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Best plants for Brisbane gardens

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Discover the best low-maintenance native plants for Brisbane gardens, perfect for the subtropical climate. Boost biodiversity, attract wildlife, and conserve water effortlessly.

Brisbane's subtropical climate is perfect for a wide variety of plants to thrive. In this guide, we'll explore the best low-maintenance native plants for Brisbane gardens. Once established, these plants require minimal watering and won't spread or become weedy.

Natives are great for any garden, of any size

Horticulturalist Claire Bickle shares tips on adding native plants to your garden. She offers advice for seasoned gardeners and beginners. Her ideas suit gardens with small or large spaces.

Claire says gardeners can add Australian native plants to any garden.

“We have a variety of species that grow exceptionally well in Brisbane gardens that come in all sizes,” she says. “They’re available from most garden centres, hardware stores and specialist native nurseries.”

Some popular choices include native gardenias, blue flax lilies, dwarf she-oaks, grevilleas, bottle brushes and banksias.

“There’s a native choice for any situation or location – whether you’re planting in the ground or in pots. This is especially handy for people living in apartments or townhouses where garden space is limited.

“Many native climbers, for example, can be grown vertically to create green walls. Just remember, if you’re going to plant in pots, to use a native plant potting mix to give your new plant the best chance at success.” 

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Tip

Talk to nursery staff about native plant recommendations specific to your Brisbane garden.

Benefits of native plants in backyard gardens

  1. They play an essential role in promoting biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems.
  2. Native plants are generally drought tolerant, pest and disease resistant and grow well in nutrient-poor soils.
  3. Many native Australian plants have lower water requirements than non-native species.
  4. Native flora attracts local wildlife including birds, pollinators and beneficial insects.

What to plant in Brisbane gardens by size and type

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread across the ground, providing a dense, carpet-like cover. Grasses provide texture and movement. Vines transform fences, walls and trellises into green features.

  • Bower of beauty (Pandorea jasminoides)
  • Flax lilies (Dianella spp.)
  • Forest daisies (Brachyscome microcarpa)
  • Native violet (Viola banksii)
  • Rasp fern (Doodia aspera)

Low shrubs provide hiding places for wildlife. Flowering varieties attract birds and butterflies.

  • 'Aussie Boomer' lilly pilly (Syzygium australe)
  • 'Claret Tops' melaleuca (Melaleuca linariifolia)
  • Coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)
  • Midyim berry (Austromyrtus dulcis)

Medium shrubs provide good screens for your garden or courtyard.

  • Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
  • Candlestick banksia (Banksia spinulosa)
  • Butterfly bush (Pavetta australiensis)

Small trees add height to your garden, as well as shade and protection for shade-loving plants.

  • Brown gardenia, native gardenia (Atractocarpus fitzalanii)
  • Golden penda (Xanthostemon chrysanthus)
  • Ivory curl flower (Buckinghamia celsissima)
  • Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides)

Tall trees provide wildlife habitat, providing animals with food and nesting sites.

  • Hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii)
  • Flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)
  • Weeping lilly pilly (Waterhousea floribunda)
  • Wheel of fire (Stenocarpus sinuatus)

Native doesn’t mean a lack of green

Claire often hears people say that they avoid planting native gardens because they look “dry and messy”.

“There are so many Australian natives that are lush, green and flowering plants. It’s easy to replace common species with an Australian native."

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Tip

Plant a lilly pilly instead of a native orange jessamine, as it grows fast and handles dry conditions well.

Want free native plants?

Brisbane ratepayers can get 2 free native plants each financial year with Council's Free Native Plants program. Choose from a variety of plants including ground covers, tufting plants, climbers, small shrubs, medium shrubs, and feature trees. 

Schools, community groups, clubs and body corporate can also apply for free native plants.

Available plants suit Brisbane's soils and climate, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and come in 90-140 millimetre pots.

Claim your plants and help grow Brisbane's urban forest and support wildlife. 

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