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Suggested shrubs and climbers

Shrubs:

Climactic region Botanical name Common name Soil suitability Growth characteristics Other features
North, Central and South Coast Leptospermum polygalifoliumLemon Scented Tea-treePrefers well-drained sandy soil and full-sun to part-shade. Tolerates frost conditions. Drought tolerant once established.Grows to 3m tall and 2.5m wide. Responds well to pruning after flowering.Native shrub with white flowers in late spring and summer.
North, Central and South Coast, Highlands Banksia spinulosaHairpin BanksiaPrefers well drained soils and full-sun.Grows to 3m tall and 2m wide. Pruning generally not required.Large yellow/orange flower spikes growing to 18cm high. Attracts nectar feeding birds and provides cut flowers.
North, Central and South Coast, Highlands & Western Slopes Westringia fruiticosa 'Jervis Gem'Native or Coastal RosemaryPrefers well-drained soil and full-sun to part-shade. Tolerates frost, dry and coastal conditions.Grows to 1.2m tall by 1m wide. Light prune annually to keep compact.Native, hardy, long lived shrub with grey-green foliage and white to pale blue flowers in later Spring to early Autumn.
North, Central and South Coast, Highlands & Western Slopes Philotheca myoporoides (Eriostemon) myoporoidesLong leaf waxflowerPrefers part-shade to shady. Frost tolerant and drought tolerant once established.Grows to 1.5m tall. Tip prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.Native, hardy shrub with small
North, Central and South Coast, Highlands & Western Slopes Grevillea speciosaRed Spider-flowerPrefers an open sunny position with well-drained and low phosphorous soil. Drought tolerant once established.Grows to 3m tall. Responds well to pruning after flowering.Red or pink flowers from late Winter to late Spring.
North, Central and South Coast, Highlands & Western SlopesCorrea reflexaNative FuchsiaPrefers well-drained soil and full-sun or shade.Grows to 1.2m tall. Responds well to pruning after flowering.Tubular to bell shaped red flowers with yellow tips from late Autumn to Spring.
North, Central and South Coast, Highlands, Western Slopes & Far Western PlainsEremophila maculataSpotted Emu BushPrefers well-drained sandy soils and full-sun.Grows to 2.5m tall.Red to purple, pink or white flowers from Winter to early Summer.
Western Slopes & Far Western Plains Grevillea floribundaRusty Spider-flower, Seven Dwarfs GrevilleaPrefers well-drained soil and full-sun or shade.Grows to 2m tall.Orange-brown flowers in early Spring and late Winter.
Western Slopes & Far Western PlainsAcacia wilhelmianaDwarf NealieGrows in sandy soils in mallee regions of NSW.Grows to 3m tall.Golden-yellow flowers in Spring.
Western Slopes & Far Western PlainsGossypium sturtianumSturts Desert RosePrefers gravelly or sandy soils and full-sun. Drought tolerant.Grows to 2m tall. Low maintenance.Large papery lilac flowers.

Climbers

Climactic region Botanical name Common name Soil suitability Growth characteristics Other features
North, Central and South Coast & HighlandsClematis aristataNative Clematis, Traveller’s Joy, Old Man’s BeardPrefers part shade and cool soil.Evergreen climber for fences or pergolas. Prune to make way for new growth.Cream star like flowers in Spring and Summer followed by small decorative fruit.
North, Central and South Coast, Highlands & Western SlopesHardenbergia violaceaPurple Coral Pea, False SarsaparillaPrefers fun sun or part shade and well drained soil. Drought tolerant once established.Hardy evergreen climber that grows to 1m tall. Prune after flowering.Violet pea shaped flowers appear in Winter and Spring.
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Last updated: 20 Aug 2024