Selecting the Right Plants for Your Perth Garden

When we’re putting together a design for a garden, a key consideration is the functionality of the planting. We think about whether the planting is being used to screen something off or if it needs a low profile, whether it needs to climb or creep, and whether it is in a tight space. Our final selections for plants are dictated by their designated function within a space, as well as the themes of the design and the conditions under which they will be growing. We’ve outlined below a few of our most frequently used species, how we typically use them, and why.

Tree species:

1. Royal poinciana (Delonix regia): This tree species is known for its stunning display of orange-red flowers that bloom in summer. It requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive, making it a perfect fit for Perth’s climate. The tree can grow up to 10 meters in height, making it an excellent choice for providing shade in your garden. Poincianas growth habit makes them best suited to large garden areas.
2. Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): This small to medium-sized tree species is another great option for adding color to your garden. It blooms in summer, producing vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers. Crepe myrtles prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to 8 meters in height.
3. Ornamental pear trees (Pyrus): Ornamental pears are a popular choice for Perth gardens due to their hardiness and striking aesthetic appeal. These trees produce clusters of white blossoms in spring and feature stunning foliage in autumn, making them an attractive addition to any garden. Additionally, ornamental pears are resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance option.
4. Tristaniopsis laurina: This evergreen tree species is native to Australia and produces small yellow flowers in summer. It can grow up to 15 meters in height and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Taller hedging species:

1. Laurus nobilis (Bay tree): This evergreen shrub is a popular choice for hedging due to its dense growth and attractive foliage. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil and can reach a height of up to 10 meters.
2. Viburnum species: Viburnums are a diverse group of shrubs that can be used for hedging or as standalone plants. They produce fragrant white or pink flowers in spring and summer and can grow up to 4 meters in height.
3. Murraya paniculata (Orange jessamine): This evergreen shrub produces fragrant white flowers in spring and summer and can reach a height of up to 5 meters. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Mid-level planting:

1. Raphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’: This evergreen shrub produces fragrant white or pink flowers in spring and summer and can reach a height of up to 2 meters. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
2. Buxus japonica (Japanese box): This small evergreen shrub is a popular choice for hedging and topiary due to its dense growth and attractive foliage. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil and can grow up to 2 meters in height.
3. Pittosporum ‘Miss Muffet’: This small evergreen shrub produces fragrant white flowers in spring and summer and can reach a height of up to 1 meter. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
4. Radermachera: Also known as the China Doll plant, Radermachera is a popular choice for mid-level planting due to its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in a range of conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, making it a good choice for underplanting taller trees.

Groundcover species:

1. Trachelospermum Jasminoides: Commonly known as star jasmine, this evergreen groundcover produces a profusion of fragrant white flowers in spring and summer. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and is ideal for use as a border or in rock gardens.
2. Ajuga Reptans: Also known as bugleweed, this low-growing groundcover forms a dense mat of foliage in shades of green, purple, and bronze. It is ideal for use in shaded areas or under trees, and can be used to create a carpet-like effect.
3. Aptenia Cordifolia: Also known as baby sun rose, this trailing groundcover produces small, heart-shaped leaves and bright pink or purple flowers in summer. It is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil in full sun.
4. Juniperus Conferta: This spreading evergreen groundcover is ideal for use in rock gardens or as a border. It produces blue-green foliage and can grow up to 2 feet tall, spreading up to 10 feet wide.

Pavement gap planting:

1. Dymondia Silver Carpet: This low-growing groundcover produces silver-gray foliage and yellow daisy-like flowers in summer. It is drought-tolerant and ideal for use between pavers or as a lawn substitute.
2. Thymus Serpyllum: Also known as creeping thyme, this low-growing groundcover produces fragrant foliage and pink or purple flowers in summer. It is ideal for use between pavers or in rock gardens.
3. Dichondra Silver Falls: This trailing ground cover produces silvery-green foliage and can also be used to create a cascading effect in containers or hanging baskets.
4. Dichondra Repens: Also known as kidney weed, this low-growing groundcover produces small, round leaves and can be used to create a lawn substitute or between pavers.

Moat planting options:

1. Carissa Macrocarpa: Also known as Natal plum, this evergreen shrub produces glossy green foliage and white, star-shaped flowers followed by red fruit. It is drought tolerant and ideal for use near pools.
2. Agapanthus: This evergreen perennial produces strappy green leaves and tall spikes of blue, white, or purple flowers in summer. It is ideal for use in pots or as a border around a pool.
3. Viburnum Odoratissimum: This evergreen shrub produces glossy green foliage and clusters of white flowers followed by red or black fruit. It is drought tolerant and ideal for use near pools.
4. Radermachera: As mentioned earlier, this China Doll plant is a great option for mid-level planting around pools due to its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in partial shade.

Climber options:

1. Parthenocissus Tricuspidata: Also known as Boston ivy, this deciduous vine produces deep green foliage that turns red or orange in autumn. It is ideal for use on walls or trellises and will attach itself to the right surface without the need for trellis wires.
2. Trachelospermum Jasminoides: Star jasmine is also a great climbing plant option due to its fragrant flowers and ability to grow in full sun or partial shade. Star jasmine requires a trellis to grow vertically.
3. Ficus pumila (Climbing fig) Ficus pumila, commonly known as the climbing fig, is a popular climbing plant in Perth. It is a fast-growing evergreen vine that can easily cover a fence or wall without the need for trellis wires, and its small green leaves and aerial roots give it a unique and interesting appearance. Ficus pumila prefers a warm and humid environment, making it ideal for the Perth climate.
4. Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) Parthenocissus quinquefolia, also known as Virginia creeper, is a deciduous climbing plant that can grow up to 50 feet tall. It has beautiful green foliage that turns to a deep red color in the fall, making it a stunning addition to any garden. Virginia creeper prefers a cooler and more shaded environment, so it’s a good option for areas of the garden that get less sun.
5. Stephanotis floribunda (Madagascar jasmine) Stephanotis floribunda, commonly known as Madagascar jasmine, is a tropical climbing plant that produces sweetly scented white flowers. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and prefers a warm and sunny environment. Stephanotis floribunda is a great choice for gardeners looking for a fragrant and eye-catching climbing plant.
6. Hibbertia scandens (Snake vine) Hibbertia scandens, also known as snake vine, is a native climbing plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has glossy green foliage and produces bright yellow flowers in the spring and summer. Snake vine is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions, making it a great choice for a low-maintenance garden.
7. Mandevilla (Rocktrumpet) Mandevilla is a tropical climbing plant that produces beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and prefers a warm and sunny environment. Mandevilla is a great choice for adding a pop of color to a fence or trellis.

Accent planting:

1. Crinum pendunculatum: This stunning flowering plant produces large clusters of fragrant pink or white blooms in summer, adding a pop of color and fragrance to any garden. Crinum pendunculatum thrives in full sun or partial shade and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance accent plant.
2. Agave attenuata: With its striking architectural form and eye-catching blue-green foliage, Agave attenuata is a popular choice for accent planting in Perth gardens. This drought-tolerant plant is easy to care for and can thrive in a range of soil types and light conditions, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
3. Crassula bluebird: This vibrant succulent features beautiful blue-gray foliage that can add a splash of color to any garden. Crassula bluebird is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a range of light conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for accent planting in Perth gardens.
4. Senecio serpens: With its trailing, silvery foliage, Senecio serpens is a beautiful choice for accent planting in rock gardens or along garden edges. This drought-tolerant plant can thrive in full sun or partial shade and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.

If you’re looking for further advice on planting and landscape design and construction, contact TDL today to discuss your project. Our experienced team can assist with all aspects of landscaping, from design and plant selection to construction, and can help you create and maintain a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your landscaping vision to life.