Best plants for Brisbane gardens

Brisbane's subtropical climate is perfect for a wide variety of plants to thrive. In this guide, we'll explore the best low-maintenance native plants for Brisbane gardens. Once established, these plants require minimal watering and won't spread or become weedy.

Benefits of native plants in backyard gardens

They play an essential role in promoting biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems.
Native plants are generally drought tolerant, pest and disease resistant and grow well in nutrient-poor soils.
Many native Australian plants have lower water requirements than non-native species.
Native flora attracts local wildlife including birds, pollinators and beneficial insects.

Native groundcovers, grasses, and vines

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread across the ground, providing a dense, carpet-like cover. Grasses provide texture and movement. Vines transform fences, walls and trellises into green features.

Bower of beauty (Pandorea jasminoides)
Flax lillies (Dianella spp.)
Forest daisies (Brachyscome microcarpa)
Native violet (Viola banksii)
Rasp fern (Doodia aspera)

Native low shrubs – 1-2 metres

Low shrubs provide hiding places for wildlife. Flowering varieties attract birds and butterflies.

'Aussie Boomer' lilly pilly (Syzygium australe)
'Claret Tops' melaleuca (Melaleuca linariifolia)
Coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)
Midyim berry (Austromyrtus dulcis)

Native medium shrubs – 2-5 metres

Medium shrubs provide good screens for your garden or courtyard.

Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
Candlestick banksia (Banksia spinulosa)
Butterfly bush (Pavetta australiensis)

Small trees – 5-8 metres

Small trees add height to your garden, as well as shade and protection for shade-loving plants.

Brown gardenia, native gardenia (Atractocarpus fitzalanii)
Golden penda (Xanthostemon chrysanthus)
Ivory curl flower (Buckinghamia celsissima)
Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides)

Tall trees – over 8 metres

Tall trees provide wildlife habitat, providing animals with food and nesting sites.

Hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii)
Flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)
Weeping lilly pilly (Waterhousea floribunda)
Wheel of fire (Stenocarpus sinuatus)

Want free native plants?

Did you know that Brisbane ratepayers can get 2 free native plants each financial year with Brisbane City Council's Free Native Plants program? Choose from a variety of plants including ground covers, tufting plants, climbers, small shrubs, medium shrubs, and feature trees.

Schools, community groups, clubs and body corporates can also apply for free native plants.

Available plants suit Brisbane's soils and climate, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and come in 90-140 millimetre pots.

Claim your plants and help grow Brisbane's urban forest and support wildlife.