What low maintenance plants work well in the Australian summer?
Your best ‘rule of thumb’ here is to look around locally and see what the council grows in their nature strips, parks etc. plus what plants schools have growing as well. They always go for the toughest varieties because after all, they have to grow in rough conditions and don’t get regular watering. More often than not, plants that are used are of the native variety. Some plants used are varieties of bottle brush, westringia, grevillias, gazanias, kangaroo paw, marigold, plumbago, geraniums, There’s also many colourful varieties of grass plants suitable as well. I’d suggest you have a look around town in council gardens etc. and if you aren’t sure what the plant is, take a digital photo along to your nursery. Failing that visit one and have a chat to them as they’ll be able to recommend what’s best. Remember to mulch well in summer as this keeps moisture in plus never water in the middle of the day. Best times are first thing early in the morning or late afternoon/early evening. A good
