Thinking about using native plants for your Perth garden?
Whether you’re starting fresh, giving your garden a makeover, or just looking for low-maintenance plants that thrive in WA’s conditions — native plants are a smart and sustainable choice for Perth gardeners.
But with so many options to choose from, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
This guide makes it easy.
Choosing the Right Native Plants for Your Garden
This blog features a curated selection of 60 Australian native plants for your Perth native garden — including 10 flowering plants for each season, 10 with standout foliage, and 10 that thrive in shade.
Then, we’ll walk you through everything else you need to know to choose the right natives for your space — including:
- What to plant in full sun, part shade, or dense shade
- How to match plants to your soil type (sandy, clay, limestone)
- What to do if your soil isn’t ideal — and how to fix it
- How to design your garden using hydrozones (grouping by water needs)
- How to attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife
- The best native trees for both small courtyards and larger yards
So whether you’re after bold seasonal colour, wildlife-friendly features, or just a garden that handles Perth’s hot, dry summers — this guide will help you make confident, climate-smart choices.
10 Spring Flowering Native Plants
Lechenaultia biloba
Lechenaultia biloba, or Blue Lechenaultia, is a striking WA native wildflower with an abundance of bright blue blooms perfect for rockeries or in free draining pots.
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- Size: Prostrate shrub (0.3m H × 0.3m W)
- Soil: Sandy, perfectly draining soil
- Sun: Full sun
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Occasional deep watering in summer
- Flowers: Vivid blue flowers in Spring
- Wildlife: Food for native pollinators, bees and butterflies; habitat for invertebrates
- Use: Needs perfect drainage so it’s ideal for rockeries or in pot gardens
Hibbertia hypericoides
Hibbertia hypericoides, known as yellow buttercups, is a beautiful spreading shrub with pretty yellow flowers that can grow in almost any garden.
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- Size: Low spreading shrub (0.8m H × 1m W)
- Soil: Grows in most soil types
- Sun: Full sun
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Moderate watering is necessary during dry periods
- Flowers: Yellow flowers in spring
- Wildlife: Food source for bobtail lizard
- Use: Looks great in the lower or wetter parts of the garden
Dampiera diversifolia
Dampiera diversifolia, or kangaroo lobelia, is a suckering plant with bright blue-purple flowers.
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- Size: Suckering ground cover (0.4m H × 1m W)
- Soil: Well draining sandy, loam or clay-loam soil
- Sun: Partly shaded, dappled sunlight
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Drought tolerant
- Flowers: Small blue to purple flower in spring to summer
- Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects
- Use: Groundcover, rockery planting, and pot planting
Melaleuca lanceolata
Melaleuca lanceolata, or moonah tree, is a tough coastal tree with papery bark. This tree stands out in coastal areas when its bark is twisted and bent by the wind.
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- Size: Tall shrub to small tree (4–10m H × 3–6m W)
- Soil: Sandy, alkaline soils
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 6–7.5
- Water: Drought-hardy
- Flowers: Soft white bottlebrush-like flowers in spring to summer
- Wildlife: Flowers attract nectar-feeding birds
- Use: Sculptural feature tree, shade tree, or windbreak
Acacia saligna
Acacia saligna, or Golden Wreath Wattle, is a fast growing small tree with a weeping habit that is great for soil erosion control and soil improvement.
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- Size: Tall shrub to small tree (7m H × 5m W)
- Soil: Most soils, including heavy soil
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 6–8
- Water: Drought-hardy
- Flowers: Round golden yellow flower heads during spring
- Wildlife: Pollen rich flowers attract native bees, hoverflies, and other insects
- Use: Ideal for new gardens or gardens with nutrient-poor soils
Thryptomene saxicola
Thryptomene saxicola, or rock thryptomene, is a very adaptable small shrub with beautiful dainty flowers that can even grow in part shade.
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- Size: Small shrub (1m W × 1m H)
- Soil: Adaptable but prefers well draining soil
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 5.5–6.5
- Water: Water deeply until established
- Flowers: Dainty pink flowers from the end of winter to spring
- Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and insects, which in turn attract small insectivorous birds
- Use: Cut flowers, background shrub
Anigozanthos flavidus
Anigozanthos flavidus, the Tall Kangaroo Paw, is a statement plant in any garden and the most hardy and long lived of this popular group.
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- Size: Clumping perennial (2m W × 3m H)
- Soil: Most soil types; tolerates occasional wet feet
- Sun: Full sun to light shade
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Needs lots of water in flowering season
- Flowers: Thick paw-like flowers on long stems in various colours (green, yellow, orange, red)
- Wildlife: Attracts bees and nectar eating birds
- Use: Cut flower, erosion control
Patersonia occidentalis
Patersonia occidentalis, or purple flag, is a hardy, easy-to-grow clumping plant with attractive grey-green, strap-like foliage and striking blue to purple flowers that look like miniature irises.
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- Size: Small clumping plant (0.3–0.5m W × 0.3–0.5m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Low once established; drought-tolerant but appreciates occasional watering in dry periods
- Flowers: Blue to purple, iris-like flowers in late spring to early summer
- Wildlife: Attracts native bees and pollinating insects
- Use: Ideal for rockeries, borders, and waterwise landscapes
Verticordia plumosa
Verticordia plumosa, or Plumed Featherflower, is a showy small shrub with silver fragrant foliage and masses of scented pink to purple flowers.
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- Size: Small shrub (1m W × 0.6m H)
- Soil: Needs very well draining soil
- Sun: Full sun to light shade
- pH: 5.5–6.5
- Water: Waterwise; drought-hardy
- Flowers: Scented pink to purple flowers
- Wildlife: Provides habitat for invertebrates
- Use: Very ornamental and ideal as pot flower
Conostylis candicans
Conostylis candicans, or cottonheads, is a small grass-like perennial with long strappy silver leaves and stems with bright yellow flower heads.
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- Size: Small clumping perennial (0.4m W × 0.4m H)
- Soil: Well drained soil
- Sun: Full sun to light shade
- pH: 5.5–6.5
- Water: Drought tolerant but water well in hot summer months
- Flowers: Yellow
- Wildlife: Provides habitat for invertebrates and reptiles
- Use: Border, grassland planting, pot planting
10 Summer Flowering Native Plants
Melaleuca lateritia
Melaleuca lateritia, or Robin red breast Bush, is a beautiful medium shrub with bright red to orange flowers in Summer and Autumn.
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- Size: Medium shrub (2m H × 1.5m W)
- Soil: Prefers well-drained moist soil but will survive in most soils
- Sun: Prefers full sun but will survive in most situations
- pH: 6–6.5
- Water: Low water requirements once established
- Flowers: Red flowers in Summer and Autumn
- Wildlife: Very attractive to honey eaters
- Use: Feature plant, wet spots
Corymbia ficifolia
Corymbia ficifolia, or flowering gum, is one of the most iconic WA natives. It’s one of the best gum trees for producing bright flowers and is great as a shade tree. Go for a grafted cultivar that’s more resilient to Perth’s heat.
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- Size: Small tree (4–10m)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy loam
- Sun: Full sun
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Regular watering during establishment; minimal watering once mature
- Flowers: Numerous cultivars with red, orange, and pink flowers
- Wildlife: Bird-attracting; supports pollinators
- Use: Feature tree or shade tree for small gardens
Banksia littoralis
Banksia littoralis, or western swamp banksia, is a fast growing tree that is particularly good for coastal areas and damp areas along watercourses.
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- Size: Tree (12m H × 8m W)
- Soil: Most soil types; moist but well draining
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 5.5–6.5
- Water: Benefits from deep-watering in summer
- Flowers: Bright yellow flowers from winter to summer
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-eating birds
- Use: Feature tree, windbreak, and to control soil erosion
Chamelaucium uncinatum
Chamelaucium uncinatum, or Geraldton wax, is one of Australia’s most famous wildflowers and is widely used as a cut flower.
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- Size: Tall shrub (2–3m H)
- Soil: Sandy soil
- Sun: Full sun to semi shade
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Flowers: Pink to purple waxy flowers from winter to summer
- Wildlife: Excellent for bees and butterflies
- Use: Hedging or cut flower garden
Brachyscome iberidifolia
Brachyscome iberidifolia, or swan river daisy, is an annual daisy that’s popular for pots and hanging baskets.
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- Size: Ground cover (0.5m H × 0.3m W)
- Soil: Sandy or clay soil
- Sun: Full sun
- pH: 6–8
- Water: Water deeply during growing season
- Flowers: Daisy flowers with bright blue-purple and white petals
- Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies
- Use: Easy care bedding, borders, rockeries, pots and hanging baskets
Grevillea ‘Moonlight’
Grevillea ‘Moonlight’ is a tough and adaptable tall shrub with an abundance of creamy flowers in spring and summer but recurring throughout the year.
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- Size: Tall shrub (4m W × 5m H)
- Soil: Most soils; well draining
- Sun: Full sun to light shade
- pH: 5.5–6.5
- Water: Drought tolerant
- Flowers: Large creamy spider flowers most of the year
- Wildlife: Bird attracting
- Use: Great feature plant or informal hedging
Scaevola crassifolia
Scaevola crassifolia, or Thick-leaved Fanflower, is an easy-to-grow, small, spreading shrub with glossy green foliage and attractive blue flowers.
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- Size: Small spreading shrub (1–1.5m W × 0.8m H)
- Soil: Sandy to gravel soils
- Sun: Full sun
- pH: 6–7.5
- Water: Extremely drought tolerant
- Flowers: Lavender blue or clear blue fan flowers
- Wildlife: Provides habitat for invertebrates, reptiles, and frogs
- Use: Ideal for coastal gardens
Pimelea ferruginea
Pimelea ferruginea, or rice flower, is a low growing dense shrub with glossy green leaves and an abundance of pink or white flowers in spring and summer.
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- Size: Small mounding shrub (0.7m W × 1m H)
- Soil: Most soils
- Sun: Full sun
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Regular watering during establishment is beneficial
- Flowers: Small clusters of flowers in pink or white during spring and summer
- Wildlife: Attracts butterflies
- Use: An ideal addition to rockeries or general garden beds
Beaufortia purpurea
Beaufortia purpurea, or purple Beaufortia, is a compact hardy shrub with purple-red flowers in spring and summer that’s ideal for rocky slopes.
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- Size: Small shrub (1m W × 0.3–1.5m H)
- Soil: Light to heavy well-drained soils
- Sun: Dappled shade to full sun
- pH: 6–7.5
- Water: Consistent moisture until established
- Flowers: Red-purple tubular flowers
- Wildlife: Provides habitat for invertebrates, birds, reptiles, and frogs
- Use: On rocky slopes, pot plant
Hakea francisiana
Hakea francisiana, also known as Grass-leaf Hakea or Emu Tree, is a tall shrub with blue green foliage and long flowers in a red-purple or cream colour.
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- Size: Tall shrub (4m W × 5m H)
- Soil: Sandy loam or clay loam
- Sun: Full sun to light shade
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Drought hardy
- Flowers: Long spiky red-purple or cream with pink flowers
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds
- Use: Screening or feature shrub
10 Autumn Flowering Native Plants
Banksia Menziessi
Banksia Menziessi, or Firewood Banksia, is a show-stopping Western Australian native, with large vibrant flower cones and silvery serrated foliage.
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- Size: Small tree or large shrub (2–4m W × 2–5m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils
- Sun: Full sun
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Water needs: Drought-tolerant once established; dislikes humid or waterlogged conditions
- Flowers: Large cylindrical flower spikes in pink, red, orange, or yellow; blooms mainly autumn to winter
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds, insects, and small mammals
- Use: Excellent as a feature plant, for habitat planting, and cut flowers
Hakea laurina
Hakea laurina, or Pincushion Hakea, is best known for its unique pincushion-like flowers that stand out beautifully against slender, bluish-green foliage.
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- Size: Large shrub to small tree (2–4m W × 3–6m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils
- Sun: Full sun to light shade
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Water needs: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Round, showy “pincushion” flowers in red, pink, and cream; blooms late autumn through winter
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds and pollinators
- Use: Great as a feature tree or screening plant
Beaufortia sparsa
Beaufortia sparsa, or Swamp Bottlebrush, is a showy versatile plant that performs best in moist conditions.
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- Size: Medium shrub (2m W × 3m H)
- Soil: Heavy to light moist soil
- Sun: Part to full sun
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water needs: Needs watering throughout the year
- Flowers: Bright orange-red bottlebrush flowers from summer to autumn
- Wildlife: Attracts honeyeaters
- Use: Well suited to swampy areas and river banks
Senna artemisioides
Senna artemisioides, or Silver Senna, is a woody shrub with a silvery appearance that improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixing.
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- Size: Tall shrub (1–3m W × 1–3m H)
- Soil: Fast draining sandy soil
- Sun: Full sun
- pH: 6.6–8.5
- Water: Once established, needs no additional watering
- Flowers: Bright yellow flowers from autumn to winter
- Wildlife: Attracts insects and small birds
- Use: Use in a naturalistic or cottage garden
Kunzea baxteri
Kunzea baxteri, or Crimson Kunzea, is a great feature or screening plant with bright red brush-like flowers and fine foliage.
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- Size: Tall shrub (5m W × 4m H)
- Soil: Sandy to loam soil with good drainage
- Sun: Full sun to light shade
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; tolerates occasional watering
- Flowers: Bright red, brush-like clusters; blooms late winter through spring
- Wildlife: Highly attractive to nectar-feeding birds, bees, and other pollinators
- Use: Feature or screening shrub
Banksia spinulosa ‘Birthday Candles’
Banksia spinulosa ‘Birthday Candles’ is a tough, low-growing shrub with golden-yellow flower spikes tipped with red, perfect for borders, rockeries, and pots.
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- Size: Compact shrub (1m W × 0.5m H)
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Low once established
- Flowers: Golden-yellow cones from autumn to spring
- Wildlife: Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies
- Use: Borders, pots, rockeries, habitat gardens
Lambertia inermis
Lambertia inermis, or Chittick, is an erect spreading shrub with bright orange or yellow flowers that grows in most soils.
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- Size: Tall shrub (2–3m W × 2–6m H)
- Soil: Well-draining soils including clay
- Sun: Protected spot in part shade
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Low watering
- Flowers: Tubular bright yellow or orange flowers various times throughout the year
- Wildlife: A favourite of nectar-feeding birds and pollinators
- Use: Great as a screening plant
Leptospermum ‘Pink Cascade’
Leptospermum ‘Pink Cascade’, or Cascading Tea Tree, is a beautiful weeping tea tree with arching branches covered in masses of soft pink flowers.
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- Size: Low-growing shrub (1.5–2.5m W × 0.5–1m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; benefits from occasional watering in dry spells
- Flowers: Small soft-pink blooms that densely cover stems from spring to autumn
- Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinators
- Use: Ideal for cascading over walls, bank stabilisation, large pots, or as a ground-hugging feature
Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’
Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’ is a delightful dwarf shrub with pink spider flowers and fine, narrow foliage ideal for soft borders.
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- Size: Groundcover to low shrub (0.5–1m W × 0.3–0.5m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Small pink spider flowers; blooms intermittently throughout the year, with peaks in spring and autumn
- Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and small nectar-feeding birds
- Use: Perfect for borders or in pots
Viola banksii
Viola banksii, or native violet, is a groundcover with small white and purple flowers, and one of the few plants that can grow well in shade.
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- Size: Groundcover (1–2m W × 5–15cm H)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained loamy or sandy soil
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Sun: Best in part shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun
- Water: Prefers regular moisture; tolerates short dry spells once established
- Flowers: Small purple and white blooms, most prolific in spring to autumn, but can flower year-round in mild climates
- Wildlife: Attracts small insects and provides habitat for frogs and lizards in damp gardens
- Use: Ideal for understorey planting, between stepping stones, hanging baskets, or as a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas
10 Winter Flowering Native Plants
Eremophila nivea
Eremophila nivea, or Silver Emu Bush, is a medium shrub with distinctive silvery soft appearance and beautiful purple flowers in winter and spring.
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- Size: Small shrub (1–1.5m W × 1–1.5m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils
- pH: 6–7
- Sunlight: Full sun (essential for best colour and flowering)
- Water: Very drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Purple tubular flowers; mainly bloom in late winter to spring, with occasional flowering at other times
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds and pollinators
- Use: Ideal as a feature shrub, in rockeries, coastal gardens, or Mediterranean-style landscapes
Chorizema cordatum
Chorizema cordatum, or Heart-leaf Flame Pea, is a vibrant, eye-catching shrub known for its heart-shaped leaves and masses of vivid orange, pink, and red pea flowers.
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- Size: Small shrub or scrambling climber (1–2m W × 0.5–1.5m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils
- pH: 5.5–7
- Sun: Best in part shade; tolerates filtered sun
- Water: Moderately drought-tolerant once established; appreciates occasional watering
- Flowers: Bright orange-pink-red pea flowers; blooms in late winter through spring
- Wildlife: Attracts native bees and insects
- Use: Ideal for understorey planting, cottage gardens, containers, or spilling over walls and banks
Leptospermum sericeum
Leptospermum sericeum, or Silver Tea Tree, is a compact, ornamental shrub native to the south coast of WA and features soft, silvery-grey foliage and beautiful deep pink to magenta flowers that contrast strikingly against its leaves.
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- Size: Small shrub (1–1.5m W × 1–2m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Bright pink to magenta blooms; main flowering in winter
- Wildlife: Attracts bees and pollinators
- Use: Great as a feature shrub, in coastal gardens
Eremophila glabra ‘Blue Horizon’
Eremophila glabra ‘Blue Horizon’ is a compact dense groundcover with soft blue-grey foliage and tubular yellow flowers that bloom in winter.
Photo used with permission from Benara Nursery
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- Size: Groundcover (1m W × 0.25m H)
- Soil: Prefers free-draining soil; tolerates heavier soils in dry climates
- Sun: Full sun to light shade
- pH: 6–7.5
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Bright yellow tubular blooms in winter
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds, native bees, and beneficial insects
- Use: Ideal as a dense groundcover, in mass plantings or border planting
Templetonia retusa
Templetonia retusa, also known as Cockies Tongue, is an evergreen medium shrub with large red pea shaped flowers during winter and spring.
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- Size: Medium shrub (3m W × 2m H)
- Soil: Loam or well draining clay
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Drought tolerant
- Flowers: Vibrant red pea flowers in winter
- Wildlife: Provides habitat for invertebrates, birds, reptiles, and frogs
- Use: Great as a feature plant
Acacia pulchella
Acacia pulchella, or Prickly Moses, is one of the region’s most common bushland species. In winter and early spring, it puts on a vibrant display of golden yellow, fluffy ball-shaped flowers.
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- Size: Medium shrub (1–2m W × 0.5–1.5m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or clay soils; tolerates coastal and low-lying areas
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- Water: Low once established
- Flowers: Golden yellow, fluffy; winter to early spring
- Wildlife: Attracts native bees and other pollinators; provides habitat for small birds and insects
- Use: Habitat gardens, coastal or dry sites, erosion control
Eucalyptus caesia
Eucalyptus caesia, or Silver Princess, is a beautiful small tree admired for its weeping form, silvery white bark, and large pink-red flowers in winter.
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- Size: Small tree (3–5m W × 3–8m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Large pink-red flowers with prominent yellow stamens; blooms in winter
- Wildlife: Attracts birds, bees, and small mammals
- Use: Ideal as a feature tree
Grevillea ‘Winter Delight’
Grevillea ‘Winter Delight’ is a low-growing hybrid grevillea with soft grey-green foliage and clusters of pink and cream flowers.
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- Size: Groundcover (1–1.5m W × 0.3m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Pink and cream spider flowers; blooms from late autumn to winter
- Wildlife: Attracts small nectar-feeding birds and bees
- Use: Excellent for groundcover, native borders, or mass planting
Banksia candolleana
Banksia candolleana, or Propeller Banksia, is a striking and unusual low-growing shrub known for its large, serrated grey-green leaves and showy yellow flower spikes in winter.
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- Size: Small shrub (1–2m W × 0.5–1m H)
- Soil: Sandy soils with excellent drainage
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Water: Very drought-tolerant
- Flowers: Large, pale yellow cylindrical spikes; blooms in winter
- Wildlife: Attracts birds, insects, and small mammals
- Use: Great as a feature shrub, in coastal gardens, or for native habitat planting
Melaleuca fulgens
Melaleuca fulgens, commonly known as the Scarlet Honey Myrtle, is a striking native shrub known for its vibrant bottlebrush-like flowers and fine, aromatic foliage.
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- Size: Medium shrub (1.5–2m W × 1.5–3m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils
- pH: 5.5–7
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Bright red, orange, or pink bottlebrush-shaped blooms from late winter through summer
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds, bees, and butterflies
- Use: Ideal as a feature plant or for informal screening
10 Native Foliage Plants
Eucalyptus macrocarpa
Eucalyptus macrocarpa, known as Mottlecah, is one of WA’s most spectacular small trees. Famous for its large, silver-grey leaves and big crimson flowers, it makes a bold statement in any native or water-wise garden.
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- Size: Small mallee tree (2–4m W × 1.5–4m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- Sun: Full sun (essential for best flowering)
- Water needs: Very drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Big red to pink flowers with contrasting yellow stamens from late autumn to spring
- Foliage: Large, round silver-grey leaves with a powdery bloom
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds, bees, and other pollinators
- Use: Perfect as a feature or sculptural tree
Maireana oppositifolia
Maireana oppositifolia, or Silvery Bluebush, is a very hardy shrub native to inland Australia with unique grey-blue foliage that looks like it’s moving in the wind, making it ideal for dry gardens and coastal gardens.
Photo used with permission from Benara Nursery
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- Size: Small shrub (0.5–1.2m W × 0.5–1.2m H)
- Soil: Adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils
- pH: 7–8.5
- Sun: Full sun
- Water needs: Very drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Inconspicuous; greenish-pink fruiting structures form in summer and autumn
- Wildlife: Provides shelter for small animals; valuable in grazing and restoration ecosystems
- Landscape use: Excellent for low-maintenance, dry or coastal gardens, erosion control, and native hedging
Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’
Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’, often sold under the trade name ‘After Dark’ Peppermint Tree, is a striking cultivar with deep burgundy to almost black foliage and an elegant weeping habit.
Photo used with permission from Benara Nursery
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- Size: Medium shrub to small tree (2–4m W × 3–6m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay loam soils
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Sun: Full sun to part shade (best foliage colour in full sun)
- Water needs: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Small white flowers in spring (less showy than the foliage)
- Wildlife: Provides shelter and attracts birds
- Use: Feature or screening shrub
Adenanthos sericeus
Adenanthos sericeus, commonly known as Woolly Bush, is a soft-textured shrub or small tree loved for its silky foliage that shimmers in the light and is nice to touch. Some even use it as a small native Christmas tree.
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- Size: Shrub or small tree (1.5–3m W × 2–5m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils
- pH: 5.5–7
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; enjoys summer watering in very dry areas
- Flowers: Small red tubular flowers nestled within the foliage; blooms intermittently year-round
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds and provides habitat
- Use: Ideal for screening, hedging, coastal planting, or as a feature shrubs/trees
Rhagodia spinescens
Rhagodia spinescens, or Aussie Flat Bush, is a compact, dense groundcover form of native saltbush. Bred for a low spreading habit and neat appearance, it’s excellent for mass planting in low-maintenance gardens.
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- Size: Groundcover (1–2m W × 0.3–0.5m H)
- Soil: Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils
- pH: 7–8.5
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Very drought-tolerant once established; tolerates occasional wet feet
- Flowers: Small, non-showy; followed by small reddish fruit
- Wildlife: Provides shelter for small birds and insects
- Use: Groundcovers, bank stabilisation, or mass plantings
Dianella revoluta
Dianella revoluta is a hardy, clumping perennial used in architectural gardens for its clean, strappy blue-green foliage.
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- Size: Grass-like perennial (0.3–0.6m W × 0.3–0.9m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils
- pH: 6–7.5
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Blue-purple, star-shaped with yellow stamens in spring to early summer
- Wildlife: Attracts bees and birds
- Use: Borders, understorey planting, mass plantings, or erosion control
Lomandra longifolia ‘Great White’
Lomandra longifolia ‘Great White’ is a variegated cultivar of the tough, adaptable Lomandra longifolia, known for its striking green-and-cream foliage.
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- Size: Grass-like plant (0.6–0.8m W × 0.6–0.8m H)
- Soil: Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils; needs good drainage in humid areas
- pH: 6–7.5
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; handles occasional wet periods
- Flowers: Pale yellow, spiky flowers in spring to summer
- Wildlife: Provides shelter for small animals; flowers attract pollinators
- Use: Borders, feature planting, mass plantings, containers, or erosion control
Callistemon salignus ‘Great Balls of Fire’
Callistemon salignus ‘Great Balls of Fire’, or Red-Tipped Bottlebrush Hedge, is grown for its spectacular red new growth year-round rather than flowers.
Photo used with permission from Benara Nursery
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- Size: Medium shrub (1–2m W × 1–2m H; prunable)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils
- pH: 6–7.5
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Rare or sparse; grown for foliage colour
- Wildlife: Provides habitat and shelter
- Use: Hedging, borders, feature planting, or containers
Melaleuca linariifolia ‘Claret Tops’
Melaleuca linariifolia ‘Claret Tops’ is a compact, colourful Snow-in-Summer cultivar grown for its red-tinted new growth.
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- Size: Medium shrub (1–1.5m W × 1–1.5m H; can be pruned smaller)
- Soil: Sandy, clay, or loamy soils
- pH: 6–7.5
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; tolerates periodic wet conditions
- Flowers: Occasional fluffy white “bottlebrush” flowers in late spring to summer
- Wildlife: Provides shelter and food for pollinators when flowering
- Use: Compact hedging, low borders, or feature foliage planting
Westringia dampieri
Westringia dampieri, or shore westringia, is a hardy, spreading coastal groundcover perfect for mass planting in coastal gardens or rockeries.
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- Size: Spreading groundcover (1–2m W × 0.2–0.4m H)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or coastal soils
- pH: 6–8
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Very drought-tolerant once established
- Flowers: Pale blue to lavender-purple; main flush in spring to summer
- Wildlife: Attracts native bees and small insects; provides ground-level shelter
- Use: Coastal planting, groundcovers, rockeries, verge gardens, and mass planting
10 Native Plants for (Part) Shade
Backhousia citriodora
Backhousia citriodora, or Lemon Myrtle, is a fragrant native shrub or small tree with lush green leaves that can be used in teas or desserts and creamy white flowers in autumn that attract butterflies and beneficial insects.
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- Size: Tall shrub to small tree (3m W × 3m H; up to 8m in native habitat)
- Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained
- Sun: Part shade ideal; tolerates full sun with summer protection
- pH: 5.5–6.5
- Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but not waterlogged
- Flowers: Creamy white sprays in autumn
- Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and beneficial pollinators
- Use: Edible bushfood (teas, desserts, savoury dishes); hedge or screening shrub
Boronia megastigma ‘Heaven Scent’
Boronia megastigma ‘Heaven Scent’, or Brown Boronia, is a compact shrub with fine needle-like green foliage and striking brown and yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring that have a very sweet, citrusy fragrance.
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- Size: Compact, erect shrub (0.75m W × 1m H)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich soil
- Sun: Best in part shade; avoid hot afternoon sun and hot winds
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Regular watering; soil should stay moist but not soggy
- Flowers: Brown and yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring; intensely fragrant
- Wildlife: Attracts pollinators like bees
- Use: Sensory gardens, pots/containers, cut-flower gardens
Correa ‘Dusky Bells’
Correa ‘Dusky Bells’, or Native Fuchsia, is a hardy dark-green shrub with subtle pink bell-flowers in the cooler months.
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- Size: Small shrub (1.5m W × 0.6–1m H)
- Soil: Tolerant of most soils; moist but well-drained
- Sun: Full sun to part shade (more shade = fewer flowers)
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Can endure dry spells but prefers moist soil
- Flowers: Small sandy-pink bell flowers
- Wildlife: Attracts small birds
- Use: Shrubberies, filler plant
Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’
Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’ is a tough, low-maintenance strappy-leaf plant with soft green foliage. Ideal for mass planting to soften paths or fill beds in formal and naturalistic designs.
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- Size: Grass-like shrub (0.65m W × 0.6m H)
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Tolerates most soils; prefers well-drained
- pH: 6–8
- Water: Low once established
- Flowers: Small yellow flower spikes in spring
- Wildlife: Provides habitat and shelter
- Use: Mass plantings, borders, verges, erosion control
Darwinia citriodora
Darwinia citriodora, or Lemon-scented Darwinia, is a delicate, softly mounding shrub with fine citrus-scented foliage and clusters of red and green bell-flowers in spring.
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- Size: Small shrub (1m W × 0.5–1m H)
- Sun: Full sun to part shade; best in dappled morning sun and afternoon shade
- Soil: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils
- pH: 5.5–7
- Water: Low to moderate; prefers some summer watering
- Flowers: Clusters of bell-flowers in spring
- Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, small birds
- Use: Sensory gardens, borders, rockeries, low hedges
Dichondra repens
Dichondra repens, or Kidney Weed, is a soft, spreading groundcover with small round leaves forming a dense mat—perfect as a lawn alternative, between pavers, or under trees where grass struggles.
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- Size: Groundcover (2–5cm high; spreading indefinitely)
- Sun: Full sun to full shade; best in part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates a range of soils
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Moderate; keep moist in dry periods
- Flowers: Tiny pale green-yellow blooms in spring/summer
- Wildlife: Low habitat value; used for groundcover
- Use: Lawn substitute, between pavers, shady spots, pots
Acmena smithii ‘Goodbye Neighbours’
Acmena smithii ‘Goodbye Neighbours’ is a fast-growing Lilly Pilly variety that forms a dense hedge with glossy leaves and bronze-red new growth—ideal for narrow privacy screens in part shade.
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- Size: Hedge (2–3m W × 4–6m H)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; suits clay to loam
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 6–7.5
- Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant when established
- Flowers: Small white blooms in spring/summer; followed by purple berries
- Wildlife: Attracts birds and pollinators
- Use: Privacy screen, hedge, narrow gardens
Viola hederacea
Viola hederacea, the Lesser-known Native Violet, thrives in shade but flowers less than Viola banksii. Creates a lush carpet in moist, shaded spots.
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- Size: Groundcover (5–15cm high; spreading)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay
- Sun: Part shade to full shade
- pH: 6–7
- Water: Regular moisture preferred
- Flowers: Purple-white blooms in spring–autumn; fewer in deep shade
- Wildlife: Attracts bees and insects
- Use: Understorey, between pavers, damp shade
Dianella caerulea ‘Cassa Blue’
Dianella caerulea ‘Cassa Blue’, or Blue Flax Lily, is a tough, compact grass-like plant perfect for hot, dry Perth gardens—even in part shade.
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- Size: Small grass-like plant (0.4m W × 0.4–0.5m H)
- Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soils
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- Water: Low once established; drought and heat tolerant
- Flowers: Purple blooms in spring, followed by blue berries
- Wildlife: Berries feed small birds; foliage shelters lizards and insects
- Use: Borders, mass plantings, under trees, verge gardens
Callistemon ‘White Anzac’
Callistemon ‘White Anzac’ is a hardy, spreading bottlebrush with creamy-white blooms. Unlike red varieties, it adds an elegant soft touch while still attracting pollinators and will flower in part shade.
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- Size: Low shrub (1.5–2m W × 1m H)
- Soil: Well-drained; tolerates clay and sandy soils
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- pH: 5.5–7.5
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; appreciates summer watering
- Flowers: Creamy-white bottlebrush flowers in spring and summer
- Wildlife: Attracts bees and birds
- Use: Low hedge, erosion control
Why Use Native Plants in Perth Gardens?
Using native plants in Perth offers many advantages over exotic species. They’ve evolved over thousands of years to thrive in our hot, dry summers, sandy soils, and limited rainfall — and they create beautiful, thriving gardens with less input.
WA is home to thousands of endemic plant species found nowhere else. By planting natives, you’re helping protect WA’s unique natural heritage — right in your own backyard. What’s more, native plants and local wildlife have evolved together over millennia. That means native plants provide the right type of food at the right time and create the shelter and nesting structure the local native wildlife needs.
Benefits of Native Plants
- Naturally adapted to WA’s unique conditions
- Require less water and fertiliser
- Attract and support native birds, bees, and pollinators
- Reflect the colours and character of the Australian bush
- Resilient and lower maintenance than many exotic plants
- Available at quality native nurseries Perth-wide
When selecting native plants, you’re not just choosing something tough — you’re choosing beauty, biodiversity, and sustainability.
What to Consider When Choosing Native Plants for Your Garden
In this section we’ll run you through everything you need to consider before you start your native garden. Firstly, you need to understand your garden’s soil and the amount of sunlight each space in the garden gets. Then, you can prepare your garden so your plants will survive and thrive over the long term. Finally, it’s time to pick plants. To really create a garden that brings you joy, pick plants that suit the space but also consider how they look together.
How Sunlight and Exposure Affect Plant Choice
Before you buy any plants, it’s important to understand how much sunlight each part of your garden receives throughout the day and year. Perth receives intense summer sun, so it’s essential to match each plant to the right position.
Full Sun (6+ hours/day)
Ideal for most flowering natives:
- Grevillea
- Banksia
- Anigozanthos
- Eremophila
- Scaevola
These plants need strong sun to bloom well. Perfect for open front yards, verges, and west-facing beds.
Part Shade / Morning Sun
Great for soft-foliage or woodland species:
- Chorizema
- Hardenbergia
- Lomandra
- Dianella
- Plectranthus
These thrive on the south side of a house, under trees, or along shady paths.
Dense Shade
Native options are more limited—but some low-growers may survive:
- Viola banksii (native violet)
- Lomandra ‘Tanika’
- Hardenbergia (some varieties)
- Dichondra repens
- Goodenia ovata (low form)
Don’t expect much colour or growth in heavy shade. Some rainforest species tolerate shade but need protection from hot, dry winds.
Tip: Map how light changes across the day and across seasons. A garden bed that’s sunny in winter may be shaded by tree canopies in summer. Always keep mature plant size in mind when planning your garden.
Perth’s Soil Types (and What Grows Best)
Perth has diverse soil types, and understanding what soil you have in your garden is critical to choosing the right native plant for your space. Many Australian native plants are picky — but they’ll thrive in the right conditions.
Sandy Soil
Common near the coast and the inner north.
- Fast draining, low in nutrients
- Suits: Banksia, Grevillea, Eremophila, Lechenaultia, Hibbertia, Conostylis
Tip: Mix in compost and clay to boost water and nutrient retention.
Clay Soil
Found in foothills and newer developments.
- Poor drainage, heavy texture, high in nutrients
- Suits: Melaleuca, Callistemon, Kunzea, Hakea varia, Acacia, Baeckea, Beaufortia, Dampiera, Calothamnus, Gastrolobium
Tip: Dig in gypsum, coarse sand, and compost to improve drainage. Alternatively, excavate and fill with sandy mix or create raised beds.
Limestone-Based / Alkaline Soil
Common in coastal ridges and northern suburbs.
- Alkaline pH (above 7) can block nutrients for some plants
- Suits: Eremophila, Myoporum, Westringia, Scaevola, Hardenbergia
Tip: To lower pH, you can add elemental sulfur or iron sulphate — but use with caution and always test your soil.
What If My Soil Isn’t Suitable?
No problem! You can still grow almost any native plant — even fussy ones like Banksias — by improving the soil or building raised beds with native-friendly soil mix.
Solutions
- Choose tough, clay-tolerant natives
- Use raised beds filled with sandy native mix for better drainage
- Add compost, coarse sand, and organic matter
- Excavate clay and fill with sandy loam or free-draining mix
- Trench drainage under root zones
- Use hydrozoning to protect dry-soil plants from overwatering
The key is preparation. With the right structure, almost any plant on your list is possible — and many will thrive beyond expectations.
Hydrozoning: Water Smarter, Not Harder
Native plants in Perth aren’t completely drought-proof — especially in the first 1–2 years. Grouping plants with similar water needs together and putting them on their own irrigation zones (hydrozoning) can save water and help plants thrive. It also makes maintenance much easier.
Hydrozoning Is a Game-Changer for Native Gardens
Examples
- Zone 1 (Low water): Banksia, Eremophila, Lechenaultia
- Zone 2 (Moderate): Grevillea, Kangaroo Paw
- Zone 3 (Moist soil): Melaleuca, Juncus, Callistemon
Why It Matters
- Reduces overwatering
- Prevents root rot in dry-soil lovers (like Macrozamia or Banksia)
- Saves money on water bills
- Makes it easier to replace plants without upsetting others nearby
This is critical if you’re retrofitting a garden or renovating your irrigation system. Consider integrating this with a drip irrigation system or check out our reticulation tips for help.
Year-Round Colour with Seasonal Planting
Native gardens don’t have to be just green. With smart planning, you can have colour in every season.
Use the seasonal list (above) to plan choose a planting palette with blooms year round.
Don’t overlook foliage either — blue-greys, silvers, and reds add beauty even when flowers aren’t blooming.
| Season | Star Plants |
|---|---|
| Spring | Chorizema, Hakea, Hardenbergia |
| Summer | Grevillea, Kangaroo Paw, Calothamnus |
| Autumn | Leptospermum, Eremophila, Scaevola |
| Winter | Melaleuca, Acacia, Hakea |
Don’t overlook foliage either — blue-greys, silvers, and reds add beauty even when flowers aren’t blooming.
Designing with Texture, Form & Function (Not Just Colour)
When choosing native plants for your garden, consider:
- Shape and structure (weeping, upright, spreading, clumping)
- Leaf colour (green, grey, silver, blue)
- Mature size
- How it will look in dry or off-seasons
Great native gardens mix contrasting textures — for example, soft round Chorizema flowers beside upright Dianella leaves, with mounding Westringia in the back. This makes your garden more dynamic — even when it’s not in full bloom.
Build Biodiversity (Birds, Bees & Butterflies)
Using Australian native plants in your garden also helps support Perth’s native wildlife — from bees and butterflies to birds and even lizards or frogs.
But it’s not just any native garden that makes a difference. Perth sits within one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with wildlife species found nowhere else in Australia — like the Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Quenda (southern brown bandicoot), and countless native bees and butterflies that rely specifically on Southwest WA flora.
Because these species evolved alongside local plants, exotic species — or even natives from other parts of Australia — often fail to provide the right food or shelter. To truly support Perth’s wildlife, it’s important to:
- Choose WA-native species
- Plant in layers (trees, shrubs, groundcovers)
- Include water sources like shallow bowls or frog-friendly ponds
The result? A thriving habitat that brings your garden to life.
Bird-Attracting Plants
- Grevillea and Banksia – Nectar-rich and flower often
- Callistemon – Loved by honeyeaters
- Eucalyptus caesia – Iconic WA tree that feeds and shelters birds
- Hakea laurina – A WA favourite for nectar-feeding birds
- Melaleuca lateritia – Attractive to honeyeaters
Bee and Butterfly Magnets
- Leptospermum – Tea tree flowers attract native bees
- Myoporum – Dense and low-growing, great for bees
- Scaevola – Fan flowers that butterflies love
- Eremophila – Hardy and colourful with nectar-rich blooms
- Chamelaucium uncinatum – WA’s famous wax flower, excellent for pollinators
Tip: To maximise biodiversity, avoid pesticides, mulch with organic materials, and let leaf litter accumulate in garden corners — it’s great habitat for insects and frogs.
5 Common Native Gardening Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Many WA natives are drought-tolerant and don’t need constant watering once established. Overwatering — especially in Perth’s fast-draining sandy soils — can lead to root rot and plant stress.
How to avoid it:
- Use the hydrozoning method — group plants with similar water needs into zones and water accordingly.
- A drip irrigation system with a timer is ideal, as it delivers water directly to the root zone without waste.
- Need help setting up your own reticulation system? I created a course so you can set up your own automatic irrigation.
- And if you are in Perth and need the full installation completed, we can also help. Just fill out an online enquiry and we’ll be in touch.
But don’t just take our word for it: hear from our students!
COURSE REVIEW
Fantastic: Thanks for explain and clarifying the correct way to install reticulation. Fantastic course — after this I am feeling very confident dealing with retic. Many thanks
Rated: 5 out of 5
Name: Carlos Riera
As mentioned before, soil prep is key in creating a thriving garden. While you can pick plants that are best suited to your soil, it’s still important to ensure good drainage and a sufficient amount of nutrients in the soil. Perth soils are often hydrophobic (repel water) or nutrient-poor, especially on the coastal plain. Skipping soil prep can stunt plant growth or make it harder for roots to establish.
How to avoid it:
- In sandy soils: Mix in organic compost, kaolin clay, or wetting agents to retain moisture.
- In clay soils: Use gypsum to break up compaction and improve drainage.
- Always mulch generously after planting to protect the soil surface.
It’s easy to get carried away at the nursery when everything looks neat and compact. But those cute little shrubs can quickly grow into metre-wide monsters if you don’t check their mature size. This leads to overcrowding, shading, and poor airflow.
How to avoid it:
- Research the mature height and spread before planting.
- Space plants accordingly — it may look sparse at first, but your garden will reward your patience with better health and balance over time.
Just because a plant is native doesn’t mean it will thrive in every part of your garden. Some love full sun and dry conditions, while others prefer shade and damp soil.
How to avoid it:
- Observe your garden throughout the day and identify areas of sun, shade, and wind exposure.
- Understand your soil type (sandy, clay, limestone, etc.).
- Match plants to their natural conditions — for example, a species that thrives in WA’s forests may struggle in a hot, exposed coastal garden.
Many Australian natives have evolved in low-phosphorus soils. Standard fertilisers (especially those made for lawns or exotic flowering plants) often contain too much phosphorus, which can burn roots or even kill your plants.
How to avoid it:
- Use a fertiliser labelled “low phosphorus” or “native-safe” — often with a P value under 3 on the NPK ratio.
- Apply in early spring or late autumn, and always water in well to prevent root burn.
Where to Buy Native Plants in Perth
Local nurseries often stock stronger, better-adapted plants than general big-box garden centres. They also give better advice and often grow their stock locally.
Trusted native nurseries in Perth can help you find:
- Rare or hard-to-find WA species
- Advice on sun/shade/clay tolerance
- Better success rates in planting
Top Spots
- Zanthorrea Nursery (Maida Vale)
- APACE Nursery (North Fremantle)
- Australian Native Nursery (Oakford)
Look for WA-native specialists — some even grow plants from local provenance seed for best resilience.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned native garden is a joy to live with. Starting a native garden in Perth is more than drought-smart landscaping — it’s a celebration of WA’s natural flora and fauna. With the right plants, soil prep, and design, you’ll create a thriving, low-maintenance space that supports local wildlife and looks great year-round.
It all starts with understanding your space and the plants that suit it. So, take your time, work with the soil and sun you have, and use the guide above (plus our top 50 plant list) to create something that will thrive.
Still not convinced? Visit the Backyard Botanicals Garden at Kings Park Botanical Gardens to be inspired by the beautiful grow-at-home display garden.
Let Us Design Your Dream Native Garden
We design and install beautiful native gardens in Perth, Western Australia. If you’d like help choosing the right plants or transforming your outdoor space, we offer native garden design and would love to help you grow something amazing that lasts.
Luke Porter
The Director of Retic Renovation is passionate about beautiful healthy lawns and gardens.
I have over 17 years hands-on experience in both landscaping and reticulation service and I’m extremely competent in problem solving, repairs, installation, and product knowledge.
