The planting guide suggests some native species appropriate for planting across different regions of Australia. The plants included in the guide provide only a tiny snapshot of Australia’s amazing native species and we aim to add to the guide over time to include more regions across Australia.

The guide is accessible to everybody, including those with limited native plant knowledge, but it is not intended to inform habitat restoration activities. We chose to focus on some widespread and easy to source native plants that can thrive in a range of environments. If you are interested in learning about plants specific to your location, we recommend speaking with your council or local native nursery for more detailed advice.

As a small taster, below we highlight six native species included in the guide. Check out the complete guide for what we recommend to plant in your region.

Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata)

• Natural range is south-eastern Australia (including parts of NSW, VIC, SA and TAS).

• Most often grows as a medium shrub to 2m but can reach more than 10m.

• The yellow nectar-rich flower spikes grow to 10cm long and attract birds.

• Can flower year-round but mainly from Summer to Winter.

• Is a low maintenance plant that tolerates a range of environments.

Purple Coral Pea (Hardengergia violacea)

• Natural range includes parts of QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and TAS.

• A hardy climber with stems reaching 2m long.

• The beautiful purple pea-shaped flowers are produced from Winter to Spring.

• A range of cultivars are available which should grow well in most gardens.

Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea)

• Natural range is mainly east of the Great Dividing Range (including parts of QLD, NSW, VIC and TAS).

• A clumping perennial herb that spreads via underground stems, called rhizomes.

• Has strappy leaves that grow to less than 1m high.

• Stalks bearing beautiful blue/purple flowers are produced from Spring to Summer.

• Is a hardy plant that thrives in a variety of climates and soils.

Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata)

• Natural range is southern Australia (including parts of WA, SA, VIC, NSW and TAS).

• A scrambling ground cover reaching 2.5m in diameter.

• The leaves are a lovely grey/green colour and have wavy margins.

• Produces red pea-shaped flowers.

• Prefers a sunny position and will do well in hanging baskets.

Fern-leaf Grevillea (Grevillea pteridifolia)

• Natural range is tropical northern Australia (including parts of WA, NT and QLD).

• A large shrub or small tree that can grow to more than 10m.

• The nectar-rich orange flowers are produced mainly in Winter and Spring and attract birds and other animals.

• Is fast-growing and thrives in a variety of soils.

Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra)

• One of Australia’s most widespread native grasses (natural range includes coastal, inland and arid locations across the country).

• A tufted perennial grass growing to 1.5m.

• The leaves are a lovely green/grey colour and turn orange/brown during drier periods.

• Grows in both full sun or part shade and thrives in a variety of soils.

• Requires little water and maintenance once established, making it a great ornamental grass for gardens.

We encourage everyone to get out into the garden and plant more natives whenever and wherever you can. For more suggestions on what to plant at home or school, download our native species planting guide here.