Low-water natives that handle a Melbourne summer

Why natives

Once established, most Australian natives need little water beyond rainfall, attract birds and bees, and don’t mind our clay soils. The trick is choosing the right ones for sun, shade and the size of the space.

Our eight regulars

• Lomandra — tough grass for borders and slopes.
• Westringia — neat grey-green hedging.
• Kangaroo paw — colour in full sun.
• Grevillea — flowers most of the year, birds love it.
• Correa — winter flowers, handles part shade.
• Dianella — strappy foliage that copes with dry shade.
• Native violet — ground cover between pavers.
• Dwarf bottlebrush — compact, red flowers in spring.

Planting them properly

Natives still need help for the first summer: a deep water once or twice a week, not a sprinkle every day, and 75 mm of mulch to keep the roots cool. After that, most will look after themselves.