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Moreland City Council Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland

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Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

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Page 1: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

Moreland City Council

Gardening with Indigenous Plantsin Moreland

Page 2: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

1

About this booklet 1Planning and planting the garden 2Garden Designs 4Plant Descriptions

Grasses and other tussock plants 8Small plants 11Groundcovers 17Climbers 19Small and medium shrubs 20Large shrubs 25Small and medium trees 28

Index 32Contacts and further information inside back cover

A b o u t t h i s b o o k l e t

C o n t e n t sMoreland City Council and its open space

Moreland City Council recognises theimportance of open space in themunicipality for its residents, and for theplants and animals that inhabit the areaand travel along the habitat corridorsthat criss-cross the region. Residents’gardens can significantly contribute tothe municipality’s open space, and canprovide ‘breathing space’ for theresidents, as well as habitat for theplants, birds and insects that oncenaturally occurred in the area.

Moreland City Council has acommitment to sustainability. Inlandscape terms this translates assustainable landscapes which:

• are less dependent on resources,• have aesthetic strengths,• offer broad environmental benefits

such as habitat for fauna.

Gardens planted with indigenous (localnative) plants contribute to fulfillingthese principles. Residents’ gardenslandscaped in this manner also celebratethe character of the local environment,help conserve the plants of the area andassist us to connect with the culturalhistory of the land; Wurundjeri (localAboriginal clan) land for thousands of

years. This booklet, promoting the useof indigenous plants in residents’gardens, is part of Moreland CityCouncil’s program to create sustainablelandscapes across the municipality’sgardens, streets and parks.

Merri Creek Management Committee(MCMC) works to restore Merri Creek,its parklands and open space to ahealthy living stream and bushlandenvironment. The municipalities ofDarebin, Hume, Mitchell, Moreland,Whittlesea and Yarra and Friends ofMerri Creek are members of MCMC,providing funding and support for itsoperations. Project grants are receivedfrom State and Federal Governmentgrant schemes as well as other sources.MCMC employs specialist staffdedicated to improving and promotingthe creek.

Gardening with Indigenous Plantsin Moreland was produced forMoreland City Council by Merri CreekManagement Committee, with plantillustrations by Brian Bainbridge andGeorge Stolfo.

Revised and reprinted 2005.

This booklet outlines how and whyindigenous (local native) plants can beused in home gardens. Indigenous plantshave evolved and adapted to our climateand soils. They are both home and foodfor a variety of insects, birds and animals.These can be attracted to your garden byplanting indigenous plants.

Many indigenous plants have colourfulwildflowers which can add interest tothe garden. Most of the plants listed inthis booklet are tolerant of dry summersand drought, and will only requireinfrequent watering (once or twice aweek during summer) Many will flourishin the heavy clay soils which arecharacteristic of the northern suburbs ofMelbourne, and across the WesternPlains of Victoria, with little soiltreatment or addition of chemicals orfertilisers necessary (although someplants benefit from the addition of smallamounts of native plant fertiliser – seePlant Descriptions later in this booklet).

Indigenous plants can be used tocreate formal and informal settings ingardens. Indigenous plants can begrown in pots and tubs, and some canbe clipped to form hedges. Lawns ofnative grass can be created by plantingdensely with Weeping Grass andWallaby Grasses (these species are notdescribed in this booklet; talk to anindigenous plant nursery or see thereferences listed at the end of thisbooklet). Native grass lawns can bemown or can be left unmowndepending on the style of your gardenand the uses of the lawn area.

A number of garden design plans areincluded in this booklet, as well asdetails of almost fifty differentindigenous plants considered well suitedto home gardens. At the end of thisbooklet is a list of indigenous nurserieswhich sell all the plants listed, as well asorganisations and books which canprovide more information.

Page 3: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

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pot-bound, don’t tease the roots of the plantbefore planting. Place the plant carefully inthe hole, and crumble the soil around theplant, firming the soil as you go. Water theplant using 1/3 of a bucket of water.

MULCHINGMulch retains moisture in the soil reducingthe need to water, encourages beneficial soilanimals such as worms, and suppressesweeds. Mulch can be attractive and increasethe habitat values in the garden.

There are different types of mulchavailable; fine pine mulch and eucamulchare very popular. These mulches should belaid to form a 10 cm thick layer. For addedweed suppression, a layer of newspaperat least ten pages thick can be laid underthe mulch.

Jutemat (a commercially available product)can be used, but may be more difficult tolay in a small garden area. Do not use carpetunderlay based on nylon netting.

ONGOING CARE ANDMAINTENANCEUsing indigenous plants may reducemaintenance but will not dispense withit altogether.

Watering and fertilisingGenerally, an indigenous home garden willrequire infrequent watering and applicationof fertilisers. After the initial wateringassociated with planting, gardens mayrequire watering once or twice a weekduring summer and drought periods. Someplants may respond to a light application ofnative plant fertilisers.

Pruning and weedingPruning, which mimics the grazing ofwallabies and kangaroos, will encouragedenser growth in some plants, will preventlegginess and will promote flowering andnew growth. Specific notes for each plantare listed in the plant descriptions in thefollowing pages.

The common weeds of all home gardens willalso invade the indigenous home garden,and regular weeding is necessary. Mulchlayers minimise weed invasion. Denseplantings of groundcovers and small plantsmay also out-compete most weeds. Howeversome weeding will always be necessary.

Formal gardens and gardens with bare earthrequire more intensive maintenance tomaintain the sharp lines, boundaries andblock elements of the original design. Suchgardens need more regular pruning, and ifthere is no mulch, require more regularwatering, and more intensive weeding.

Replacement plantingand mulchingAs the garden establishes, some plants willflourish, some may not do so well, perhapsbecause they have been planted in thewrong place. If the successes and failuresare noted, this knowledge can be used toplan replacement planting. Ongoingplanting is also necessary to replace any ofthe shorter lived plants (such as StickyEverlasting and Kangaroo Apple).

Top up the mulch layer every two to fiveyears depending on the type of garden andthe type of mulch used.

P l a n n i n g a n d p l a n t i n g t h e g a r d e n

The City of Moreland lies on the westernbasalt plains of Victoria. Although Morelandhas a range of different soil types, thepredominant one is derived from volcaniclava flows thousands of years ago. These soilsare usually heavy, poorly draining black claysoils that may become waterlogged in winter,and dry and crack in summer. Outcrops ofolder sedimentary yellow clays are alsocommon in some areas.

The indigenous (local native) plants listed inthis booklet have evolved to grow andflourish in the clay soils and so soil treatmentis usually unnecessary.

PLANNINGWhen establishing a new garden ormodifying an existing garden it is importantto first create a plan to guide planting andother works. You will need to consider:

• sunny / shady patches, • wet / dry areas, • soil condition, • high use areas,• informal paths, • garden uses (e.g. entertainment, play, quietenjoyment, habitat).

Collect information about your garden atdifferent times of the day and differentseasons of the year. Use this information toselect the right plants for these areas.

Decide on a style for your garden, and selectplants that will be suited to your garden’sspaces. Some design examples are includedon the following pages. Work out thenumber of plants you will need. Use plantsize at maturity as a guide to avoidovercrowding your garden. Grasses andsmall plants can be planted densely,reducing weed invasion (up to 10 plants formedium density and up to 20 plants for

high density in each square metre ofplanting; see description for each plant laterin the book for more detail). Provideadequate space for any shrubs or trees.Many home gardens are too small toaccommodate large trees (check location ofpower lines and plumbing before planting).

PREPARATIONControl of weeds is a key element insuccessful gardening. It is easier to removeweeds before rather than after planting.Remove weeds by hand-weeding,smothering with mulch (see below), or bycareful, targeted, minimal application ofherbicides. Do not dig over the soil beforeplanting (this can encourage more weeds),but make sure the soil is moist.

PLANTINGThe best time to plant is in autumn orspring when the soil is moist and theweather is not too hot. You can plant inwinter but there will not be much growthdue to cold weather. Avoid planting duringsummer as the plants become heat- andwater-stressed. Purchase healthy plants froma nursery that sells indigenous plants of localprovenance (see inside back cover of thisbooklet). Indigenous plants are often sold as“tubestock” (the plants are grown in smallsquare deep pots). The plants are relativelycheap, and although small when planted,develop excellent root systems and are moretolerant of drought.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot, gentlyremove the plant from the pot (by holdingthe pot upside down and tapping it, avoidpulling the plant out by the stem). Becauseplants grown in tubes do not usually become

P l a n n i n g a n d p l a n t i n g t h e g a r d e n

Page 4: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

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G a r d e n d e s i g n s

Grasses and other tussock plants PAGE

1. Pale Flax Lily 82. Spiny-headed Mat-rush 8

Small plants3. Common Everlasting 14

Climbers4. Small-leafed Clematis 19

Small and medium shrubs PAGE5. Large-leaf Bush-pea 206. Rock Correa 207. Rosemary Grevillea 22

Large shrubs 8. Wedge-leaf Hop Bush 26

Small and medium trees9. Silver Banksia 28

FORMAL GARDENThis design utilises strong lines and shapes, clipped shrubs and constructedcorner planting beds or bays. The silver-blue leaves of the CommonEverlasting contrasts with the green and yellow of the Rock Correa in thebays. An arbour is constructed at the end of the garden, draped with Small-leafed Clematis, to provide a pleasant, shady place to sit, and to create afocal view point from the paved entrance. A fine lawn of Weeping Grass andWallaby Grass between the bays is maintained by regular mowing.

Regular pruning is required for this dramatic garden.

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In potsGrasses and other tussock plants PAGE1. Pale Flax Lily 8

Small Plants2. Cut Leaf Daisy 133. Clustered Everlasting 144 Common Rasp Fern 16

Small and medium shrubs5. Small-leafed Eutaxia 216. Turkey Bush 24

Small and medium trees7. Silver Banksia 28

In groundGrasses and other tussock plants8. Spiny-headed Mat-rush 89. Silky Tussock Grass 10

Small Plants PAGE10. Common Everlasting 1411. Tufted Bluebell 11

Climbers12. Small-leafed Clematis 1913. Purple Coral Pea 19

Small and medium shrubs14. Large-leaf Bush-pea 2015. Rock Correa 2016. Austral Indigo 2317. Tree Violet 2318. Gold-dust Wattle 24

Large shrubs19. Sweet Bursaria 25

Small and medium trees20. Lightwood 30

G a r d e n d e s i g n s

COURTYARD GARDENSun and shade loving plants are arranged around thecorners of this small courtyard. Brick paving and gravelcreate contrasting colours and surfaces against which theplants are displayed.N 0 2 4

Metres

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Native grass lawn

Page 5: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

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G a r d e n d e s i g n s

Grasses and other tussock plants PAGE1. Kangaroo Grass 92. Spiny-headed Mat-rush 8

Small Plants3. Tufted Bluebell 114. Cut Leaf Daisy 135. Basalt Daisy 126. Clustered Everlasting 147. Sticky Everlasting 15

Groundcovers8. Milky Beauty Heads 17

Climbers PAGE9. Small-leafed Clematis 19

Small and medium shrubs10. Large-leaf Bush-pea 2011. Rosemary Grevillea 2212. Tree Violet 23

Large shrubs13. River Bottlebrush 2514. Sweet Bursaria 25

Small and medium trees15. Yellow Box 2916. Golden Wattle 31

BUSH GARDENThis bush garden contains a more “natural” mixture of grasses,groundcovers, shrubs and trees. The trees and native grass lawn of WallabyGrass and Weeping Grass (occasionally mown) provide peaceful areas to sitand enjoy the bush in your own garden.

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G a r d e n d e s i g n s

Grasses and other tussock plants PAGE1. Pale Flax Lily 82. Feather Spear Grass 93. Slender Spear Grass 104. Silky Tussock Grass 10

Small Plants5. Common Billy Buttons 116. Tufted Bluebell 117. Tufted Burr Daisy 128. Basalt Daisy 129. Clustered Everlasting 1410. Common Everlasting 1411. Sticky Everlasting 1512. Native Flax 1513. Austral Storks Bill 16

Groundcovers PAGE14. Ruby Saltbush 18

Climbers15. Small-leafed Clematis 1916. Purple Coral Pea 19

Small and medium shrubs17. Large-leaf Bush-pea 2018. Rock Correa 2019. Twiggy Daisy-bush 2120. Hop Goodenia 2221. Austral Indigo 23

Large shrubs22. Sweet Bursaria 25

Small and medium trees23. Lightwood 3024. Golden Wattle 31

COTTAGE GARDENA birdbath provides a focal point for this flowering garden, createdusing dense plantings of small wildflowers and grasses. Informalgravel paths weave through the garden. Clumped small treesprovide height contrasts with the wildflowers. Regular wateringand pruning will maintain vigorous growth and flowering.

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Page 6: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

Kangaroo GrassThemeda triandra

Feather Spear GrassAustrostipa elegantissima

Dense grass tussock of fresh green archingleaves. Leaves turn purple with cold weatherin winter, and in late summer take on anorange hue.

Tall flower stems emerge in spring in subtle pinkand purple colours. Flower-heads turn a brassyorange as the seeds mature in mid-summer.

40cm high and across, flower stems to 1m.

Grows best in full sun and moist soil butis tolerant of summer drought and lightshading. It is essential to remove dead leavesevery two years by trimming or burning.

Looks good planted in groups at about 30cmspacing. Use to support delicate wildflowers.

Caterpillars of the Common Brown Butterfly andnative moths eat the leaves.

This was the dominant grass of the VictorianVolcanic Plains Grasslands, covering the plains ina rich carpet of seasonally changing colours,from purple to green to orange.

POACEAE

A dense grass tussock of stiff, upright, brightgreen leaves. In spring the tussock elongatesas delicate, intricately branched, soft, hairyflower-heads emerge. At maturity, flower-headsform a shivering, silvery mound.

30cm high and across, flower-heads to 60cm.

Likes exposed, sunny conditions, requiresgood air movement or wind to preventmildew. May grow in the dry shade belownative shrubs and trees. Severe pruning inautumn will rejuvenate tussocks.

Will do well in rockeries, the edges of retainingwalls and dry exposed slopes. Looks good insmall clumps. Avoid planting where dogs mayget the sharp seeds in their fur.

In its natural habitat this plant helps to slowerosion on dry cliff-faces.

POACEAE

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

98

Spiny-headed Mat-rushLomandra longifolia

G r a s s e s a n d o t h e r t u s s o c k p l a n t s

Pale Flax LilyDianella laevis

Sword-shaped leaves of blue-green or light green forminga dense tussock. Slenderbranched flower stems emergein spring, spangled with paleblue, starry flowers. Orange andgold anthers are prominentlydisplayed in the centre of eachflower. Glossy blue berries followin summer.

60 cm high and across.

Grows best in moist soil and dappled light but also copes wellwith full sun and dry conditionsonce established. May die backin summer.

Looks good planted densely asa low maintenance groundcover,beside driveways and in narrowspaces. Plant in drifts amongnative grasses, below native treesor amongst rocks.

Berries are eaten by birds andBlue-tongue Lizards.

LILIACEAE

Tussock of glossy, strappy bright greenleaves. Each leaf has a ‘bitten off’ tip.

Flower spikes with clusters of small yellowflowers and spiny bracts are producedamongst the foliage in spring.Shiny brown seed capsules follow in summer.

80cm high and across.

Most vigorous in moist soil with light shade butcopes with a wide range of conditions. Nearlyindestructible once established. Trim raggedleaves to stimulate new growth and a freshappearance.

Plant densely as a hardy ground cover. Plantindividuals as strongly ‘structural’ featuresamongst frothier grasses and wildflowers.Leaves are eaten by some butterflies, theflowers are valuable to nectar-feedinginsects.

XANTHORRHEACEAE

Page 7: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

S m a l l p l a n t s

Common Billy ButtonsCraspedia paludicola

Tufted BluebellWahlenbergia communis

Rosettes of softly hairy spoon-shaped leaves.Flowering stems develop in spring, each toppedwith a golden ball-shaped flower-head.

20 cm high, flowering stems to 1 m.

Likes sunny areas in boggy soil. Will cope withsome light shade and summer drought. Veryprone to snail and slug attacks; so avoidfavoured snail haunts.

Looks best grown in groups (about 30cmspacing). The flower display is short-lived, soplant among structural species, such as KnobbyClub Rush, whose foliage always looks effective.Can be grown in pots kept in a tray of water.

The flowers are especially attractive to butterflies.

ASTERACEAE

Bright green herb with small narrow leaves, heldon slender upright stems that emerge fromcreeping underground stems.

Delicate sky-blue star shaped flowers on slenderstalks are produced over spring and summer.

30 cm high, may spread over 1 m wide.

Likes moist, well drained soil but will tolerateshade, occasional waterlogging and summerdryness. Extra water in summer will keep plantsflowering profusely.

Plant several in a clump to create a lightgroundcover. Mix with grasses to create a naturalwildflower grassland effect. Rejuvenateestablished plants by cutting to ground level thenwatering. The flowers will attract native bees.

CAMPANULACEAE

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

1110

G r a s s e s a n d o t h e r t u s s o c k p l a n t s

Slender Spear Grass Austrostipa scabra ssp falcata

Silky Tussock GrassPoa morrisii

Medium-sized, dense grasstussock of fine greyish leaves. Inspring, shining pink flower-headsemerge above the foliage. Thesefade to silver as the seeds develop,the fine seeds curling into loosespirals before falling.

30cm high and across.

Favours dry soil and exposed conditions with good air movementto prevent mildew. Will grow indry shade below native shrubs.Trimming in autumn will helpretain vigorous tussocks.

Looks good planted in drifts onexposed banks, retaining walls andamongst rocks. A good choice forwindswept areas such as roadsides.Keep away from areas where dogsmay get the sharp seeds in theircoats. Good shelter for skinks.

POACEAE

Medium sized rounded grass tussock withnumerous fine blue-grey leaves that feel softlyvelvet to touch.

Purplish-green flower-heads emerge in spring,soon fading to gold as the seeds mature.

30cm high and across.

Likes moist, well-drained conditions in full sunor dappled shade with good air movement. Cancope with periods of waterlogging and summerdrought. Occasional trimming close to theground is required to maintain appearance.

Attractive planted in drifts or in a mixture withother grasses or wildflowers. Seeds are eaten byparrots and finches.

POACEAE

Page 8: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

Cut Leaf DaisyBrachyscome multifida

Woolly New Holland DaisyVittadinia gracilis

Small groundcover herb that suckers fromunderground stems, spreading to create a goodgroundcover. The leaves are small, dark greenand finely divided.

Mauve daisy flowers emerge above the foliagein spring and summer.

20 cm high, spreading to 50cm across.

Favours light shade and dryish soils. Can copewith summer drought.

Plant in patches to form a light groundcover.

Looks good dotted amongst native grasses, providing a contrast in form.

The flowers are produced over a long periodand are popular with nectar-feeding insects suchas butterflies.

ASTERACEAE

Small herb with grey felty leaves and stems. Tinypurple daisy flowers in summer are followed byfluffy seed heads.

30 cm high, 40 cm across.

Favours moist, well-drained soil. Will cope withsummer drought. May grow in the dry shadebelow native trees and shrubs.

Best planted in patches where the silver foliagewill make a stronger impression. The foliagecontrasts well with native grasses.

The daisy flowers attract native butterflies andother nectar-feeding insects.

ASTERACEAE

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

1312

S m a l l p l a n t s

Tufted Burr DaisyCalotis scapigera

Basalt DaisyBrachyscome basaltica

Small rosettes of dark greenleaves. Special stems bud offnew rosettes at their ends andestablish around the parentplant, eventually developing a mat of rosettes. Daisy flowerswith thin white rays are producedin spring. These are followed byspiny burrs that persist on theplant until caught in the fur of an animal (or a sock!).

10 cm high, flowers to 20cm.

Likes boggy soil and full sun,though will accept light shadeand summer drought. Planted inideal conditions this plant soonforms a light groundcover.

Daisy flowers are especiallyattractive to butterflies and othernectar-feeding insects.

ASTERACEAE

Slender herb with fine upright stems thatemerge from creeping underground stems.Narrow, bright green leaves are sparsely scattered on the stems. Delicate white daisyflowers emerge at the top of the plant throughspring and summer.

about 40 cm high.

Does well in full sun and boggy soil. It copeswith inundation in winter and short periods ofsummer drought. The plant may die back insummer and re-emerge in winter. The plantworks best when grown with supporting plantssuch as tussock grasses or groundcovers.The daisy flowers attract nectar-feeding mothsand butterflies.

ASTERACEAE

Page 9: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

1514

Sticky EverlastingXerochrysum viscosum

Native FlaxLinum marginale

Erect herb with narrow, emerald-green,stickyleaves. Brilliant golden everlasting daisiestop the plant in summer. Annual or short-livedperennial.

1 m high and 40 cm across.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. Itcopes well with summer drought and lightshading. Looks good planted in groups for aspectacular floral display that will last throughspring and summer.

The flowers are attractive to nectar-feedinginsects and the leaves are eaten by thecaterpillars of the Painted Lady Butterfly.

ASTERACEAE

Short lived herb. Erect stems with small, blue-green leaves emerge from the base of the plant.Delicate sky-blue flowers appear over severalweeks at the top of the plant in spring.

up to 1 m high.

Prefers moist to boggy soils in full sun. It willreadily self-seed into suitable positions, oftenalong the edges of paths. It may die back during summer drought then re-sprout following rain.

Most spectacular when grown in groups (about30 cm spacing). It can be allowed to self-seed tocreate an informal, wildflower effect.

LINACEAE

S m a l l p l a n t s

Clustered EverlastingChrysocephalum semipapposum

Common EverlastingChrysocephalum apiculatum

Herb with many erect stems andthin felty grey leaves. Showyblossoms made up of many smalleverlasting-type daisies top thestems in spring and summer.

40 cm high.

Does well in moist, well drainedsoils, resents permanently humidconditions. Can grow in the dryshade of native trees and shrubs.Is well adapted to coping withsummer drought. Cut backplants to rejuvenate them.

Grows well in a rockery, retainingwall or on a sloping bank. Plant ingroups for a massed display orsingly as a contrast to native grasses.

The long-lasting flowers attractbutterflies and other nectar-feeding insects.

ASTERACEAE

Sprawling herb with silvery hairy leaves. Smallclusters of golden everlasting-type daisies areproduced on short ascending stems through thewarmer months.

30 cm high.

Does best in moist, well drained soil in full sunwith good air movement. It will tolerate lightshading and summer drought. Cut back plantsto rejuvenate them.

Makes an excellent groundcover if planted atabout 40 cm apart. Suits rockeries, retainingwalls, dry banks and busy roadsides. The long-lasting flowers are attractive to nectar-feeding butterflies and other insects, andprovide shelter for skinks.

ASTERACEAE

Page 10: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

G r o u n d c o v e r s

Milky Beauty HeadsCalocephalus lacteus

Running PostmanKennedia prostrata

Sprawling groundcover with dense, silveryfoliage and trailing stems. Chalky white, ball-shaped flowers are produced above thefoliage in spring. The seed heads are long-lasting, fading to grey over a period of severalmonths and may still be present when the nextflowers emerge.

20 cm high and up to 1 m across.

Prefers boggy soil and full sun. Will toleratesome light shading and summer drought. It canbe grown beside pools and in bog gardens. The flowers attract nectar-feeding insects suchas butterflies. It creates good daytime and summer-time shelter for frogs near ponds.

ASTERACEAE

Trailing groundcover with foliage of threerounded, hairy, wavy-edged leaflets. The plantwill rapidly cover several square metres in idealconditions. In spring, clusters of scarlet peaflowers with yellow centres are produced overseveral weeks. These are followed by narrow,hairy pods that pop open on hot summer days.

5 cm high, may cover more than 1 m across.

Favours dry soils and sunny conditions though itwill tolerate light shading. Drought tolerant.

The plant works particularly well on theedges of retaining walls, amongst rockeries anddry slopes.

The hard seeds are extremely long lived andmay germinate decades after the parent planthas died.

Pea Blue Butterflies eat the seeds within thepods. Common Blue butterflies eat the leaves.

FABACEAE

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

1716

S m a l l p l a n t s

Common Rasp FernDoodia australis

Austral Storks BillPelargonium australe

A fern with bright green frondsthat have an attractive, red blushwhen young. The edges of theleaflets are finely saw-toothed.May spread by undergroundstems to form a groundcover inideal conditions.

30 cm high.

Grows best in damp soil withhigh humidity, light to heavyshade and sheltered conditions. It will grow under trees andshrubs where these conditionsexist. It will survive periods ofsummer drought, dying back andre-sprouting when rain returns.

Plant in damp areas, ingreenhouses and beside pools ordrains where humidity is high.

BLECHNACEAE

Soft, hairy herb with rounded, bright greenleaves held on slender stalks. As the plantmatures, trailing stems with smaller leavessprawl for up to one metre. Clusters of slenderpink flowers, finely striped with red areproduced in early summer. As leaves die theymay develop vivid pink, purple and red colours.

40 cm high.

Grows best in moist, well-drained soil with somelight shading.

This species grows particularly well amongstrockeries and retaining walls. It toleratessummer drought though it may die back andreshoot in autumn. The leaves provide aninteresting contrast to other foliage types andare pleasantly scented.

GERANIACEAE

Page 11: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

Twiggy Daisy BushOlearia ramulosa

Small-leafed EutaxiaEutaxia microphylla var microphylla

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

20 21

S m a l l a n d m e d i u m s h r u b s

Large-leaf Bush-peaPultenaea daphnoides

A slender, erect, lightly branchedshrub. It has a small canopy ofdark green, blunt-ended leaves.A short but spectacular floral display in spring features bunchesof gold and brown pea flowers.

3 m high.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil, infull sun or light shade of nativetrees, tolerant of summerdrought.

Most attractive planted in smallgroups about one metre apart. It can form a quick growingscreen. It is generally short livedand may require replacing afterseveral years.

Various insects feed on theleaves, nectar and seeds of this plant.

FABACEAE

Densely branched, low growing shrub. Foliageis dark green and shiny above, paler and dullerbelow. In autumn and winter, lime-greentubular flowers are produced profusely amongstthe foliage.

1.5 m high, 3m across.

Grows vigorously in moist, well-drained soil andlight shade but tolerant of dry soil and full sunto deep shade.

This plant makes an excellent understorey tolarge trees. It can be planted as a hedge andwill respond to light trimming with increasedfoliage density.

It is a very strong attractor of Honey-eaters inwinter, especially the Eastern Spinebill and NewHolland Honey-eater.

RUTACEAE

Rock CorreaCorrea glabra

Upright shrub, densely covered in small narrowgreen leaves. In spring the shrub producesa showy display of white daisy flowers alongthe branchlets.

2 m high and 1.5 m across.

Thrives in moist, well-drained soil but is tolerantof dry areas. It prefers full sun or light shade.

This is a rapidly growing shrub that will form a low, quick-growing screen. Light pruningwill help maintain bushiness. The plant is short-lived in most conditions, requiring replacementafter several years.

The blossoms are particularly attractive to nativenectar-feeding insects.

ASTERACEAE

Small shrub with slender branches covered withregularly arranged, tiny blue-green leaves. Inspring the plant is liberally covered with smallyellow pea flowers. The closely related Eutaxiamicrophylla has a prostrate, groundcover habit.

1 m high and 50 cm across.

Tolerant of dry soils and full sun. It will growslowly in the dry shade of mature native trees.Very attractive in a rockery, retaining wall or drysloping bank.

The plant creates excellent shelter for smallskinks. Native bees are attracted to the flowers.

FABACEAE

Page 12: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

Austral IndigoIndigofera australis

Tree VioletMelicytus dentatus

A slender, sprawling small shrub with an openhabit. The stems hold sparse, blue-green featheryfoliage. In spring, sprays of pink pea flowers arearrayed on the ends of the branches, followed bybunches of narrow brown pods.

1.5 m high.

Prefers moist, well drained soils in a semi-shadedposition. Will tolerate dry soils, summer droughtand full sun.

The plant is naturally open and responds well tofrequent light pruning to promote bushiness. Itis short lived and may require replacing afterseveral years. In ideal conditions new plants willgerminate readily from seed nearby.

Makes a greater impact when grown in groups.Is especially attractive grown amongst rocks andbelow trees.

The seeds in the pods are eaten by caterpillarsof butterflies and moths.

FABACEAE

Variable in form. It will be dense, leafy and supple in shady moist areas. In dry, exposed sitesit is smaller with rigid, spiny branches and sparsefoliage. Tiny, creamy-coloured, perfumedflowers cluster along branches in mid-winter.Purplish berries are produced in summer.

up to 3 m high and across.

Tolerant of a wide range of conditions from fullsun to full shade and dry to wet soils. Especially valuable as an understorey shrubbelow trees. Provides an effective barrier orhedge. May be pruned lightly to promotebushiness or heavily to rejuvenate a plant.

Valuable shelter for small birds. The berriesattract Silvereyes and other fruit-eating birdsin summer.

VIOLACEAE

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

2322

S m a l l a n d m e d i u m s h r u b s

Hop GoodeniaGoodenia ovata

Rosemary GrevilleaGrevillea rosmarinifolia

Small, rounded shrub with freshgreen, aromatic foliage. Yellowflowers appear amongst thefoliage for much of the year.

1 m high and across.

Most vigorous in moist soils insemi-shade but also tolerant ofdrought, waterlogging, denseshade and full sun. Occasionalsevere pruning can rejuvenate a straggly plant.

Looks good in a mass planting,adds interest to shady cornersand will quickly give a new bushgarden an established feel.

It is host to a wide range ofinsects and provides excellentfood and shelter for small insect-eating birds.

GOODENIACEAE

Small prickly shrub with dense, dark green needle leaves clothing the branches. Pink, spidery flowers are produced amongst thefoliage throughout winter. Plants from the localarea are smaller and less rampant than mostgarden cultivars of this species.

1 m high and 1.5 m across.

Prefers dry soils in full sun, will tolerate lightshade below native trees and windswept areasnear roadways.

Responds well to regular pruning to maintaina bushy appearance or to create a hedgedeffect.

The flowers are a particular favourite of Honey-eaters. The non-flowering period isimportant for maintaining bird diversity (somegarden cultivars flower year-round, resulting inaggressive honey-eaters setting up a permanentterritory). The prickly foliage shelters small birdssuch as wrens.

PROTEACEAE

Page 13: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

2524

L a r g e s h r u b s

River BottlebrushCallistemon sieberi

Sweet BursariaBursaria spinosa ssp spinosa

An erect shrub that tends to be dense andbushy in cultivation. Light green, narrow leavesare clustered densely at the end of the branches, fresh growth is often pink-tinged.Chalky white bark clothes the trunk and branches. A scattering of pale cream,bottlebrush flowers are produced in summer.

5 m high and 3 m across.

Favours moist or waterlogged soils in full sun.Will tolerate semi-shade and the light shade ofnative trees. Tolerates summer drought. Makes a quick-growing screen. Can be severely prunedto encourage bushiness or strategically prunedto display trunk and branches.

Flowers attract nectar-feeding birds and insects,the dense foliage and flaky bark make goodhunting grounds for insect-eating birds.

MYRTACEAE

An erect shrub whose spiny branches arecovered sparsely with small green leaves. Insummer, bunches of tiny, white, sweetly scentedflowers are produced profusely. Flowers arerapidly followed by persistent brown pods. Barkon the trunk soon develops a corky, agedappearance.

up to 6 m high and 1.5 m across.

Favours dry soils and full sun, will tolerate moistsoils, shade and drought.

A good feature ‘tree’ in a small garden since itsnarrow, sparse canopy permits under-planting.The trunk is an attractive feature and strategicpruning can highlight this. Alternatively, plant ingroups and prune to promote bushiness for a hedge or screen.

The flowers attract butterflies and beetles.

PITTOSPORACEAE

S m a l l a n d m e d i u m s h r u b s

Turkey BushEremophila deserti

Gold-dust WattleAcacia acinacea

Very robust small rounded shrubwith dense, glossy, bright greenfoliage. In summer, tiny delicatewhite flowers hang below thestems. These are followed bycreamy coloured fruits.

1 m high and across.

Likes dry soil and full sun.Tolerant of the light shade belownative trees. Very drought andwind tolerant once established.The foliage retains a fresh greenappearance throughout summer. Makes an excellent groundcoverbelow native trees and can begrown as a low hedge. Lighttrimming promotes bushiness.

Fruits are eaten by birds.

MYOPORACEAE

Erect, small to medium shrub. Attractive brightgreen foliage consisting of small rounded leavesregularly arranged along the stems. Some plantstend to sucker, producing a dense thicket ofplants. In spring, bright, golden blossom coversthe branches.

2 m high and across.

Favours dry soil and full sun, will tolerate lightshading and moist, well-drained soil. Wind tolerant and copes with summer drought.

Pruning established shrubs to the ground canencourage fresh stems and suckering.

Looks good as a planting below establishedtrees, on dry exposed slopes.

Blossom and seedpods attract a large variety of native insects and the animals that feed upon them.

MIMOSACEAE

Page 14: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

Slender PomaderrisPomaderris racemosa

Woolly Tea-treeLeptospermum lanigerum

Erect slender shrub. The foliage is dark greenand undersurfaces of the leaves are pale andfelted. Heads of tiny, cream-coloured flowers areproduced in spring.

3 m high and 2 m across.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun orlight shade, will tolerate summer drought andfull shade.

This species makes a fine screening plant. It canbe lightly pruned to promote bushiness orstrategically pruned to reveal the fine grey barkof the trunk.

The flowers attract nectar-feeding insects, thedense canopy is the right height for RingtailPossums to nest within.

RHAMNACEAE

A large sprawling shrub. The dense foliage is a silvery blue colour. White flowers festoon theouter branches in summer, followed by woollycoated, woody fruits.

3 m high and 4 m across.

Favours moist soil in full sun. Can cope withmedium to full shade and occasional soil dryness. May die in severe summer drought.

This species is useful for run-off areas, boggysites or sides of ditches. Light pruning may beused to promote bushiness.

The dense canopy is excellent shelter and foraging site for small insect-eating birds. Insectsare attracted to the nectar of the flowers.

MYRTACEAE

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

2726

L a r g e s h r u b s

Wedge-leaf Hop BushDodonea viscosa

Kangaroo AppleSolanum laciniatum

Dense rounded shrub with glossy,mid-green foliage. Older shrubsdevelop sparse crowns and thetwisted trunk covered in fissuredgrey bark becomes obvious. Tinygreenish flowers are followed bypapery red or purple pods.

4 m high and across.

Favours dry soils, full sun andexposed conditions. Tolerant ofmoist, well-drained soils and lightto medium shade.

A useful, fast growing shrub,especially in the shade of nativetrees or on dry exposed slopes.Can form a dense screen orhedge. May be lightly pruned topromote bushiness.

Makes an excellent shelter forsmall birds such as wrens.

SAPINDACEAE

A very fast growing shrub with dense, darkgreen, glossy foliage. The large leaves may haveup to four pointed lobes. Attractive violet flowers are produced over several months inspring and summer. Egg-shaped fruit follow,maturing from green to yellow to orange.

3 m high and across.

Favours moist, well-drained soils and dappledlight. May tolerate summer drought and full sunto full shade.

Older plants tend to sprawl and will smothersmaller plants or weeds below them. Can makean attractive feature plant though it is usuallyshort-lived and will require replacing afterseveral years.

The fruits are eaten by possums and by nativeand introduced birds.

SOLANACEAE

Page 15: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

Golden SprayViminaria juncea

LightwoodAcacia implexa

A small tree whose leaves are dispensed with atan early age, the role of photosynthesis beingtaken over by bright green rush-like branchlets.Shrubs are initially erect but later develop aweeping habit. In spring, small golden pea flowers cluster thickly along the tips of thebranchlets. Small brown pods follow.

up to 5 m high and 3 m across.

Favours damp soils and full sun. It will toleratewaterlogging and summer drought.

It has a dramatic appearance and looks good ina bog garden or beside a pool. It may be plantedin a group to provide a light screen.

The tree creates homes for insects, especially thefissured bark that develops on the trunk whichis a popular foraging area for insect-eating birds.

FABACEAE

A small, narrowly erect tree with gracefuldrooping foliage. The canopy is open and afresh green. Rugged grey bark soon develops.Pale creamy blossoms in summer are followedseveral months later by coiling pods that maypersist on the tree for a year.

up to 15 m high, but will usually remain smaller.

Prefers dry soils in full sun but will grow inmoist, well-drained soils and light shade.Damage to the roots may cause suckering.

The tree grows rapidly and is long lived. Theopen canopy allows for under-planting and theerect form is useful in narrow spaces.

This tree is attractive to insect-eating birds thathunt bark crevices and the dense tangles ofpods. Caterpillars of the Double-spotted Line-Blue Butterflies eat the flowers.

MIMOSACEAE

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

2928

S m a l l a n d m e d i u m t r e e s

Silver BanksiaBanksia marginata

BlackwoodAcacia melanoxylon

A shrub or small tree with rigid,upright branches. The leaves aredark green above, silver belowand create a dense canopy. Inwinter the shrub produces egg-sized, lemon coloured spikesof flowers. Some of these willdevelop into woody cones. Verywide variety of forms acrossVictoria; the local form has a narrow canopy.

6 m high, 3 m across.

The local form favours wettersoils but tolerates heavy soilsseasonal waterlogging. Banksiastend to resent soil disturbancenear their roots and excess fertilisers.

Makes a good specimen tree insmall gardens.

The flowers attract Honey-eaters,Lorikeets and nectar-feedinginsects throughout winter.

PROTEACEAE

A large shrub or small tree. The dense, darkgreen canopy casts a deep shade. In late winter,pale lemon blossoms are displayed over theouter foliage. Long pods then form, splitting toreveal shiny black seeds embedded amid coiledorange stalks.

10 m high and 6 m across.

Most vigorous in moist, well drained soils andfull sun but will grow well in a range of soilsand light conditions. It is moderately droughttolerant.

This tree forms a dense, fast-growing screen orwind-break. Can be used as a specimen tree orin groups to create a grove.

The dense foliage provides excellent foragingand shelter for insect-eating birds and is afavoured place for Ring-tailed Possums’ nests.

MIMOSACEAE

Page 16: Gardening with Indigenous Plants in Moreland - Australia

L a r g e t r e e s

DESCRIPTION

SIZE

GARDEN USES

FAMILY

3130

Yellow BoxEucalyptus melliodora

Yellow GumEucalyptus leucoxylon ssp connata

A large spreading tree with small green orbluish-green leaves arrayed in a light canopy.The trunk has flaky bark in warm grey andyellow tones. Young branches are smooth andwhite. Honey-perfumed, creamy-blossom isproduced spring or summer.

30 m high and 15 m across.

Favours dry soils and open conditions. Will growin moist, well-drained soils.

This is a large tree, so is unsuited to smallgardens. It may spend several years as arounded shrub before developing a distincttrunk.

The tree is valuable to wildlife, fostering a largenumber of native insects. These occasionallydefoliate the tree, slowing its growth. Oldertrees provide nectar and nesting sites, leaf litter,bark and ultimately hollows.

MYRTACEAE

Medium to large tree that generally develops a light canopy. Smooth white bark is streakedwith cream and yellow tones. Abundant cream-coloured blossoms are produced in winter,followed by persistent gum-nuts. This is thelocal subspecies; there are six subspecies inVictoria.

30 m high and 15m across.

Grows well in dry soil in full sun. Needs gooddrainage. This is eventually a large tree so isunsuitable for small gardens (dwarf cultivars ofthis species originate in coastal South Australia).

These trees are amongst the most attractive tolorikeets and honey-eating birds. Older trees willdevelop bark and leaf litter below, importantshelter for insects and spiders, and the birds andskinks that hunt for them.

MYRTACEAE

S m a l l a n d m e d i u m t r e e s

Drooping SheoakAllocasuarina verticillata

Golden WattleAcacia pycnantha

A small to medium, rounded tree.A dense canopy of fine darkgreen branchlets develops inmature trees. Male trees producetiny flowers along the tips of thebranchlets. Female trees haveflowers on older branches thatdevelop into spiky wooden cones.

10 m high and 8 m across.

Grows in dry, well-drained soil infull sun. It favours windy androcky sites.

It is very graceful as a young treeand will develops its dense crownfrom about six years old. Femaletrees next to pathways shedround cones that can be a hazardto pedestrians.

Small birds search the foliage, fissured bark and dense leaf-litterfor spiders, moth cocoons andother insects.

CASUARINACEAE

A large shrub to small tree. It tends to be slenderand upright in harsh sites, spreading and densein open sites with moist, fertile soils. The foliageis bright green, glossy and broad. In late wintergolden blossom is prominently displayed.

4 m high.

Requires dry, well-drained soil in full sun or lightshade, very intolerant of impeded drainage orwaterlogged soil. It looks good grown in groupswith several planted less than one metre apart.Can be short lived, requiring replacement afterabout ten years.

The leaves have a gland that secretes sweetliquid, attracting native ants and honey-eaters.Aging trees may host many native moth andbeetle larvae.

MIMOSACEAE