Growing native plants in the City of Swan
Urban forest (vegetated areas) in our suburbs help absorb carbon, purify the air we breathe, cool our neighbourhoods, provide amenity, and support mental wellbeing and liveability. It also supplies food and habitat for urban wildlife.
Planting a native garden on your property can help increase kurb appeal and property value, as well as connect our green spaces. Native gardens can be sustainable, cooling, waterwise, fertiliser wise and low maintenance.
There are a huge range of local Western Australian plants that can be used to create contemporary garden styles. To get greening, identify your soil type, add suitable soil amendments, choose the right species for your soil, needs and lifestyle, visit your local nursery and then get planting.
- Plan your garden and how you want to use your backyard (e.g. areas for dining, recreation, pets, wildlife, food growing etc.) before purchasing plants
- Consider wildlife and plant dense shrubs for animal refuges, trees for nests and flowering/fruiting species as food and pollen sources
- Consider the growing requirements of plants, including sun, soil and water, and orientation (where the sun and shade are)
- Use local native plants in your whole garden, in one area, or mixed in with exotics.
- Soil texture affects the movement of air, water and nutrients, which in turn affects plant growth. Soil texture can be estimated at home by hand (no tools required) via soil ribboning or a jar test. Alternatively, you can get a sample of soil tested by a professional
- Measure soil pH using a simple and inexpensive home soil pH test available from most garden supply shops and nurseries, or take in a sample of your soil to a garden centre or nursery who will test it for you
- Amend your soil to be suitable for native plants as even most native species will benefit from some soil improvement such as the addition of clay and organic matter to sandy soil. Be warned that some native species such as those in the Proteaceae family are not tolerant of some nutrients found in some soil improvers and fertilisers. Most Australian natives prefer a slightly acidic soil.
- Try to integrate one or more trees to create a canopy
- Always read the labels to check mature plant size
- Don’t choose plants that can be environmental weeds
- Ideally, plant in late April or May after the first good autumn rains, as plants have more time to establish before summer
- Choose smaller healthier plants, as small plants establish quicker than larger ones.
Watering
WA plants are adapted to our dry climate and low rainfall. They are used to a bit of stress. Over watering leads to shorter lived plants with excessive growth and less prolific flowering. To keep your garden looking its best, it may be desirable to give some plants a supplementary watering over summer.
For new plants water:
For established plants water:
The watering regime for mature plants varies with the soil type, origin of the plant, season and natural rainfall.
- Once or twice a week in the first few weeks after planting
- Once or twice a week in the summer period (generally from about November to May until the first good rain occurs) for the first one to two years until plants are established.
For established plants water:
- When there is a heat wave
- When the soil under the surface is dry
- When signs of stress are apparent (e.g. wilting, dull foliage colour, leaf shrinkage).
The watering regime for mature plants varies with the soil type, origin of the plant, season and natural rainfall.
WA plants like the soil surface to remain dry and many are sensitive to overhead watering (e.g. sprinklers and misters). The best irrigation to use is adjustable dripper/trickle systems or subsurface irrigation.
- Watering in the morning is preferable as moisture sitting on plant leaves and stems overnight can cause fungal disease
- Avoid watering only the soil surface layer as this encourages shallow roots making plants more susceptible to drying out and blowing over. Longer, deeper watering encourages the growth of deeper, more stable roots
- If water repellence occurs, apply a wetting agent.
Pruning
To keep WA plants looking their best, it may be necessary to do some pruning to help keep the plant in shape and promote flowering.
In general, prune after flowering has finished in late spring or early summer. It is better to prune young plants lightly and regularly. Older plants can be rejuvenated by more extensive pruning after flowering.
Mulch
Good mulch consists of a mixture of different sized materials such as leaves, twigs and bark, so water can easily penetrate through to the soil. Mulch reduces evaporation. Select a material which doesnβt absorb too much water otherwise it will reduce the water available to the plants.
Please be aware the movement of wood and plant materials (including mulch) may be restricted or prohibited in some areas to prevent the spread of polyphagous shot-hole borer (PHSB), a small, highly invasive beetle that tunnels into the trunks, stems and branches of trees and plants. Find out about any restrictions at agric.wa.gov.au/borer.
Black cockatoos
You can help support black cockatoos by planting suitable species in your garden for food and habitat. It is important to leave sufficient space (at least three to five metres) between habitat/foraging plants and roads so that cockatoos can fly out safely. Find out more about priority species and safe set-backs via the Keep Carnabyβs Flying β Ngoolarks Forever project.
| Name | Height | Flowering season and flower colour | Other info | Preferred soil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Trees (up to 15m) | ||||
| Candle Banksia (Banksia attenuata) | Piara | 5-10m | Oct-Feb | Yellow | π¦πβοΈππ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Bull Banksia (Banksia grandis) | Poolgarla, mungite | 10m | Sep-Dec | Yellow | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Holly-leaved Banksia (Banksia ilicifolia) | 10m | Mar-Jan | Yellow | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Firewood Banksia (Banksia menziesii) | Buigala | 10m | Mar-Sep | Yellow, orange, red and cream | π¦πβοΈππ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Tallerack (Eucalyptus pleurocarpa) | Dalyeruk | 8m | Aug-Dec | Red orange-brown | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Coral Gum (Eucalyptus torquata) | 4-11m | Aug-Dec | Pink and red | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly alkaline |
| Rottnest Teatree (Melaleuca lanceolata) | Moonah | 5m | Aug-Jan | White | β | Sand, loam; slightly alkaline |
Shrubs (3 to 5m) | ||||
| Summer-scented Wattle (Acacia rostellifera) | 2-5m | Aug-Oct | Yellow | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; alkaline |
| Common Woolly Bush (Adenanthos cygnorum) | Boyur | 2-4m | Sep-Feb | Red-pink | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Parrot Bush (Banksia sessilis) | Budjan, butyok | 4-5m | May-Nov | Yellow | π¦πβοΈπ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Red Pokers (Hakea bucculenta) | 4.5m | Aug-Sep | Red | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Pink Spike Hakea (Hakea francisiana) | 5m | Aug-Oct | Pink, red | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Harsh Hakea (Hakea prostrata) | Janda, Pulgar/Doolgur | 3m | Aug-Oct | White | πβοΈβ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Scarlet Kunzea (Kunzea baxteri) | 4m | Sep-Nov | Red, pink | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Showy Honey-Myrtle (Melaleuca nesophila) | Mindiyet | 3m | Sep-Jan | Pink, purple | πβοΈβ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
Shrubs (1 to 3m) | ||||
| Prickly Moses (Acacia pulchella) | Mindalong | 1.5m | Jun-Oct | Yellow | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Basket Flower (Adenanthos obovatus) | Ghooyuk | 2m | May-Dec | Red, scarlet, orange | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Woolly Bush (Adenanthos sericeus) | 2-3m | All year | Red-orange | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Native Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) | 2m | Jul-Jan | Violet | β | Sand, loam; slightly alkaline |
| Oak-leaved Banksia (Banksia quercifolia) | 1.5-3m | Mar-Nov | Orange, yellow | π¦πβοΈβπ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Sandplains Brush Myrtle (Beaufortia squarrosa) | Buro | 2m | Jan-Apr | Orange, red | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| One-sided Bottlebrush (Calothamnus quadrifidus) | Quartijat | 1-2m | Aug-Dec | Red | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly alkaline |
| Red Rod (Calothamnus sanguineus) | 1-2m | Aug-May | Red-pink | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Silky Eremophila (Eremophila nivea) | 1-2m | Aug-Nov | Violet | πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Obtuse Leaved Grevillea (Grevillea obtusifolia) | Berrung | 0.5-2m | Sep-Oct | Red | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Candle Hakea (Hakea corymbosa) | 3m | Dec-Jun | Red-pink | πβοΈβπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Zamia Palm (Macrozamia riedlei) | Baian, djiriji... | 0.5-3m | May-Jun | Red cones | βπ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Graceful Honey-myrtle (Melaleuca radula) | 2.5m | Sep-Nov | Pink, mauve | ππ¦π¦βοΈβ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Spiked Scholtzia (Scholtzia involucrata) | 1.5m | Dec-Mar | White, pale pink | πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Morrison Featherflower (Verticordia nitens) | Kotyeningara... | 0.5-1.5m | Oct-Feb | Golden yellow | πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea preissii) | Balga | 3m | Nov-Jan | White | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
Shrubs (less than 1m) | ||||
| Dune Moses (Acacia lasiocarpa) | 0.5-1m | Jun-Aug | Yellow | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; alkaline |
| Grass wattle (Acacia willdenowiana) | 0.5m | May-Oct | Yellow | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Coast Jugflower (Adenanthos cuneatus) | 1m | Aug-Nov | Red | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Couch Honeypot (Banksia dallanneyi) | Bullgalla... | low | May-Sep | Gold | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Elegant Beaufortia (Beaufortia elegans) | 1m | Nov-Feb | Red, purple-pink | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Yellow-eyed Flame Pea (Chorizema dicksonii) | 0.5m | Aug-Dec | Orange-red, yellow | πβοΈ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Lemon Scented Myrtle (Darwinia citriodora) | 1.5m | Jul-Dec | Orange, yellow | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Tarbush (Eremophila glabra) | 0.1-1.5m | Mar-Dec | Orange, yellow, red | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly alkaline |
| Fuchsia Grevillea (Grevillea bipinnatifida) | Berrung | 0.3-1m | Mar-Nov | Red, orange | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Spider-net Grevillea (Grevillea thelemanniana) | Berrung | 1m | May-Sep | Red | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly alkaline |
| Stalked Guinea Flower (Hibbertia racemosa) | 0.3m | Jul-Dec | Red-pink | πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Orange Stars (Hibbertia stellaris) | 1m | Aug-Dec | Orange-yellow | πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Devil's Pins (Hovea pungens) | Buyenak, Puyenak | 1m | Jun-Nov | Purple | πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| White Myrtle (Hypocalymma angustifolium) | Koodgeed... | 1m | Jul-Oct | Pink, white | πβοΈ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Swan River Myrtle (Hypocalymma robustum) | 1m | Jul-Oct | Pale deep pink | πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Waldjumi (Jacksonia sericea) | Waldjumi | 0.6m | Dec-Feb | Orange | πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; alkaline |
| Rough Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca scabra) | 0.5-1.5m | Sep-Dec | Pink-purple | π¦π¦βοΈβπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Conebush or Candle Stick Petrophile (Petrophile macrostachya) | 1m | Aug-Nov | Yellow | πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Purple Wren Flower (Scaevola striata) | 1m | Aug-Dec | Mauve | πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Pixie Mops (Petrophile linearis) | 0.5-0.7m | Aug-Nov | White, pink, purple | πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
Perennial Herbs | ||||
| Catspaw (Anigozanthos humilis) | Kurulbrang, Nallamara | 0.5m | Aug-Oct | Yellow, orange, red | π¦πβ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii) | Kurutbrang | 1m | Sep-Nov | Red, green | π¦πβ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Green Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos viridis) | Koroylbardany | 1m | Sep-Nov | Green | π¦πβ | Sand, loam; slightly alkaline |
| Tall Speargrass (Austrostipa elegantissima) | 0.5m | Sep-Oct | Silver | πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Spiny Cottonheads (Conostylis aculeata) | 0.3m | Sep-Nov | Yellow | πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Grey Cottonheads (Conostylis candicans) | 0.3m | Aug-Nov | Yellow | πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Blueberry Lily (Dianella revoluta) | Mangar, Mumball, Mangard | 1m | Sep-Jan | Purple, yellow | πβπ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly alkaline |
| Bloodroot (Haemodorum spicatum) | Mardja, Meen, Bohn, Manang | 0.5m | Oct-Jan | Black | πβπ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Morning Iris (Orthrosanthus laxus) | 0.4-0.6m | Aug-Oct | Blue | πβοΈ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Purple Flag (Patersonia occidentalis) | Komma | 0.5-0.8m | Aug-Jan | Purple | πβοΈ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
Climbers and groundcovers | ||||
| Acacia saligna prostrate (Acacia saligna prostrate) | Coojong... | low | Jul-Aug | Yellow | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; acidic |
| Prostrate Banksia (Banksia blechnifolia) | 0.7m | Sep-Nov | Red | π¦πβοΈ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Australian Bluebell (Sollya heterophylla) | Kuruba... | 0.5-1m | Oct-Feb | Blue | π¦π¦βοΈβπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Centella "Datu Kola" (Centella asiatica) | Low | Aug-Dec | Pale yellow-white | πβπ | Loam; slightly acidic |
| Kidneyweed (Dichondra repens) | Yilbill | Low | Sep-Feb | White, pale yellow-green | π¦πβ | Loam; slightly acidic |
| Eremophila "Kalbarri Carpet" (Eremophila glabra) | 0.4m | All year | Yellow | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly alkaline |
| Grevillea "Gin Gin Gem" (Grevillea obtusifolia) | Berrung | 0.5m | Aug-Nov | Cream-pink | π¦πβοΈπ¦ | Sand, loam; slightly acidic |
| Native Wisteria (Hardenbergia comptoniana) | Koalla... | Climber | Jul-Sep | Purple | π¦πβοΈβ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
| Snakebush (Hemiandra pungens) | Low | All year | Mauve | πβοΈ | Sand, loam, clay; acidic-neutral-alkaline |
| Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata) | Kobin | Low | Jul-Nov | Red | π¦π¦βοΈβπ¦ | Sand, loam, clay; slightly acidic |
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Legend Mapping: π¦ Bird attracting | π¦ Butterfly attracting | βοΈ WA plant | π Bush tucker | π¦
Black cockatoo food | β Sensitive/Specific notes
Additional Information
- You should only eat bush tucker species if you have adequate knowledge to identify and prepare it, especially as most plants must be prepared first to be edible and some pparts of the plant are edible while others are not
- Soil present on your property may have been altered, for exmaple during construction. You can generally amend your soil to be suitable for a range of plants, and soil amendment is generally recommended for the best results
- Flowering times may differ due to environmental factors
- Most Australian species recommended prefer full sun
- Black Cockatoo priority food species are from the Black Cockatoo Conversation Action Plan (BCCAP) developed by Murdoch University as part of the City of Swan's involvement in the Keep Carnaby's Flying - Ngoolarks Forever project
- BCCAP also includes guidelines for safe set-backs from the road for foraging trees so these birds can access these trees safely.
Guidelines and Resources
- Landscape Guidelines for Streetscapes and Public Open Space
- Urban Forest Plan
- Tree Planting Guidelines
- Verges Online Guidelines
- Plants out of place
- Estimating Soil Texture by Hand β Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- FireWise Gardening in Western Australia β Department of Fire and Emergency Services
- Waterwise Plant Directory β Water Corporation
- Fertilise Wise Campaign
- Good Natured Gardening β Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (DPIRD)
- How to Plant Black Cockatoo Friendly Gardens β BirdLife