Pimelea venosa
This rare shrub, endemic to Bolivia Hill, near Tenterfield, NSW, grows to 1.5m high and wide, with small white flowers in spring and soft, drooping grey foliage. We planted one in January 2021 and have since made cuttings and planted two of these in March 2024.
Podocarpus elatus
We planted this dense tree, up to 20m high, with narrow oblong, stiff, dark shiny green leaves with lime green new growth, in November 2011. The flowers are tiny on separate male and female trees and the fruit is purple black. This tree prefers well drained soils and ample moisture and is native to the rainforests from northeastern Queensland to southeastern NSW.
Podolepsis hieracioides
We were gifted two of these woody perennials in February 2019, growing to 70cm high with yellow flowers, native to the southern half of NSW and Victoria. The plants disappeared for the winter but reappeared in spring and have spread since then. Disappeared again in December 2022.
Polyscias sambucifolius
We planted Polyscias sambucifolius in January 2011 and have to cut it back often to keep it in check. This is an erect shrub to 3m high and 2m wide with subtle sprays of green flowers, followed by blue fruits. This plant suckers enthusiastically and has created a wonderful hidden space for a series of Satin Bowerbird bowers that are always decorated in blue tape, blue pegs and blue bottletops. This plant is native to Queensland, NSW and ACT. We had to remove this plant in 2021 as it became too hard to control. We got a scolding from the bowerbirds, but they have now built bowers elsewhere.
Pomaderris brunnea – Brown Pomaderris
We planted this hardy upright shrub, 2-3m high x 1.5m wide, with yellow flowers in September and October, in November 2021. This species is native to the Sydney region of NSW, east of Tamworth on the Northern Tablelands of NSW, and in the East Gippsland region of Victoria.
Pomaderris hybrid
We planted this hybrid between P. elachophylla x racemosa, a tall shrub with attractive serrated foliage and many small cream flowers, in March 2021. This plant is hardy in dry conditions, but appreciates some extra water and is shade tolerant.
Pomaderris intermedia (Photo below left)
We planted three of these slender shrubs, 3m high x 1.5m wide, with bright yellow flower heads, in September 2012. These plants are suitable for well drained soils in semi-shade and are frost and drought tolerant. Our three plants have been slow to grow for us, but now flower well in October each year. This plant is native to southeastern Australia, including Tasmania.
Pomaderris lanigera
We planted this understory shrub, 2m high, in dappled light, under overhead protection from frost, in March 2024. The glossy, dark green foliage has bronze stems and buds and the blooms form clusters of yellow heads of flowers. These nectar rich flowers attract native pollinators, and bloom freely through spring and summer. This shrub is generally low care, and will tolerate most conditions.
Pomaderris lanigera dwarf
We planted three of these flowering shrubs in May 2024, 1.2m high and wide, that will grow in dappled light, perfect for understory planting in those shadier parts of the garden. The glossy, dark green foliage is highlighted by bronze stems and buds, which open to clustered heads of tiny, butter-yellow flowers. The nectar rich flowers will attract native pollinators, and bloom abundantly through spring and summer, creating a splash of soft colour. This low growing shrub is generally low care, and will tolerate most conditions.
Pomaderris pilifera – Golden Dogwood (Photo above right)
We planted this hardy robust shrub, 3m high, with smooth rounded dark green eaves and heads of yellow flowers, in August 2019. This species, listed as vulnerable, is native to southeastern NSW, eastern Victoria and Tasmania. This plant prefers part shade and average to moist conditions and bloomed for the first time for us in September 2020. Has more sun since May 2024 when the overhanging acacias were removed.
Pycnosorus globosus
We have planted about 40 different plants of Pycnosorus globosus, or Billy Buttons, some grey leaved, later flowering, and others green leaved, earlier flowering. This tufted perennial with bright yellow globular heads of flowers is native to Queensland, NSW, SA and Victoria.
Regelia ciliata
We planted this spreading shrub, 1.3m high x 2m wide, with small hairy leaves and mauve flowers with gold tipped stamens, in September 2018. Regelia - in honour of Eduard August von Regel (1815-92), superintendent of the botanic garden at St Petersburg, Russia ciliata - from Latin, fringed with fine hairs (the leaves are hairy). This plant is native to southwestern west coast of WA. Our first flowers were in January 2022.
Rhagodia
We have planted two different species of Rhagodia, spinescens and parabolica ‘Grey Edge’. Both are well worth growing in your garden. We have placed about 25 Rhagodia spinescens around our original small pond to suggest the waves of a pond. We have also used this versatile plant in an area where we tried grevilleas, acacias and eremophilas, all without success. We think that the concrete around this area may have contaminated the soil and made growing many natives difficult. The Rhagodia are completely successful and can be clipped into any form. We planted 9 ’Grey Edge’ over three years and at first these plants were susceptible to frost. Now they have grown to 1m high and 1.5m wide and need clipping every year.
Rhagodia parabolica ‘Grey Edge’
We have planted nine of these shrubs, 1m high x 1.5m wide, with attractive grey foliage and low water requirements, from 2016-18. Bywong selection. Three died over winter ’17 and the three new ones seem to have died off over winter ’18 - removed. Three remain. This plant has grown to over 2m high and 3m wide for us.
Rhodanthe (Photo above)
Rhodanthe anthemoides ‘Paper Cascade’, ‘Paper Star’, ‘Southern Stars’, ‘Starshower’ and ‘Sunray Snow’
We have planted more than 60 of these perennial everlasting daisies, 0.3 m high x 1m wide, with aromatic grey leaves and white papery flowers in summer, often maroon in bud, from 2004 onward. These sub-alpine plants prefer a well drained, mulched sunny position, but thrive with some overhead protection in our garden. Slugs love them – put down slug deterrent. They are native to the southeast part of Australia, southern Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
Rhodanthe ‘Oxley Cascade’
We planted three of these compact perennials, which produce many white paper-like flowers, in hanging baskets in April 2021. This long flowering cascading plant prefers morning sun and adequate moisture and was developed by the ANBG. These plants flower abundantly for us in August and September.
Rhododendron lochiae
We planted one of these shrubs, with thick glossy oval leaves and terminal clusters of large red waxy bell flowers, in a pot in September 2007. This plant lasted until winter 2017 and bloomed reliably each year. We planted another in February 2020. These plants need protection from the sun and frost and are native to the high mountains of tropical northern Queensland. Our potted plant was looking beautiful when eaten in half by a cockatoo in September 2021.
Ricinocarpus cynescens x tuberculatus ‘Pencil Wedding Bush’
We planted this columnar form, 3m high x 1m wide, with starry white flowers against deep green foliage, in November 2014. This plant prefers full sun and well drained soil.
Ricincarpus tuberculatus ‘Bridal Star’ (Photos above)
We planted Ricincarpus tuberculatus ‘Bridal Star’ in March 2012 and are very glad we did. This plant grows to 2m high and 1m wide with narrow green leaves and masses of scented white flowers over a long period.
Scaevolas (Photos above: left Scaevola ‘Sitting Pretty"‘ and on the right Scaevola ‘Purple Fanfare’
There are three Scaevolas which perform exceptionally well for us, ‘Mauve Clusters’, ‘Sun Fan’ and ‘Purple Fanfare’. We have planted more than 50 ‘Mauve Clusters’ since 2006 and many plants have volunteered in the garden as well, particularly in the gravel paths. This groundcover has bright green foliage and many purple, fan shaped flowers over a very long period. We have also planted 30 ‘Sun Fan’ and this plant persists and flowers well despite browning off in the winter. ‘Purple Fanfare’ is another attractive scaevola with larger green foliage and many purple flowers. This plant prefers some shade and shelter in out garden.
Sannantha angusta (Baeckea) Clarence River – Weeping Baeckea
We planted this open shrub, 2-3m high x 1-2m wide, with weeping branches of narrow dark green leaves and small white flowers, in November 2017. Our plant has grown very little, only to 1m high so far, but flowers every year.
Scaevola ‘Aussie Salute’
We planted three of these upright plants, 40cm high and wide, with many pink fan flowers covering bright green foliage, in shallow pots, in November 2022. These plants prefer a moist well drained soil in filtered to full sun and are tolerant of light frost and drought.
Scaevola ‘Bright Eyes’
We planted two of these groundcovers, prostrate x 1m wide, with white eyed purple flowers on dense green foliage, in April 2021. This plant needs well drained soil in full sun or part shade, and is frost hardy and drought resistant..
Scaevola ‘Mauve Clusters’
We have planted over 50 plants of this perennial grouncover, which is covered in a mass of purple, fan shaped flowers nestled amid bright green foliage, from 2006-20. This plant grows best in a sunny to partly shaded position in moist well drained soil and dies down over winter before emerging again in spring.
Scaevola ‘Purple Fanfare’
We planted 20 plants of this free flowering form of Scaevola aemula from Diamond Head, NSW, from 2007-19. This plant is best suited to a well composted, free draining soil in sun to dappled shade. Slugs love them – put down slug bait. The flowers are purple and last for many months.
Scaevola ‘Sitting Pretty’
We planted three of this Scaevola humilis selection, bred by Peter Abell, with pink flowers and a spreading habit to 1m wide, in February 2015. The pink flowers are attractive over a long period, but our three plants are not very vigorous.
Scaevola ‘Sun Fan’
We have planted 30 of this compact groundcover plant, 40cm high x 1.2m wide, with purple flowers over a long period, from 2004-16. This selection needs some protection from frost and will brown off in winter.
Senecio magnificus
We have planted two of these small shrubs, 1m high, with soft grey leaves and large bright yellow daisy flowers in spring and summer, native to the semi-arid areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory. We planted one in the garden, which died after a year, and have now planted another in a pot in November 2023.
Sennas (Photos above: left is Senna artemisioides and right is Senna barronfieldii
We have planted three Sennas in our garden, aciphylla, artemisioides, and barronfieldii. All are excellent garden plants. We planted three Senna aciphylla in September 2018 and these have grown to 0.5m high and 1m wide with ferny green foliage and yellow cup flowers. This plant is native to eastern mainland Australia, Queensland, NSW and Victoria. We planted four Senna artemisioides, or Silver Cassia, from 2004-2007, but only one remains and it has resurrected itself after being cut to the ground in December 2014. This plant has beautiful silver-grey pinnate leaves and yellow cup flowers and is native to inland mainland Australia. We have planted ten Senna barronfieldii, (syn. Senna odorata), since we obtained our original plant from Maria Hitchcock in October 2013. This plant is a spreading low shrub, 0.5m high and 1m wide, with fern-like green foliage and long lasting yellow cup flowers followed by prominent black seed pods. This plant is native to eastern Queensland and NSW.
Solanum linearifolium
We planted two of these hardy, vigorous shrubs, 3m high, with purple flowers, in 2008-9. Prune hard after flowering. These plants are native to disturbed or open areas of coastal ranges and tablelands from Mt. Kaputar and Coffa Harbour, south into Victoria. The birds have seeded these plants around the garden.
Spartothamnella (Teucrium) juncea
We planted this leafless shrub, 1.2m high x 1m wide, with delicate white flowers followed by orange edible berries, in February 2016. This plant grows well in most free-draining soils in sun to full shade and is drought tolerant. Native to dry rainforest north of Sydney to southeastern Queensland. Our plant is being shaded out by Grevillea ‘Sid Reynolds’ September 2022.
Spyridium coactilifolium
We planted two of these shrubs, 1m x 1m, with soft grey foliage and conspicuous flowers with white floral leaves, native to Fleurieu Peninsula, SA in August 2023. Sunny position in free draining soil, moderately frost resistant. Vulnerable.
Spyridium parvifolium – Dusty Miller
We planted three of these shrubs in February 2019, 50cm high x 1.5m wide, with ornamental foliage, unusual brown flowers and white floral leaves which are profuse and well displayed in winter and spring. This shrub is native to southeastern Australia, including Tasmania. Three died, one in 2021 and another two in 2022.
Spyridium parvifolium ‘Winter Mist’
We have planted ten of these fast growing, vigorous, soft foliaged shrubs, 1-2m high with showy white bracts around flower buds, in 2018 and 2020. This form is from Tasmania and is best in full sun, well drained soil, and will withstand frosts once established. Several have died.
Spyridium scortechinii
Syn Cryptandra scortechinii. We have planted seven of these rounded shrubs, 0.7m high x 0.6m wide, with narrow oval foliage and woolly heads of white flowers with shiny brown bracts, from 2012-19. These plants are best in well-drained soil in full sun or half shade and are native to the ranges of NSW and Queensland. All removed March 2024 - shaded out.
Spyridium stenanthemum ‘Snow Balls’
We have planted three of these rrounded evergreen shrubs, 1m high, with unusual woolly heads of greyish white flowers at the ends of the stems, in January 2019. All removed March 2024 - shaded out.
Stenocarpus ‘Doreen’ (Photo below left)
We planted Stenocarpus ‘Doreen’ in October 2014 and it has grown to 2m high and 1.5m wide with green ferny foliage and creamy flowers followed by prominent seed pods.
Stenocarpus sinuatus – Firewheel Tree
We have planted two of these tall trees, with glossy dark green leaves, variously lobed or entire, orange red flowers in whorls and woody fruits, in 2011 and 2019 This spectacular specimen tree is slow growing for first 2-3 years and is native to Queensland and NSW. We discarded our first tree in 2017, but the second one, under more protection, is growing well.
Stypandra glauca – Nodding Blue Lily
We planted three of these tufting plants with blue-green leaves and sprays of starry blue flowers with yellow anthers in February 2020. Widespread in open forest and woodlands in southern Australia from the southwest of Western Australia to southeast Queensland. Also occurs in New Caledonia. Our plants are not 1m high as advertised but only about 0.3m high.
Swainsona galegifolia burgundy (Photo above right)
We have planted dozens of Swainsona galegifolia burgundy, or Darling Pea, in our garden mostly grown from the black seed pods which develop after the sprays of burgundy pea flowers have finished. These plants grow to 1.5m high with greyish pinnate leaves on dense branches. This plant grows in inland NSW and Queensland.
Syzygium (Backhousia) anistata
Also known as Ringwood and Aniseed Tree. We planted this rare Australian tree, 45m high in the rainforest, or 10m high in cultivation, with white scented flowers and aromatic leaves that have an essential oil profile comparable to true aniseed, in a pot in November 2019. Native to Nambucca and Bellinger Valleys in the subtropics of NSW.
Syzygium australe (Photos above)
We planted three Syzygium australe in December 2008. These shrubs grow to 3m high and have attractive red new growth, fluffy white flowers over a long period and shiny purple fruits. Our three have been regularly blasted by frost and lose all their leaves during winter but regenerate when the weather warms up.
Syzygium paniculatum - Magenta Cherry
We have planted three of these small trees, 10m high, with lanceolate leaves, cream flowers borne terminally in summer, followed by ovoid, magneta, edible fruits, in pots, in 2008 and 2012. The first two did not thrive and were discarded in August 2011. The third one has done well. These plants are native to central coast of NSW.
Syzygium (Acmena) smithii - Rheophytic race – Narrow-leaved Lilly Pilly
We planted this beautiful Lilly Pilly with narrow leaves, white fluffy flowers and edible, deep mauve berries that can be used to make jam, in September 2016. The new growth is red or pink and the plant grows to 5m high x 3m wide and tolerates a wide variety of soils including wet areas. It will also tolerate all but severe frosts and is accepting of full sun or part shade. It can be trimmed as a hedge and is suitable for seaside areas as well as inland but does require watering during very dry periods. It will also attract birds into the garden. Native to eastern coast from Queensland to Victoria.
Telopea ‘Braidwood Brilliant’
We planted this hybrid, T. speciosissima x T. mongaensis, produced by Robert Boden in 1962, in the ground in October 2008, but it did not last even a week. We then planted this evergreen shrub or small tree , height 3m x width 1.5m, with dark green leaves and striking bright red flowers, in a pot in October 2018. This plant requires excellent drainage, and plenty of moisture.
Telopea ‘Corroboree’
We planted this hybrid, T. speciosissima x mongaensis, .with deep red blooms and pinkish tips, in a pot in September 2019.
Telopea ‘Essie’s Gift’
We planted this low growing compact form of waratah, 1m high x 1.5m wide, with deep pink blooms, in a pot, in September 2018. This plant need protection from the western sun.
Telopea ‘Shady Lady White’
We planted this hybrid, T. speciossissima x oreades., height 3m x width 2m, with large white flowers, in a pot in September 2015. Moved to the garden March 2024 as was too large in the pot.
Templetonia retusa (prostrate form) – Cockies Tongues (photos above)
We planted one of these spreading shrubs, 1m high x 2m wide, with rounded green leaves and large red pea flowers in October 2010. These plants do well with sharp drainage, full sun to semi-shade, and the addition of some lime. Ben made three cuttings and these were planted in September 2015. This plant is native to coastal limestone strip of SA and WA, also Flinders Ranges, SA. These are the slowest plants to grow in the garden, but have finally flowered in June 2024.
Thomasia grandiflora
We have planted two Thomasia grandiflora, commonly known as Large-flowered Thomasia, a small shrub which is endemic to the southwest of Western Australia, growing to 1 metre in height, with fine foliage and dark pink-purple flowers. The first, planted in October 2014 died two months later. The new one, planted in May 2022, in upper sand garden under some protection ,flowered for the first time in October 2022.
Thryptomene saxicola
We planted this open, slightly weeping shrub, 1m high x 1.5m wide, with pale pink or white flowers in December 2015. This plant needs reasonably good drainage, full sun to part shade and good mulch. Native to southern coast WA.
Todea barbara – King Fern
We planted nine of these ferns, with light green fronds to 3m on a trunk 1.5 m high, usually with 2 or more heads, in January 2004. Young specimens have no trunk. These plants need constant moisture in a richly composted soil and prefers some shade. Native to Australia, Africa and NZ. ACT threatened and endangered list.
Triglochin procera - Water Ribbons
We planted two of these handsome water plants with long glossy ribbon-like leaves floating on the surface, and greenish yellow flower spikes, erect to 30 cm, in January 2004. Native to Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, WA. They are flowering well and spreading 2023.
Tristaniopsis laurina – Water Gum
We planted this tree, 5-15 metres high, with a smooth creamy brown trunk and perfumed yellow flowers followed by woody seed capusules, in November 2016. This plant is native to moist, well-drained sites along the east coast of Australia, from the Brisbane River in Queensland, through coastal New South Wales to the Gippsland region of Victoria. It is commonly found growing along creek banks and in rainforest openings in light shade to full sunlight. Named in honour of Jules M.C. Tristan (1776 - 1861), a French botanist.
Veronica arenaria
We planted 20 of these small to medium shrubs, 0.6-1.5m high x 1-2m wide, with narrow leaves and violet-blue flowers in 2013. Twelve of them have died out over time, but seven remaining and one volunteer in another part of the garden all bloom well. This plant is native from southeastern Queensland to the central west slopes of New South Wales.
Veronica perfoliata - Digger’s Speedwell
We planted this shrub, native to Victoria, ACT and NSW usually above 500m, with toothed, pointed oval to heart-shaped blue-green leaves that are fused at the base encircling the stems and sprays of lavender to bright blue flowers, in 2007. Ben has made several cuttings and these plants are growing well.
Veronica perfoliata ‘Blue Ribbon’
We have planted 20 of these low growing plants, 50cm high and wide, with a graceful arching habit, blue grey foliage and willowy sprays of powder blue flowers. ‘Blue Ribbon’ is a surprisingly tough variety tolerating severe winters and it is also drought tolerant. Ben has made several cuttings and these plants are growing well.
Verticordia monadelpha Photo below left)
We obtained three Verticordia monadelpha, or Woolly Feather Flower, from Goldfields Nursery in October 2014 and planted them in the lower sand garden somewhat under the protection of a large cypress. These have grown to 1.5m high and have many pink feathery flowers every year. We have now planted a further 7 cuttings in October 2020. These plants are native to coastal WA between Perth and Geraldton.
Viminaria juncea
We have planted four of these tall shrubs, 3-5m high x 2-3m wide, with pendulous leafless branches and sprays of yellow pea flowers in spring. The first three, planted in 2014, performed well for two years then started to fail. All were dead by March 2018. The new one, planted in February 2022, is doing well so far, flowering in December.
Viola banksii (was V. hederacea) – Ivy Leaf Violet (Photo above right)
A spreading ground cover which will form extensive mats up to 2m across of small round ivy-shaped leaves from long thin runners. The white and purple flowers are produced on upright stems for a long period from spring to winter. We planted 85 of these in 2003-4 and those planted in the shade survived. These plants are native to Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas, SA, Malaysia.
Viola banksii ‘Barbara Daly’
We planted five of these spreading groundcovers forming extensive mats in damp areas, with round leaves and purple ‘violet’ flowers over long periods, in October 2022. These plants are best in part to full shade – can die back in dry times – and are good for hanging baskets.
Viola banksii (was hederacea?) blue - Native Violet (Photos above)
We have planted 13 of these small spreading groundcovers which form extensive mats in damp areas. this species has round leaves and really beautiful blue flowers for long periods. these plants are hardy in full sun to full shade and die back in winter. We find it gets beaten down by the sun and needs protection.
Westringias
We have planted a number of different Westringias in our garden, most very attractive garden plants, but the standouts for us are ‘Deeppurple’, longifolia ‘Snow Flurry’ and ‘Poorinda Pavane’. We have planted 45 ‘Deeppurple’ in our garden from 2012-2019. This is a small shrub, height and width 50cm, with lush green leaves and deep purple flowers over a long period. We have planted them in many positions in the garden, mostly full sun, and they have flourished. We planted 10 ‘Snow Flurry’ in the garden from 2004-2013. We have since had to remove some of them as they grew too vigorous for their position. They form a shrub 1.5m high and wide with light green linear leaves and small white flowers. We planted one ‘Poorinda Pavance’ in July 2014 and it has grown to 1.5m high and wide with narrow leaves and pale violet flowers over many months.
Westringia ‘Deeppurple’ (Photo below left)
We have planted 45 plants since 2012 of this form of Westringia ‘Wild River’, a small shrub, height 50cm, width 50cm, with lush green leaves and deep purple flowers throughout the year from plant breeder Ian Shimmen.
Westringia eremicola blue (Photo above right)
We planted three of these erect open shrubs, 1.5m high x 1m wide, with linear leaves, and mauve flowers, in 2016-17. this is a hardy plant in well drained soils in sun to semi-shade.
Westringia glabra (Photos above)
We planted this hardy evergreen shrub, 1-2.5m high x 1-2.5m wide, with many soft mauve flowers, in December 2019. This plant is suited to most garden soils in full to partial sun and is tolerant of shaded sites and dry conditions.
Westingia longifolia ‘Snow Flurry’
We have planted ten of these open shrubs, 2m x 1.5m wide, with fine linear leaves and tiny white flowers in 2004, 2006 and 2013. These plants are very hardy, vigorous and ornamental, but we have removed some of them as they have grown too large for their position.
Westringia ‘Poorinda Pavane’
We planted this large bushy shrub, 2.5m high x 1.5-2m wide, with narrow leaves and pale violet flowers, in July 2014. This plant is suitable for most soils and conditions, but must not dry out in summer. Prune for a dense shrub.
Xanthorrhea
We have planted several different species of grass tree from 2003-2017. We planted 11 Xanthorrhea australis as part of our foundation planting in 2003 and most of these are still growing well, although we did have two of them stolen from our garden in 2004. We have several which are over 1m high and have small creamy flowers on a long stalk most years. We planted two X. glauca subsp. glauca in 2011 and 2017 and another two X. glauca in August 2019 and these will eventually be 2m high and wide with grey green grass-like foliage. We planted nine Xanthorrhea quadrangulata, or Yucca, in September 2017. These are already 0.3m high and will eventually show tall flower spikes when they are more mature.
Wollemia nobilis – Wollemi Pine
Wollemia is a genus of coniferous tree in the family Araucariaceae. Wollemia was only known through fossil records until theAustralian species Wollemia nobilis was discovered in 1994 in a temperate rainforest wilderness area of the Wollemi National Park in New South Wales, in a remote series of narrow, steep-sided sandstone gorges near Lithgow, 150 kilometres north-west of Sydney. Wollemia nobilis is an evergreen tree reaching 25–40 m (80–130 feet) tall. The bark is very distinctive, dark brown and knobbly, quoted as resembling Coco Pops breakfast cereal. The tree coppices readily, and most specimens are multi-trunked or appear as clumps of trunks thought to derive from old coppice growth, with some consisting of up to 100 stems of differing sizes. The branching is unique in that nearly all the side branches never have further branching. After a few years, each branch either terminates in a cone (either male or female) or ceases growth. After this, or when the cone becomes mature, the branch dies. New branches then arise from dormant buds on the main trunk. Rarely, a side branch will turn erect and develop into a secondary trunk, which then bears a new set of side branches.
We planted two of these rare trees in pots beside the front door in September 2011. One very heavy ceramic pot was picked up by wind and rolled down steps, breaking the pot 21/4/15. We purchased two new and larger pots, but the trees blew over again and were eventually fastened to pillars. We developed plenty of both male and female cones from 2016 onwards. We moved these two trees into the garden in September 2021, ten years after we first placed them in pots. They are growing well and producing plenty of cones after transplanting.
Xanthorrhorea australis - Grass Tree
We planted 11 advanced Xanthorrhorea australis, but unfortunately two of these were stolen after three years. The remainder have bloomed on and off, and look iconic all year round. This plant is native to New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, and is the most widely ditributed of the grass trees.
Xanthorrhorea glauca
We planted two of these long lived natives, grown from seed, with spectacular grass like foliage up to 2m high and wide with grey green leaves and creamy white flowers in August 2019. Well drained soils and full sun is best. For best results make sure that the root ball is not disturbed when planting. Native to southeastern coast, extending inland.
Xanthorrhorea glauca ssp. glauca
We have planted two of these grass trees, with slow growth at first, then eventually a trunk 1-4m high, one in 2011 and the other in 2017. These plants are slow to flower but in three years radiating blue green leaves will make a fine specimen plant in a well drained sunny spot in well composted soil. Native to northern NSW. Flowering for the first time in September 2023.
Xanthorrhoea johnsonii
We planted one of these large plants native to eastern Australia in June 2024. The trunk can grow to 5m high and 2m wide. Needs full sun to half shade, sandy or clay loam and tolerates light frost. Older foliage is very strong, hence one of the common names being "steel grass", and is commonly used in floral design where it can be bent and looped without breaking.
Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata - Yucca
We planted nine of these slow growing grass like shrubs with tall flower spikes as tubestock from Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, in September 2017. These plants are endemic to South Australia. All nine are growing slowly and this year, 2021, one has flowered. Three more flowered in 2022.
Xerochrysum bracteata ‘Burgundy’
We have planted 20 of these annual or perennials, 0.8m high x 0.5m wide, with green or grey leaves and burgundy paper daisy flowers, from 2012-2022. They are best in a moist site, sun or light shade, and may self-seed.
Xerochrysum bracteata ‘Dargan Hill Monarch’
We planted 20 of these perennial plants in October 2022, growing to 0.8m high x 1.5m wide, with large greyish leaves and very large yellow paper daisies in spring and summer. These plants need a well drained sunny position and are very showy.
Xerochrysum bracteata ‘Lemon Queen’ (Photos above)
We planted three of these small plants in September 2019, with large, papery, yellow flowers throughout the year held above mid-green foliage, height 1m x width 1m.
Xerochrysum sp. ‘Linda’s Pink’
We planted one of these cultivars, 60cm high, with many bright pink buds and flowers, and large soft leaves which can be cut back hard to rejuvenate the plant. Expect 3-5 years of life. We hope to propagate more of this plant.
Xerochrysum viscosum – Sticky Everlasting
We planted eight of these perennial daisies, 0.7m high x 0.5m wide, with sticky leaves and yellow papery flowers, in September 2023. This plant is best grown in full sun or part shade, and is frost tolerant and butterfly attracting.
Xerochrysum viscosum ‘Lemon Princess’
We planted eight of these perennial daisies, 0.7m high x 0.5m wide, with sticky leaves and lemon papery flowers, in September 2023. This plant is best grown in full sun ir part shade, and is frost tolerant and butterly attracting.
Zieria ‘Barely Blush’
We planted one of these open shrubs, 3m high x 1.5m wide, with many delicate white to pink flowers, in November 2022. Birds and insects are attracted to its aromatic foliage and it is best in full sun to part shade in well-drained soils. Prune for a bushier habit. Produced by ANBG.
Zieria ‘Pink Crystals’
We planted 3 Zieria cytisoides x laevigata ‘Pink Crystals’ in September 2007. These plants grow to 1m in height and width, have green foliage and masses of small pink flowers. They flowered profusely in September 2008 and following years then the acacia that shaded them was removed in August 2011. They began to fail over the next few years and all were gone by 2016. These plants do need a partly shaded position in our garden.
Zieria prostrata
We planted two of these low mounding shrubs, 0.5m high x 1-1.5m wide, with dark green divided foliage and pink buds followed by white flowers, in November 2013. This plant is rare in nature, restricted to low coastal heaths near Coffs Harbour, NSW.
