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Australian Native Plants

Help planting my new native garden

20 years ago

I just visited the Kings Park Wildflower Exhibition and bought up a bunch of plants suitable for my small native garden that I have been establishing.

Sept 04 I planted Red Kangaroo Paws (A. manglesii) and Banksia Blechniflora. the KP's have taken off really well (4 plants are now about 40!) in the bear sand soil base with full direct sunlight all day. The Banksia sp. have started off properly now - sprouting new leaves, though are really still only 14 leafed seedlings.

Some Shade is offered by some Tea Trees of unknown variety - I also don't think they are WA Native.

I need information on planing the following species that I purchased today. I feel I took a reasonable selection and did some homework investigating the varieties that would most suit the garden orientation and soil type I shall plant them in.

Species:

Banksia Repens

Conostylis Candicans

Orsanthus Muelleri (very rare endangered)

Macropidia Fuliginosa

Sowerbaea Multicaulis

Hemiandra Pungen (mauve)

Lechenaultia Biloba

When planting the Banksia Blechniflora and A. Manglesii I recall basing the hole with unmodified sheep poo and karri/peat mix which they seem to have enjoyed and kept the roots moist in summer as the soil base is pretty much sand here.

The information I think I need is:

Near concrete/paving - will this be an issue for heat?

Is there a different option than Sheep poo and Karri Bark & Peat mixture to base the planting hole?

Tell me about your successes/failures concerning these plants.

Tips for placement of the Lechenaultia Biloba and other species.

Thanks for your assitance.

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Comment (1)

agnes_wa
20 years ago
Enduro - I am in Perth too. Are you coastal or inland?

With our very sanding soils, the main thing is to make sure that the water penetrates well. With our reasonably good winter, you should have no problems at the moment - but come summer, something seems to happen and the sand goes all water repellent - that's when you have to keep an eye on your plants and (as this will be their first season) keep them watered through their first summer. If the water does not penetrate - then use a soil wetting agent - liberally !

I have not planted my natives with either karri mulch or sheep poo - I have basically planted in unimproved soil. I have though, for the kangaroo paws, meleleucas, callistemons etc used compost. I have leusch. biloba growing in a full sun position and it is very happy.

In respect of the list of new purchases:

Banksia repens - has been slow growing for me but was happier when I started watering it and giving it a little bit of blood and bone.

Conostylis Candicans - apparently likes sandy spots and limey soils. Mine is going ok in a sandy spot in full sun. No improvement to soil was done.

Macropidia Fuliginosa - mine suffered terribly from black spot - overhead watering must be avoided. Here is a tip from this link http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/macropidia-fuliginosa.html:

"Growing Macropidia will present a challenge for gardeners in the eastern states of Australia. The plant requires a narrow range of growing conditions and is susceptible to pests and diseases. To offset the difficulties, there is an enormous body of horticultural information developed for the cut flower industry. It is probably best to grow Macropidia in a pot to allow flexibility in siting the plant. It grows best in full sunlight and prefers warm to hot conditions. Siting it in front of a north-facing wall will help create a suitable microclimate and protect it from frost. Soil should be well drained. Like the other Kangaroo Paws, Macropidia will achieve maximum growth and flower production when well watered. A drip irrigation system is recommended because the plant will suffer if it is allowed to dry out and conversely, does not like waterlogging. Macropidia responds well to fertilisation, but is susceptible to phosphate toxicity. Fertilisers designed for Australian native plants are best."
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