skip to main content

Australian Native Plants

Help planting my new native garden

18 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.

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

agnes_wa
18 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."
Related Discussions
WAs to protect a native shade garden from new homeownr..
Q
Comments (14)
I have had many native wildflowers and some trees growing in pots for up to 12 years. When I moved from my parents'house, I took seedling trees and wildflowers. They grew well for me. Of course, as they spread (especially the wild geranium), I would divide them and share them with friends. The trees needed to have their roots trimmed (and an equal amount of branches) to keep from getting root bound. Planting the wildflowers at the base of the trees gives a fuller, more natural look. So, it *is* possible to grow them as a container garden. Hopefully the rules at the group home would allow for container gardening...or, better yet, allow you to create your own wildflower garden there. Maybe providing them with information about companies and schools who have created native gardens will help convince them. I agree that you should take divisions of your plants and leave some for the next homeowner...hopefully you will convert them! I finally bought a house and land of my own. So, I've begun planting all that I had potted up. I was surprised to find a small patch of Dutchman's Breeches and a Trillim growing in the previous owner's flowerbed! So, who knows, whoever moves into your parents' home may already recognize and appreciate what you've planted. Good luck, David
...See More
New law protecting home Native gardens.
Q
Comments (8)
I just hope that your state's DNR is really concerned about protecting the environment and promoting native plant usage. My experience here in Georgia indicates otherwise. I called my state DNR about a homeowner stripping all of the vegetation from her newly aquired property, including all of it from the 50ft. buffer area adjacent to a flowing creek /no silt barrier was ever installed, even though they graded the land right up to the creek bank/ and another owner replacing a concrete driveway, disposing of the broken slabs into the same creek. They couldn't get me off of the phone fast enough, short answers, rude treatment, etc. It was the county's responsibility to enforce the laws/regulations, I was curtly informed. A call to my county followed, an investigation would be made, they said. End of story! Absolutely nothing was done! Even though this violated Federal EPD Regulations and people in other states have served time in Federal prison, for less intrusion into waterways. I am really discouraged and disgusted by the lack of concern that I experienced. I have always promoted the use of native plants and by example, grow hundreds of them in my garden. It really exasperates the occasional landscape design visitor, that everything is planted in an an area that closely approximates a plant's native habitat. So unorganized, is a frequent comment. My response is usually, "become familiar with NATURE". It is mostly woodland, so I can't grow many meadow plants. But that's OK, there's many thousands of natives that are happy in a woodland environment.
...See More
Native Plant gardening in Central New York
Q
Comments (1)
To find a Wild Ones chapter in your neighborhood, follow the link. Here is a link that might be useful: Wild Ones, Native Plants, Natural Landscapes
...See More
New Gardener and Need Help Rehabilitating my Spider Plant
Q
Comments (5)
I mis-spelled it....sorry. It's Dracaena! Your plant looks like it's doing fine. It was probably time for a re plant and I have never trimmed roots on any of the different Dracaenas I grow.
...See More

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Native Plants Help You Find Your Garden Style

By Oakley Gardens

Imagine the garden of your dreams designed with plants indigenous to your region

NATIVE PLANTS Plant These Fall-Flowering Natives in Early Summer for Pollinator Love

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

These 3 groups of plants will support masses of beneficial insects come autumn

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Common Boneset Helps Good Bugs Thrive

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Support bees, moths and butterflies with the nectar of this low-maintenance, versatile and tactile prairie-style plant

GROUND COVERS Native Alternatives to English Ivy, Japanese Pachysandra and Periwinkle

By Curtis Adams

These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are

WINTER GARDENING 10 Native Wildflowers to Beautify Your Winter Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

They stand strong in wind, feed wildlife and are easy to grow. But you may want to add these plants for their looks alone

GARDENING GUIDES Great Native Plant: Angelita Daisy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Want a pretty perennial that can handle high and low temps with little fuss? Versatile angelita daisy is your workhorse

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Rhus Glabra

By Curtis Adams

Smooth sumac provides powerful jolts of fall color and persistent fruit clusters that add interest through the winter

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Asclepias Incarnata for a Butterfly Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Beautiful swamp milkweed makes it easy to help monarchs and other pollinators in eastern U.S. gardens

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES 3 Ways Native Plants Make Gardening So Much Better

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You probably know about the lower maintenance. But native plants' other benefits go far beyond a little less watering and weeding

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Unthirsty Plants Help You Save Water in Style

By Bruce Parker

Spend less effort and money on your landscape with drought-tolerant and native plants that liven up your yard

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Plant identification

0