There are many versatile native plants that not only make excellent ground covers or container plants, but also fit very well into cottage style gardens. On a recent visit to Nielsen's Native Nursery at Loganholme in Queensland, Don looked at rock daisies, lechenaultias and dampieras. If you're thinking of growing native plants it's a good idea to seek advice from staff at a specialist native nursery such as Nielsen's. They can advise you on the best plants to grow in your area.
There are many versatile native plants that not only make excellent ground covers or container plants, but also fit very well into cottage style gardens. On a recent visit to Nielsen's Native Nursery at Loganholme in Queensland, Don looked at rock daisies, lechenaultias and dampieras. If you're thinking of growing native plants it's a good idea to seek advice from staff at a specialist native nursery such as Nielsen's. They can advise you on the best plants to grow in your area.

Lechenaultia formosa 'Scarlett O'Hara'

This is a small erect shrub which produces brilliant red flowers in winter and spring. It is best grown in a container or hanging basket, in a free draining soil mix. Scarlett O'Hara is difficult to maintain, but worth thinking about as a short term plant just for those wonderful red flowers

Dampiera diversifolia

A prostrate perennial herb from Western Australia which spreads to 40cm (16") or more and produces masses of spectacular purple/blue flowers in spring and summer. This plant is a very good ground cover, and can also be grown in a container or hanging basket. A position in dappled shade or part sun is best, in a moist, well-drained soil. Dampiera diversifolia will grow well in the Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart areas, and is also worth a try inland and from Sydney to Brisbane.

Contact information:

Our segment was filmed at Nielsen's Native Nursery, Loganholme, QLD. Phone (07) 3806 1414.

You can obtain advise on suitable plants for your climate and conditions at a specialist native plant nursery in your state, for example: Sydney Wildflower Nursery West, Marsden Park, NSW. Phone: (02) 9628 4448
Annangrove Grevilleas Native Nursery, Kenthurst, NSW. Phone: (02) 9654 1380
Zanthorrea Nursery, Maida Vale, WA. Phone: (08) 9454 6260
Fairhill Native Plants, Yandina, QLD. Phone: (07) 5446 7088
Kuranga Native Nursery, Ringwood, VIC. Phone: (03) 9879 4076
Nellie Nursery, Mannum, SA. Phone: (08) 8569 1762

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