Pollinator Pockets

A perennial shrub endemic to Australia, originating across arid and semi-arid regions of Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.

• Light: Prefers full sun for maximum flowering, but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Highly adaptable to various soils, including clay, loam, sand, and alkaline/neutral pH, provided they are well-drained.
• Watering: Requires very little water once established; it is highly drought-tolerant.
• Climate: Thrives in hot, dry climates but is also capable of handling moderate frosts.
• Maintenance: Light pruning after flowering keeps the shrub dense, encourages new growth, and promotes better blooming.
• Varieties: Magic Blush, Silver Ball, Aurea, Fairy Floss

Kangaroo Paws are hardy perennial natives that originate from the south-west region of Western Australia

• Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours/day) is essential for maximum flowering and preventing diseases
• Soil: Requires well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. If soil is heavy, use raised beds or pots to avoid waterlogging.
• Watering: Water regularly during peak spring/summer growth. Reduce watering during winter dormancy, as they can suffer from root rot in cold, wet conditions.
• Fertilizer: Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer for native plants in spring and late summer.
• Climate & Temperature: Best in mild to warm climates; generally not tolerant of extreme frost.
• Varieties: Big Red, Yellow Gem

Hardenbergia is a climbing or trailing plant that originated in woodlands and forests across all Australian States

• Light: Prefers full sun for maximum flowering, but adapts well to part shade or dappled light.
• Soil: Requires well-drained soil, including clay or sand, ideally with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.
• Water: Needs regular water when young; established plants are quite drought-tolerant, but benefit from water during dry spells.
• Climate: Highly adaptable; tolerates light to moderate frosts. In very hot climates (above), it benefits from afternoon shade.

Tetratheca thymifolia is a hardy Australian native shrub found across eastern and south-eastern Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. It produces delicate pink to purple flowers and is commonly found in heathland and dry forest environments.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon protection can be beneficial in very hot conditions.
• Soil: Requires well-drained soil and grows well in sandy or loamy soils. Avoid heavy soils that remain waterlogged.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from additional water during prolonged dry periods.
• Temperature & Climate: Suitable for temperate and coastal climates and tolerates light frost.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; light pruning after flowering can help maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth.

Tussock grass is endemic to Australia and is widely distributed across South and East Australia

• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay and acidic types, but prefers moist, well-drained, and, enriched soils.
• Moisture: Requires consistent moisture to establish; however, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
• Climate: Highly versatile, withstanding heavy frost and cold temperatures down to -10 degrees.

Myoporum parvifolium 'Fine Leaf' originates in southern Australia and forms a dense, mat-like evergreen groundcover dotted with tiny, star-shaped white flowers. 

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; grows thickest and suppresses weeds best when positioned in full sun. 
• Soil: Highly adaptable; tolerates sandy, loamy, clay, or poor rocky soils provided there is reasonable drainage. 
• Water: Very drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal water but benefits from occasional watering during intense summer heat spells. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm, hot, and coastal conditions. Relishes Mediterranean-style climates and handles light, brief frosts well.
• Maintenance: Extremely low maintenance; no deadheading needed. Can be trimmed along edges or given a light shearing if it begins to spill out of bounds.

Leptospermum originates primarily in Australia (with some species native to New Zealand and Southeast Asia) and comes in many cultivated colours including white, vibrant pink, and deep crimson. 

• Light: Full sun to very light shade; maximum flowering occurs in open, full sun positions. 
• Soil: Adaptable to most soils but prefers acidic, well-drained loams; can tolerate moist or occasionally boggy conditions better than many other natives.
• Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established but benefits from reliable moisture to sustain heavy seasonal blooming. 
• Temperature: Thrives in cool temperate to warm climates. Tolerates moderate frost, coastal winds, and high summer temperatures. 
• Maintenance: Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape and promote dense growth; avoid cutting back into old, woody growth as it will not regenerate well.

Billy Buttons are Australian native perennial wildflowers that produce distinctive spherical yellow flower heads on upright stems.

• Light: Full sun is preferred for best growth and flowering, although light shade can be tolerated.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy, loamy or moderately fertile soils. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
• Watering: Water regularly while establishing. Once established, Billy Buttons are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from additional watering during prolonged hot or dry periods.
• Temperature & Climate: Suitable for a range of temperate and Mediterranean climates and generally tolerates frost.
• Maintenance: Remove spent flower heads to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage further flowering. Cut back old foliage when it becomes untidy.

Baeckea imbricata is an Australian native shrub found in eastern Australia, particularly in coastal heathland and other sandy, well-drained environments. It features fine foliage and small white flowers.

• Light: Full sun to light shade; flowering is most abundant in open, sunny positions.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils and tolerates relatively nutrient-poor soils.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing. Once established, it has low to moderate water requirements but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Temperature & Climate: Suitable for temperate to warm climates and tolerates coastal conditions and light frost.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; light pruning after flowering can help maintain a compact, tidy shape.
• Fertilizer: Generally requires little fertiliser. If needed, use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly.

Baeckea virgata is an Australian native shrub found in eastern Australia. It features fine foliage and clusters of small white flowers and can be maintained as a compact shrub through regular pruning.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; sunnier positions generally produce denser foliage and heavier flowering.
• Soil: Adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, including sandy, gravelly and loamy soils. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing. Once established, it is reasonably drought-tolerant but benefits from additional watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Temperature & Climate: Suitable for temperate to subtropical climates and tolerates light frost and coastal conditions.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; responds well to light pruning after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth.
• Fertilizer: Generally requires little fertiliser. If needed, use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly.

Grevillea originates in Australia (with a few species in neighboring islands) and comes in a spectacular array of cultivated colours including red, pink, orange, yellow, and cream 

• Light: Full sun is highly preferred; partial shade is tolerated but will significantly reduce flower production. 
• Soil: Must be well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil; highly sensitive to phosphorus, requiring specialized low-phosphorus native fertilizer. 
• Water: Highly drought-tolerant once established; prefers deep, infrequent watering during dry spells rather than frequent surface splashing. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm to hot weather. Frost tolerance varies by cultivar, but most popular garden varieties handle light frost well. 
• Maintenance: Prune by up to one-third after the main spring flowering flush to maintain a dense shape and encourage continuous blooming.
• Varieties: Scarlett sprite, Fireworks, raspberry Ripple, Pink Pixie.

Lomandra are hardy Australian native grass-like plants that form dense clumps of long, strap-like foliage. They are widely used in gardens because they are highly adaptable, drought-tolerant and low maintenance.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; full sun generally encourages denser growth.
• Soil: Highly adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils, provided there is reasonable drainage.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing. Once established, Lomandra are highly drought-tolerant and require little supplementary water, although they benefit from watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Temperature & Climate: Hardy across a wide range of Australian climates and generally tolerant of frost, heat and coastal conditions.
• Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Remove damaged or dead foliage as required. Older plants can be cut back hard to rejuvenate the plant and encourage fresh growth.
• Fertilizer: Usually requires little fertiliser. If needed, use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly.
• Varieties: Crackerjack, Little Lime

Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It' originates in eastern Australia as a unique prostrate mutation, growing as a dense, cascading mound of dark green, pine-needle-like foliage. 

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; maximum density and tightest growth habits are achieved in full sun. 
• Soil: Exceptionally adaptable; tolerates poor, sandy soils, heavy clay, saline conditions, and waterlogged ground. 
• Water: Extremely drought-tolerant once established; handles dry spells easily but can also tolerate temporary flooding. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm to hot weather. Highly tolerant of coastal winds, salty air, and moderate frost. 
• Maintenance: Very low maintenance; no pruning or deadheading is required, though it can be trimmed if it spills over paths or rocks. 

Westringia originates in Australia and comes in many cultivated habits from prostrate groundcovers to large shrubs, featuring rosemary-like, grey-green foliage and small white or mauve, flowers

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; maximum bushiness and heavy flowering are achieved in open, full sun. 
• Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, gravelly, or poor soil; avoids waterlogged ground. 
• Water: Highly drought-tolerant once established; requires minimal water but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended hot periods. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm to hot weather. Exceptionally resilient to severe coastal sea spray, heavy winds, and moderate frost. 
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; requires no deadheading. Can be left to grow naturally or clipped hard into tight, formal hedges and balls.
• Varieties: Flat n Fruity, Smokey.

Acacia is a massive genus primarily native to Australia, ranging from prostrate groundcovers and compact shrubs to towering forest trees, universally recognized by their distinctive yellow or cream ball-and-spike flower clusters. 

• Light: Full sun is highly preferred; most species need open, bright conditions to stimulate heavy blooming and maintain vigorous growth. 
• Soil: Generally requires well-drained soil; highly adaptable to nutrient-poor, sandy, or gravelly soils, though some species tolerate heavier clay. 
• Water: Highly drought-tolerant once established; most varieties prefer to dry out between waterings and dislike persistently soggy roots. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm, dry, and temperate climates. Frost tolerance varies heavily by species, though many tolerate light to moderate frost. 
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; benefits from a light tip-pruning immediately after flowering to keep the canopy dense and prevent the plant from becoming woody or leggy. 
• Varieties: Lime-light, Honey-bun.

Veronica perfoliata originates in southeastern Australia, showcasing striking blue-grey foliage that wraps completely around the stems, topped by sprays of violet-blue flowers. 

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; accepts open wood-land shade, though best leaf colour and flowering density occur with significant sun. 
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils but adapts well to clay-loams and gravelly soils. 
• Water: Moderate water needs; reasonably drought-tolerant once established, but prefers regular moisture to stay lush and maintain vibrant foliage. 
• Temperature: Thrives in cool temperate to warm climates. Extremely frost-hardy, handling sub-zero winter temperatures easily. 
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; cutting back old flowering stems to the base in winter or early spring prompts fresh, vigorous suckering shoots from the rootstock. 

Conostylis 'Silver Sunrise' originates from a genus native to Western Australia, growing as a compact, grass-like tuft with distinctive silvery-grey foliage and striking, globular yellow flowers. 

• Light: Full sun is preferred; requires bright, open conditions to maintain its intense silver color and maximum flower output. 
• Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; thrives in sandy, gravelly, or poor soils, and behaves best in raised garden beds or pots if local soil is heavy. 
• Water: Low water requirements once established; very drought-tolerant, but highly sensitive to overwatering and prolonged wet feet. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm to hot weather and dry summer climates. Tolerates light frost but prefers protection from extreme, freezing conditions. 
• Maintenance: Extremely low maintenance; no pruning or deadheading is required, though spent flower stems can be clipped away at the base to keep the tuft looking clean. 

Scaevola aemula is an Australian native groundcover found across parts of southern and eastern Australia. It produces distinctive fan-shaped flowers and forms a spreading, low-growing plant that is well suited to pots and garden beds.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; maximum flowering generally occurs in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils but can tolerate relatively poor soils.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from additional watering during prolonged hot or dry periods.
• Temperature & Climate: Suitable for warm, temperate and coastal climates and generally tolerates light frost.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; no regular deadheading is required, although light trimming can be used to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth.
• Fertilizer: Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly during active growth if required.
• Varieties: Bondi Blue, Purple Fanfare, Fairy White.

Chrysocephalum originates throughout most states of Australia, appearing as a resilient groundcover with silver-grey foliage and small, papery, bright yellow or orange flower heads. 

• Light: Full sun to very light shade; maximum flowering and tightest growth habits occur in open sun. 
• Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and heavy clay soils if drainage is sufficient. 
• Water: Highly drought-tolerant once established; prefers occasional deep watering during extended hot periods to encourage continuous blooming. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm to hot weather. Highly resilient to frost, heat, and coastal conditions. 
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; benefits from a hard prune in late winter or early spring to refresh the silver foliage and prompt heavy flowering.
• Varieties: Desert Flame.

Actinotus helianthi originates in eastern Australia, primarily along the coast and tablelands of New South Wales and Queensland, featuring grey-green foliage and soft, velvety white daisy-like flowers. 

• Light: Full sun is highly preferred; requires an open, bright position to maximize flowering and prevent leggy growth. 
• Soil: Must be exceptionally well-drained, sandy, or gritty soil; highly sensitive to root disturbance and heavy clay that retains moisture. 
• Water: Low water requirements once established; drought-tolerant but appreciates deep, infrequent watering during long hot spells.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm to hot weather. Tolerates light frost but prefers mild winters and protection from severe freezing conditions. 
• Maintenance: Minimal maintenance; remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and give a very light trim after the main flowering season to keep a tidy form.

Chorizema is a genus primarily native to Western Australia, growing as small, scrambling shrubs or climbers famous for their incredibly vibrant, pea-shaped flowers in electric shades of orange, pink, red, and yellow.

• Light: Dappled shade to partial shade; prefers protection from intense, burning afternoon sun, which can bleach the flowers and stress the foliage. 
• Soil: Requires excellent drainage; thrives in sandy, gravelly, or light loamy soils and handles acidic conditions well. 
• Water: Moderate water needs; prefers to be kept slightly moist but is highly susceptible to root rot if left in heavy, waterlogged soil. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm, dry-summer climates. Mildly frost-tolerant but needs a protected position in cooler regions to safeguard it from severe freezes. 
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; benefits from a light prune after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape and prevent it from becoming overly sparse or leggy. 

Brachyscome angustifolia originates in Australia and features fine, fern-like green foliage topped by a continuous abundance of bright candy-pink, daisy-like blooms with yellow centers.  

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; maximum, continuous flowering occurs when positioned in full sun. 
• Soil: Grows well in most soil types provided there is good drainage. 
• Water: Water wise and requires little water once established; prefers occasional deep watering during extended periods of heat. 
• Temperature: Thrives in warm to hot weather. Sensitive to intense frost; grows best in temperate or mild climates. 
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; regular light trims or deadheading keeps the plant neat and encourages prolific, repeat blooming.
• Varieties: Fresco Candy.

Philotheca originates in Australia and grows as a hardy, small to medium shrub featuring aromatic, gland-dotted green leaves and a profusion of waxy, star-shaped white or pinkish flowers. 

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; adapts beautifully to dappled understory light but produces the heaviest blanket of flowers in open sun. 
• Soil: Must be well-drained, acidic to neutral soil; highly susceptible to root rot if left in heavy, waterlogged clay. 
• Water: Low water needs once established; quite drought-hardy, though it appreciates consistent moisture during hot, dry summer periods. 
• Temperature: Thrives in temperate to warm climates. Highly resilient against frost and adapts well to coastal sea conditions. 
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; a light pruning after the winter-into-spring flowering period helps maintain a tight, bushy form and prevents leggy growth.
• Varieties: Winter Rouge

Melaleuca thymifolia is an Australian native shrub originating in eastern Australia. It is a hardy, low-spreading plant with small, blue-green, thyme-like leaves and distinctive purple or deep pink flowers.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; flowering is most abundant and growth is generally more compact in full sun.
• Soil: Adaptable to a range of soils, including sandy, loamy and clay soils. It tolerates wetter conditions than many Australian native plants but should still have reasonable drainage when grown in pots.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing. Prefers consistent moisture during periods of active growth but can tolerate some dry periods once established.
• Temperature & Climate: Suitable for warm temperate to subtropical climates and tolerates frost, humidity and coastal conditions.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; light pruning after flowering can help maintain a compact shape and encourage fresh growth.
• Fertilizer: Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly if required.

Prostanthera are Australian native shrubs commonly known as Mint Bushes because their leaves are often strongly aromatic when crushed. They produce abundant tubular flowers and are attractive to a range of native pollinators.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun and some protection from intense afternoon heat can be beneficial in warmer climates.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing. Maintain moisture during prolonged hot or dry periods, particularly when grown in pots.
• Temperature & Climate: Suitable for temperate climates and generally tolerates light to moderate frost.
• Maintenance: Light pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact shape, encourage bushy growth and promote future flowering.
• Fertilizer: Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser after flowering if required.
• Variety: Poorinda Ballerina, Pink Lace, White Lace, Little Beauty.

Austrostipa elegantissima is an Australian native perennial tussock grass found across southern Australia. It forms attractive clumps of fine foliage and produces delicate, airy flower heads with a silvery appearance.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; best growth and flowering generally occur in open, sunny positions.
• Soil: Requires well-drained soil and is well suited to poor, sandy, gravelly or limestone soils.
• Water: Very low water requirements once established. Water regularly while establishing, then only during prolonged dry periods if needed.
• Temperature & Climate: Adaptable to a range of climates and highly tolerant of frost and cold conditions.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; little care is required once established. Remove old or damaged foliage as needed. The tussock can be cut back after flowering or when old foliage becomes untidy to encourage fresh growth.

Dianella are hardy Australian native strappy-leaved plants that form clumps of blue-green foliage and produce small flowers followed by colourful berries. They are well suited to pots and garden beds and provide year-round foliage.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; full sun generally encourages stronger growth and flowering, although Dianella can tolerate shade.
• Soil: Adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy and clay soils.
• Water: Water regularly while establishing. Once established, Dianella are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Temperature & Climate: Hardy across a wide range of Australian climates and generally tolerant of frost, heat and coastal conditions.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance; remove old or damaged leaves at the base as required to maintain a tidy appearance.
• Fertilizer: Generally requires little fertiliser. If needed, use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly.