Gardening in Australia can feel like an extreme sport. Between searing sun, unpredictable rain, poor soils and cheeky pests, it’s a wonder anything grows at all. But here’s the good news… plenty of native plants not only survive these conditions, they absolutely thrive in them.
Whether you’re dealing with sand, clay, drought, wind or just a brown thumb, these Aussie natives are the real deal. They’re hardy, low-fuss and bring loads of colour, texture and habitat to your patch. Here’s our top 10 tough Aussie natives…
1. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
With flower stalks like fuzzy fireworks and bold colours that pop, Kangaroo Paws create interest and drama. Native to WA, they’re built for harsh sun, sandy soils and dry spells. Birds can’t resist the tubular blooms and neither can gardeners who want impact without effort.
Why it rocks:
- Drought-hardy once established
- Great for pots or garden beds
- Long-lasting flowers that are perfect for cutting
Watch out for: Ink spot disease. Good air circulation and not overwatering will keep it at bay.
2. Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’
She’s the queen bee of Aussie gardens. ‘Robyn Gordon’ is a hybrid Grevillea that flowers almost non-stop, attracts birds like a nectar-fuelled magnet and handles most soil types with grace. Be sure to prune it though, it loves a good haircut.
Why it rocks:
- Flowers year-round in warmer climates
- Fast-growing and compact
- Thrives in poor soils
Watch out for: Sensitive to phosphorus—only use native-safe fertiliser.
3. Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra)
A native ornamental grass that brings movement, resilience and golden tones to the garden. It can be used as a loose, meadow-style groundcover or paired with wildflowers for a bushland aesthetic.
Why it rocks:
- Coping champion in drought and frost
- Great habitat for insects and small lizards
- Adds softness and structure to gardens
Watch out for: Needs a bit of space to shine—don’t cram it in with fussy plants.
4. Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)
Think of Coastal Rosemary as the Aussie cousin of European rosemary but without the culinary uses and with way more chill. It thrives in wind, salt spray and sandy soils, making it ideal for coastal gardens or exposed sites.
Why it rocks:
- Dense and neat. Makes a brilliant low hedge
- Small lavender flowers almost year-round
- Tolerates pruning and shaping
Watch out for: Not great in heavy clay soils unless the drainage is sorted.
5. Correa (Correa spp.)
The wallflower of the native world but in the most charming way. Correas may not be showy but their dainty bell-shaped flowers quietly steal the show in dry shade gardens. Most are small to medium shrubs, perfect for understorey planting.
Why it rocks:
- One of the few natives that loves dry shade
- Long flowering season
- Loved by honeyeaters and other small birds
Watch out for: Some species can get a bit leggy. Prune lightly to keep them bushy.
6. Emu Bush (Eremophila spp.)
Native to some of the harshest parts of Australia, Emu Bushes are real desert warriors. With hundreds of species to choose from, you’ll find everything from groundcovers to small trees, all with dazzling, bird-friendly flowers.
Why it rocks:
- Handles heatwaves, drought and poor soils
- Stunning tubular flowers in wild colours
- Unique foliage, often grey, silver or fuzzy
Watch out for: Needs excellent drainage. No good for heavy clay soils.
7. Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens)
A succulent groundcover that thrives in coastal gardens, pigface earns its place with low-sprawling form, salt tolerance and flowers that look like electric daisies. And it’s edible! The fruit is tangy and the leaves can be used like aloe vera.
Why it rocks:
- Excellent erosion control
- Edible and medicinal uses
- Virtually no watering required once established
Watch out for: Can become invasive in super-rich soils. Plant it in lean, sandy conditions.
8. Hakea laurina (Pincushion Hakea)
This stunner is called the Pin Cushion Hakea for its pompom flowers that look like they belong in a modern art gallery. It has an attractive upright growth habit and is brilliant for screening or feature planting. Typically reaches around 6m in height.
Why it rocks:
- Winter flowering gives colour when the garden needs it
- Hardy in most soils, including sandy and gravel
- Great bird habitat
Watch out for: Sharp leaves on some species—avoid planting next to walkways.
9. Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia)
This is the plant equivalent of a Toyota Hilux—tough, dependable and found everywhere for good reason. It suits everything from formal borders to wild bush gardens and tolerates foot traffic, dry shade and compacted soil.
Why it rocks:
- Extremely low-maintenance
- Can handle frost, heat and everything in between
- Combines beautifully with flowering natives
Watch out for: Can get a bit ratty—give it a haircut in late summer to refresh.
10. Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
An icon of Australian gardens, Bottlebrushes are tough enough to handle urban grime, dry summers and soggy winters alike. Their fuzzy red blooms are nectar powerhouses and the newer dwarf varieties are perfect for smaller spaces.
Why it rocks:
- Tolerates wet and dry conditions
- Loved by bees, birds and butterflies
- Great for hedging or screening
Watch out for: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and maximise the next flush of blooms.
Australian Native Planting and Maintenance Tips
To get the best out of these hardy heroes:
- Improve drainage if you’ve got heavy clay. Mound up, add sand or go raised-bed style.
- Mulch with chunky organic mulch (think bark or leaf litter) to keep soil cool and mimic native bush floors.
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots.
- Avoid phosphorus and heavy fertilisers. Go for slow-release native plant food or diluted worm juice instead.
- Let them settle in. For the first year they sleep. Second year, they creep. Third year, they leap!
