Some people think that Australian native plants are lacking in colour. In fact, many native plants have very colourful flowers that are produced over a long period of the year. There are also Australian native plants with fabulous foliage. Don potted up a group of natives with colourful foliage and achieved some stunning effects.

Austromyrtus ‘Blushing Beauty’

This shrub grows to about 1.5m (5’) tall and 1m (3’) wide. It has plum coloured new growth and small, white flowers followed by black fruit. ‘Blushing Beauty’ grows well in sun or part shade, but it does not like frost. Don put this plant into a plum coloured pot, to match its beautiful foliage.

Cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii)

This Australian native member of the daisy family has tiny hairs growing all over its leaves, giving it a silver appearance. The hairs reflect heat, reduce the rate of transpiration and shade the tissues below from intense light. Cushion bushes grow beautifully in seaside gardens. They like a sunny position with good drainage and air movement, but they do not like high humidity. Cushion bushes look fabulous in silver pots!

Variegated grevillea (Grevillea ‘Honey Wonder’)

‘Honey Wonder’ is a grevillea with variegated foliage and honey coloured flowers. It grows to around 2m x 1.5m (6’ x 5’). It can be grown in the ground but also makes a charming pot plant, particularly when planted in a stylish black pot with gold trim.

Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’)

Plant an old-fashioned hopbush in a colourful, fun pot and it can become a focal point in the backyard. In our segment, Don used the bronze-leafed cultivar ‘Purpurea’ in an orange and white pot.

Send us a photo

If you’ve created some striking effects with Australian native plants, Don would love to hear from you. Send your letter and photos to:

Burke’s Backyard
PO Box 929
Willoughby 2068

Note: please do not send original photos (unless you have copies), as photos sometimes go astray. Don’t forget to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you’d like your photos returned.

Copyright CTC Productions 2003