Plant Finder

Small winter flowering tree suited to small gardens. BA hardy tree which doesn’t suffer from pests and diseases. est known for its display of soft-pink flowers in late winter. Tends to flower slightly later when planted in part-shade.

Evergreen slender stemmed vine or groundcover (0.2m x 1m) from Korea and Japan forming dense mats of foliage. Glossy deep green small leathery leaves. Fragrant cream pinwheel-shaped flowers turning light yellow in summer. Useful mass planted as a weed suppressing groundcover. Variegated leaf form available. Tolerates short periods of drought. Foliage can be burnt by hot sun so a sheltered spot is preferred.

Evergreen woody stemmed twining climber (6m) from China. Thick, shiny oval leaves. Terminal clusters of fragrant white star-shaped flowers in early summer. Useful for a trellis, pergola or to cover a wire clad fence. Also suitable clipped as a mass planted groundcover. Prefers fertile soil. Prune after flowering to contain growth. Very sensitive to soil salinity.

Leptospermum ‘Julieanne’ is a fantastic ground cover form of tea-tree, suitable for a sunny position with adequate water. Thrives in most soil types, and is hardy in the harsh conditions experienced in the Canberra region. Water well through the first summer.

Perennial rush or wetland grass forming loose clumps with rhizomes (1m height) from NSW, Vic, Tas, SA, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Leaves reduced to sheaths at the base of the stems. Pale flowers mostly evenly spaced along the branches. Useful for damp areas, a bog garden or sporadically flooded areas of a wetland. Provides food and cover for wildlife. Keep moist while establishing.

Evergreen low growing coniferous shrub with fan-like branches (0.5-1m x 3m) from North America. Prickly scale-like bluish green leaves turning purplish in winter on horizontal stems. Bluish berries. Useful groundcover for mass planting or covering banks. Prostrate cultivars available. Fast growing.

Evergreen compact coniferous small tree or shrub forming a column of slender erect branches (2.5m x 0.5) from North America, northern Europe and western Asia. Dense blue grey leaves. Useful specimen for its vertical accent or screen. Prefers full sun with well drained soil. Tolerates a wide range of soil types.

Evergreen dense branching groundcover (0.3m x 2.5m) from Japan. Green needle-like coniferous awl-like leaves with a bluish tinge. Small berry like cones. Useful in groups for covering a slope or bank. Wind tolerant. Drought tolerant.

Evergreen prostrate coniferous groundcover (0.3m x 3m) from Japan. Tightly packed blue green needle-like leaves. Brown or black small berry-like fruit. Useful mass planted for a slope or embankment to prevent soil erosion. Tolerates any well drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant.

Evergreen low spreading coniferous shrub (1m x 3m) from Europe and western Asia. Deep green scale-like leaves on slender arching branches. Waxy blue-black berry-like fruit. Useful rock garden specimen, barrier plant or massed as tall groundcover for banks. Prefers well drained soil in an open sunny position. Drought tolerant.

Evergreen fast growing densely branched columnar tree (4m x 1.5m) from China. Rich dark green scale-like leaves. Useful conifer for a screen, windbreak or feature including topiary columns. Prefers fertile well drained soil. Susceptible to red spider mite and fungal disease. Drought tolerant.

Evergreen trailing or prostrate groundcover (0.4m x 2m) from Cooma, NSW. Small obovate dull green leaves. White or pink fluffy flowers in summer. Useful groundcover for slopes or any large open area. Prefers well drained soil in full sun for the best flowering, but will also grow well in part shade. Tolerates heavier clay soils. Drought tolerant.

A vigorous and tough Kangaroo Paw with prolific orange/yellow flowers sitting high above strong strappy leaves, creating a striking seasonal display in late spring/summer. Remove spent flower stems for a longer flowering period. Flowers are great for attracting nectar feeding birds. If frost-affected, the blackened foliage should be left on the plant over winter then cut back to ground level in spring for a new green flush before flowering.

Gorgeous pink flowers sit above strappy foliage, creating a vibrant spring/summer display. Old flowers can be removed to encourage another flush of flower stems. Great for planting in narrow sites in full sun or against a north-facing wall. If heavy frost blackens the foliage, cut back hard in mid-spring for new vigorous growth.

This tall, strong strap-leaved Kangaroo Paw produces prolific tall red/crimson flowers throughout late spring/summer which sit high above the foliage. Makes a fabulous seasonal display and attracts nectar feeding birds. Cut back hard in spring for a flush of fresh new growth and strong flowers. Old flower stems can be removed to encourage a longer flowering period.

A bushy selection of Xerochrysum bracteatum with huge lemon yellow flower heads sitting above the plant. Retains a compact habit with regular trimming. An excellent plant for rockeries, mixed low flower beds, containers and under the dappled shade of trees.

Libertia is a grass-like plant for moist, semi-shaded positions. It has arching glossy strap leaves and starry white flowers in spring and summer which are set off nicely against the mid-green foliage. Grows to around half a metre high and wide, and does well in most soil types. Frost tolerant. If the plant becomes untidy, it can be cut back hard and it will re-shoot from underground rhizomes. Great filler for darker areas in the garden.

Deciduous erect shrub or small tree (4m x 2.5m) from Asia and Iran. Smooth heart shaped leaves on arching branches. Large heads in pairs of fragrant flowers in spring in shades of white, pink, mauve, lilac-blue and purple-reds. Useful as a small specimen tree or in the background of shrubbery for its spring flowers. Prefers a cool position and moist fertile alkaline soil. Sensitive to soil acidity.

A compact, smaller growing form of Lilly Pilly with a low-branching bushy habit. Dark glossy green foliage with bronze new growth. Creamy white flowers in spring followed by highly ornamental white, pink and purple berries in summer. Makes an excellent formal hedge or screen for sites sheltered from hot afternoon sun. New growth can be damaged by frost. Excellent container plant. Regular tip pruning and light applications of fertiliser produces best results.

Bulbous semi-erect perennial (0.7m x 0.5m) from South Africa. Fleshy strap-like basal leaves appear after flowering. Perfumed pink or white trumpet shaped flowers grouped on a leafless erect stem in autumn. Useful for mass colour, as a border or mixed among other bulbs. Tolerant of dry, poor soils, but prefers ample water when flowering. Avoid root disturbance. Drought tolerant.