Gardening during a Queensland summer can be a challenging feat. Winter’s cool, moist conditions that help our greenery thrive make way for scorching temperatures that make our plants feel positively fried. One way to combat this? Creating a garden chock-full of plants that love a bit of sunshine.
Some beautiful, hardy varietals thrive in the heat, making them perfect for sub-tropical climates where the temperature rarely gets cool enough to warrant a jacket. Remember: when choosing plants for your garden, make sure to prioritise native species. Native plants play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems by providing vital habitat and food sources for Queensland wildlife.
Shrubs and trees
For a little more height and bulk, these full-sun shrubs and trees bring the perfect balance of beauty and endurance.
Grevillea
A diverse genus of Australian native plants, grevilleas offer a range of shapes, sizes, and flower colours, making them a versatile choice for any garden. Many grevillea species are also drought-tolerant, making them ideal for water-wise gardens.
A Guide to the Different Grevillea Varieties
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View full list of Grevilleas (with pictures): https://ultimatebackyard.com.au/grevillea-varieties/ Join us as we dive into the world of Grevilleas, one of Australia's most stunning native plants. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn about various Grevillea varieties,…
Banksia
Banksia is a quintessential Australian genus, known for its unique flower spikes and woody seed pods. Many of our native banksia species are well-suited to full sun and well-draining soil, so they’re a great choice for a summer garden with some native flair. Try smaller cultivars or ground-hugging varieties that will need less room than shrubs or small trees.
Lemon-scented gum
A low-maintenance, fragrant tree that thrives in full sun? Sign us up! This easy-to-grow tree really takes care of itself once it’s taken root, so you can enjoy its classic native Aussie beauty (and delightful scent) for years to come. Bonus: lemon-scented gum is also a natural mosquito repellent – planting it near outdoor living areas can help deter these pesky insects.
Bottlebrush
No surprises for guessing how this vibrant native got its name! Known for its bright, distinctive-shaped flowers, the bottlebrush is a low-key shrub that attracts a variety of pollinators from birds to bees. There are different varieties of this iconic native plant – find out which bottlebrush is best for your garden.
Strawflower or Paper daisy
This bright beauty is a fantastic choice for Queensland gardens thanks to its drought tolerance and vibrant, long-lasting blooms. Once established, the native strawflower is pretty low-maintenance – all you need to do is remove dead blooms to encourage continuous flowering. They can also self-seed, leading to even more plants in your garden than you started with!
Jacaranda
Most Queenslanders are very familiar with this iconic bloom – and while they might not be native to Australia, it turns out the spectacular jacaranda is practically tailor-made for our state’s steamy climate. Known for their jaw-dropping bursts of purple flowers, jacaranda trees have relatively low maintenance once established – removing dead or damaged branches helps keep them healthy.
Flower power
Looking to add a splash of colour to your summer garden? These full-sun flowering plants are tough enough to withstand a sweaty Queensland summer. Keep in mind that while the following flowers are beautiful, they aren't natives.
Hibiscus
Warm, humid climates are a hibiscus plant’s best friend, so these big blooms tend to thrive in Queensland’s subtropical conditions. These flowers are fantastic if you want to cultivate a tropical, resort-style vibe. To ensure they live a long life, ensure they are protected from the wind and get plenty of sun.
Frangipani
A tropical favourite, frangipani trees produce beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom throughout the summer. These distinctive flowers come in a fabulous palette of colours from pale pink to a deep golden yellow, so you can mix and match or choose a plant according to your colour scheme. Dwarf varieties are becoming popular and suit the smaller gardens of inner-city suburbia (or can be grown in large pots).
Jasmine
Driven by beautiful aromas? Plant some jasmine – your garden will soon be filled with the most incredible scent and delicate white flowers. This versatile plant can be trained as a climber or grown as a shrub, so you can suit it to your outdoor space depending on how much room you have (and how much coverage you want).
Sunflowers
There’s nothing quite like the bright and cheerful sight of a sunflower – and as Queenslanders, we’re lucky they are built to withstand our summer climate. As the name suggests, sunflowers require a lot of vitamin D to thrive – eight hours of sun per day is ideal, making them a great match for our state’s exceptionally bright spring and summer conditions.
Geraniums
These hardy flowering plants are a classic choice for Queensland gardens, offering a variety of colours and a long blooming period – plus, they’re quite easy to grow. Geraniums are also known for their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Some kinds also have a wonderful variety of scented leaves, from lemon to rose and mint.
Bougainvillea
A vibrant climber that thrives in Queensland's sunny climate, bougainvillea adds a splash of colour to any garden with its stunning, papery blooms. Its thorny stems can also be used to create natural fences or barriers. While not an Aussie native, this full-sun plant just needs a little initial care and then will thrive on its own. These plants became very popular in Brisbane after WW1, and Bougainvillea gardens at the time drew hundreds of people daily.
Ice plant
Lacking in the green thumb department? Ice plant could be your perfect match. This hardy, full-sun plant is drought-tolerant and can often handle periods of neglect. Beyond its stunning appearance, ice plants are a valuable addition to your garden's ecosystem. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are great for biodiversity.
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