Ruqayyah Snyder
Growing Australian native plants can be fun and rewarding, but there are some common pitfalls to be aware of. For example, many native plants are sensitive to poor drainage, so it's important to locate the well-draining areas of your garden and choose species accordingly. In addition, most native plants prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and high levels of phosphorus in fertiliser can be harmful. Planning and site preparation are key to successfully growing Australian native plants, and it's important to consider factors such as light and shelter requirements, as well as potential pests and the need for regular pruning to promote healthy growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil type | Well-drained, sandy loam or good garden soil. Some plants require specific soil types, structures, and pH levels. |
| Soil preparation | Fill the hole with water and allow it to soak. Submerge the plant in water until it stops bubbling. Remove the plant from its container without disturbing the roots. |
| Planting time | Autumn to early spring is best, allowing plants to establish themselves. Summer planting can be successful with watering. |
| Watering | Water new plants immediately. Avoid overwatering to prevent 'soft' plants with poorly developed roots. |
| Mulching | Mulch helps conserve water, protects soil, and limits weed growth. Apply 7.5-10cm deep, away from plant stems. |
| Fertiliser | Most native plants don't require extra fertiliser. High phosphate fertilisers may be harmful. Use specialised fertilisers for phosphorus-sensitive plants. |
| Light and shelter | Most flowering natives prefer full sun, but some grow in shade. Tropical and subtropical natives need shelter from frost. |
| Pests | Look out for curl grubs, aphids, and mites. Protect native beetles and larvae of native beetles. |
| Pruning | Regular pruning promotes healthy growth, controls pests, and attracts small birds. |
| Transplanting | Native plants can be transplanted with careful digging and minimal root disturbance. |
| Ground cover | Native ground covers suppress weeds, stabilise soil, and provide habitat for wildlife. |
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What You'll Learn
- Soil preparation: use well-drained sandy loam or good garden soil
- Planting time: autumn to early spring, avoiding frost
- Watering: water new plants immediately and regularly during their first summer
- Mulching: use chipped pruning to conserve water and protect soil
- Pruning: tip-pruning promotes healthy growth and pest control
Soil preparation: use well-drained sandy loam or good garden soil
Soil preparation is a critical aspect of growing Australian native plants, and using the right type of soil is essential. Sandy loam or good garden soil is generally recommended for Australian native plants, ensuring well-drained conditions that most native plants prefer.
When preparing the soil, it is important to mix in any new soil with the existing soil thoroughly. Simply spreading new soil on top of the garden bed is not advisable. Building up garden beds or creating underground drainage can be beneficial in ensuring proper drainage.
Before planting, it is crucial to control weeds. Methods such as grazing, hand-pulling, or spot spraying can be employed to eliminate weeds and promote healthier and faster-growing seedlings. Additionally, mulching your garden beds is advantageous. It helps conserve water by reducing evaporation, protects the soil from erosion, and suppresses weed growth. The chipped pruning from street trees is an excellent choice for mulch, applied 7.5 to 10 cm deep, keeping it away from plant stems to prevent rot.
To prepare the soil for planting, fill the hole with water and let it soak into the ground. This process helps settle the soil and reduce air pockets. Submerging the plant's container in a bucket of water is also recommended, being careful not to submerge the entire plant. This step aids in removing air from around the roots, making it easier to remove the plant from the container without disturbing the roots excessively.
After removing the plant from its container, carefully place it in the prepared hole, supporting the base of the seedling with one hand while holding the roots and soil together with the other. Backfill the hole with soil, pressing it down firmly without compacting it excessively. Creating a small dip around the plant will help capture rainfall and guide water to the roots.
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Planting time: autumn to early spring, avoiding frost
The best time to plant Australian native plants is during autumn, as this gives the plants time to establish themselves before the next summer. However, in areas with frost or temperatures below 2°C, it is recommended to wait until spring, after the frost has passed, to start planting. Frost can damage or even kill plants, so it is important to consider your local climate and growing conditions when planning your garden.
When planting in the cooler months, it is important to ensure that the ground is warm enough for the plants to take root. This may require additional measures such as building up garden beds or using underground drainage to improve soil warmth and drainage. It is also essential to familiarise yourself with the specific soil requirements of the plants you choose, as some Australian native plants, such as Banksias, are very particular about their soil type, structure, and pH level.
To protect your plants from frost damage, consider the microclimates in your garden created by features such as valleys and hills, which can channel or divert cold air. Planting in a sheltered position or providing additional protection, such as covering young plants with cloches or horticultural fleece, can help shield them from frost.
While planting in the cooler months may require more preparation, it also has its advantages. Australian native plants benefit from being planted during this time due to milder conditions and higher rainfall. With proper care, these plants will continue to grow throughout the seasons and reward you with their beauty and resilience.
Remember, growing Australian native plants is not only fun but also environmentally beneficial. By choosing indigenous plants that have evolved in your local area, you can minimise the need for soil amendments and create a sustainable and thriving garden ecosystem.
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Watering: water new plants immediately and regularly during their first summer
Watering is a critical aspect of growing Australian native plants, especially during their first summer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for watering your new plants:
Watering Frequency:
- During the first week after planting, water your Australian native plants daily or every other day.
- In the second week, you can reduce the frequency to two to three times per week, unless the weather is extremely hot and dry.
- From the second week onwards, continue to monitor and adjust your watering frequency based on weather conditions and the plant's needs.
Watering Depth:
- Focus on providing water deeper into the ground rather than shallow surface watering.
- Encourage deep root growth by allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering again.
- For small plants, dig around the root zone to a depth of 2-3 inches, and for larger plants and trees, dig to a depth of 6-8 inches.
Watering Techniques:
- When watering, place the hose at the base of the plant at a heavy trickle for 30-60 seconds for small plants and longer for larger plants, moving the hose to a few locations around the plant.
- Soaker hoses and drip irrigation are effective methods as they apply water directly to the soil and reduce evaporation.
- For plants in containers, check the soil moisture daily during the summer by sticking your finger into the soil. If it's dry down to your first knuckle, add water until it drips out of the bottom drain hole.
Mulching:
- Mulching your garden beds is highly beneficial for water conservation. It helps to reduce evaporation, protect the soil, and keep it cooler and moister during the summer.
- Apply a layer of mulch of approximately 2-2.5 inches (5-7 cm) deep, keeping it away from the plant stems to prevent rot.
- Avoid using plastic over the soil, as it will disrupt water penetration and negatively impact the ecosystem.
Soil Considerations:
- Choose plants suited to your local soil conditions and growing environment.
- Ensure well-drained soil, as most native plants prefer it.
- If planting in sand, adding bentonite clay will help retain water around the plant's root system.
Remember, the goal is to provide sufficient water without overwatering, as this can cause issues like stunted growth. Monitor your plants' water requirements frequently, especially during their first summer, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
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Mulching: use chipped pruning to conserve water and protect soil
Mulching is an excellent way to conserve water and protect the soil when growing Australian native plants. It is beneficial to use chipped pruning from street trees as mulch in your garden beds. Mulch helps to reduce evaporation, keeping the soil cooler and moister, which is beneficial for plants during the summer. It also protects the soil from erosion and limits weed growth.
When applying mulch, ensure it is spread to a depth of 7.5 to 10 cm and kept away from the stems of plants, as this can cause rot. Avoid using plastic under mulch, as this will prevent water from penetrating the soil and disrupt the natural environment of insects, lizards, and other small creatures. Instead, consider using a natural mulch, such as chipped pruning, which can be left to rot down over a couple of years, after which your plants will begin to create their own litter.
In addition to mulching, there are other ways to conserve water and protect the soil when growing Australian native plants. For example, planting in garden beds or raised beds can improve drainage, and mixing new soil thoroughly into existing soil can help to stabilise the soil and provide the right structure and pH for your plants.
When it comes to watering, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to 'soft' plants with poorly developed roots. Instead, water seldom and well, ensuring the water reaches the roots of the plant. This can be achieved by creating a small dip around the plant to guide the water or by using a sprinkler or dripper to water into the root zone.
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Pruning: tip-pruning promotes healthy growth and pest control
Pruning is an important part of growing Australian native plants. In the wild, these plants are pruned constantly by animals and weather. Regular pruning of native plants in your garden can help imitate this natural process.
Tip-pruning, in particular, promotes healthy growth and pest control in Australian native plants. It is a simple process that involves taking the tip out of the new growth. This stimulates new growth by pushing the plant's energy into producing side shoots, making the plant denser and bushier.
Thryptomenes, Grevilleas, Correas, Eriostemons, Westringias, and native Rosemaries are some of the plants that respond well to tip-pruning. By nipping off 10 to 20 centimetres of tip growth with secateurs or even your fingers, you can prevent the plant from becoming top-heavy and encourage a compact, bushy shape.
Tip-pruning is also effective in pest control. By promoting healthy new growth, tip-pruning helps control pests and diseases. It keeps the plants dense and compact, making them attractive to small birds, which may help in pest management.
Additionally, tip-pruning can be started when the plant is young, and it is recommended to begin tip-pruning from an early stage if you desire a bushy, compact plant.
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Frequently asked questions
Planning and site preparation are the most important aspects of growing Australian native plants. First, you must prepare the soil. Fill the hole with water and let it soak. While the plant is still in its container, submerge it in a bucket of water. Remove the plant from the container, being careful with the roots. Backfill the hole with soil and press it down. Create a dip around the plant to guide water to its roots. Mulching your garden beds is beneficial as it helps conserve water, protects the soil from erosion and limits weed growth.
Some common Australian native plants include flowering natives such as grevillea, correa, bottlebrush, lillypilly, banksia, wattle and Geraldton wax. Native groundcovers include coral pea, yellow buttons and Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’. Native grasses include kangaroo grass, Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’, kangaroo paws and cottonheads.
Most native plants prefer well-drained soils. Group plants with similar growing conditions together. Avoid overwatering and do not use high-phosphate fertilisers. Many Australian native plants benefit from regular pruning, especially tip-pruning.
