Australian native plants are blooming in the garden now. Plants from the “Land Down Under” are unique in form and flower – they are nothing like you will find elsewhere. Australian plants have unique shapes and colors and add interest to our winters when fewer things are blooming. Colorful Aussie Natives are happy California transplants and most are water wise.

Australia’s climate is Mediterranean, similar to central California, dry in summer with mild, wet winters. We are a bit cooler here in the winter. Most of these Aussie natives are hardy to 20 degrees F. They are evergreen and flower from winter through spring bringing a bright spot of color to our winter gardens and tend to be great in terms of low water use.

Grevillea is a large family of plants that range from low growing ‘Coastal Gem’ to shrub like ‘Robyn Gordon’ reaching 5-6′ tall that can reach a spread of up to 10′ wide. They have masses of tubular pink, red, cream and yellow flowers that the hummingbirds love. They are great on banks or hillsides. The shadier places in the garden will benefit from the Australian Fuchsias (Correas) with their hanging bells in shades of cream to red.

Westringia fruticosa ‘Mundi’ or White Flowering Coast Rosemary is a spreading evergreen shrub from Australia. Grows to 1-2′ feet and 4-6′ feet wide. Green to gray-green leaves have white undersides. Small whiteish, lavender flowers bloom from midwinter through spring in colder areas, and all year in milder climates. Needs light, well-drained soil.  

Explore the possibilities!

Westringia fruticosa ‘Mundi’ or White Flowering Coast Rosemary is a shrub with silvery leaves and beautiful flowers.