Time to Reconsider Coleus

Guest Post by Robert Wilson

The Case for Native Australian Species in Garden Design.

Love them or hate them, whether they are Coleus or Plectranthus, whether they feel nostalgic or a little bit "Granny garden", it’s time to take a fresh look at this diverse and under-appreciated genus.

Coleus has a broad distribution across Tropical and Sub-tropical regions of the world, but a special mention should be made for the charm, toughness, tactility and interest of our little native species (more on those later).

Let’s start with the familiar face: Coleus scutellarioides, the Painted Nettle. Spread throughout South East Asia and parts of Northern Australia, this is the garden variety we love (or don’t). It’s loud, it’s loveable(!) and when you look for it, it’s everywhere! Dayglo colours, wild leaf patterns, velvet textures, exotic leaf shapes. There is a cultivar to suit every palette. They are fun to collect, easy to propagate, accessible on any budget, and forgiving under most conditions. Garish or kitsch? Or A bold, herbaceous infill plant that emphasizes tropical plants with almost year round colour and interest! A winner in Brisbane, tolerates a range of conditions but for best colour, plant in dappled light and prevent flowering by dead-heading regularly. A minor few display good foliage colour in full sun (one of these is pictured). They can be standardized, pruned hard, plaited, heeled and generally forced into horticultural submission. For cheap, impactful, full, fast growing, tolerant, tough and vibrant bedding displays; get a hold of some “Painted Nettle” today!

I want to make a bigger case, one that speaks further to scent, texture, and mood in our gardens.

Australia’s native Coleus/Plectranthus species are not only beautiful: they’re powerfully sensory, and critically underused. Unlike their bright exotic cousins, native Coleus don’t shout. They enhance the pomp and circumstance of their big brothers and sisters in the garden. They support bold colour (or enhance earthen tones), radiate scent, and invite touch. They offer subtle leaf shapes, aromatic foliage, ease of maintenance, and floral displays that surprise in the dappled light. These aren’t feature plants; they’re the glue in a planting design. A skilfully selected and beautifully designed frame will enhance any artwork. They deserve far more love.

Let’s explore a few that bring scent, tone, and tactility into the spotlight:

Coleus argentatus (Silver Coleus)

This soft, silvery shrub shimmers in the shade. The foliage has a suede-like feel that begs to be touched, and its tall spikes of white, mauve, or soft blue flowers make it a beautiful alternative to lavender, especially in subtropical beds where lavender may fail. It’s cooling, calming, and quietly luminous. With its bright foliage and reliability in lower light conditions- perfect for brightening a shady or dull corner of the garden!

Coleus graveolens (Bush Basil)

A plant of surprising depth. Thick, textured leaves with a bright lime green tone and a strong, resinous aroma, somewhere between basil, mint, and native herbs. The foliage feels almost succulent under the fingers, while its purple-blue flowers rise up on soft stems. It brings density, texture, and fragrance to native garden designs. Large, intricately veined leaves provide the perfect foil to bold native wildflowers such as Grevillea or Hibiscus.

Plectranthus nitidus EN (Nightcap Plectranthus)

A small, endangered rainforest species that absolutely glows in low light. Glossy green leaves with maroon undersides and stems, a crisply toothed margin, and elegant leaf venation make it one of the most beautiful bedding plants for shady areas. Its flowers are like tiny chandeliers, twinkling purple and white across the understory. Want to see it? Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens has it planted in sweeps and mounds beneath rainforest trees; an absolute masterclass in subtle beauty.

Coleus bellus Rare (Coleus “Mount Carbine”)

Tall, tactile, and bursting with lemon-sherbet scent. Its velvety leaves carry a rich citrus aroma that releases as you brush past. This is a plant for people who understand gardens as spaces to feel as well as look. It makes a fantastic sensory border, cut it back hard, enjoy the soft flushes of new growth, and let it do the work lambs ears can’t do in the tropics and sub-tropics. Or let it standardise for a quivering display of electric green texture in the back of a bed. While not a showy flowerer, C. bellus sports a delightful and reliable sky blue flower.

Coleus alloplectus EN (Slenderleaf Hullwort)

This is my favourite; tough, bronzed, and full of personality. Its new growth bursts in tones of gold, copper and bronze, it sets the stage for bold spikes of purple flowers. It thrives under pressure, responds beautifully to pruning, and pairs exquisitely with native garden design tones: olive, parchment, drab, stone, silver and dun. It’s a complementary gem with year-round interest.

Real Living Christmas Trees

Christmas Trees are the best and worst tradition. I don’t know about you, but for years I spent hours agonising over where every single bauble should go, what colour scheme to do, tinsel or no tinsel. Then after I’d finished I’d stand back, take stock and cry because after so many painful hours, it still didn’t look like a department store tree. Nowadays, I just let the kids go wild with it. If it doesn’t look perfect, I just think ‘Oh well, at least they had fun!’

While watching the kids decorate the tree, I began to wonder why we even have Christmas trees and why they are always depicted as Evergreens or Conifers. The answer is in the song.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

Not only green when summer's here,

But also when 'tis cold and drear.

Evergreens, or as we know them, conifers, are green all the time - that is, their leaves never change. Christmas in the northern hemisphere occurs during the bleakest days of the year, so evergreens present a vibrant contrast to the natural world outside - ‘Not only green when summer's here, But also when 'tis cold and drear’.

Because of this, people throughout history have regarded them as special symbols of eternal life or rebirth.

I’ve found many theories of why we decorate our trees at Christmas time, but my favourite was that the tree was decorated with apples (to represent the forbidden fruit) and wafers (to represent the Eucharist and redemption).

So I may not be able to decorate the tree perfectly, but how do I choose the perfect Christmas tree?

Christmas trees are different for everyone, however, in general, Pinus radiata and Picea glauca ‘Christmas Star’ are the most commonly used live Christmas trees.

Picea glauca ‘Christmas Star’ is a compact, slow growing evergreen with dark green foliage. It has a nice dense, conical habit, perfect for it to become your potted living Christmas tree. It is very slow growing so can live in a pot forever, can take up to 10 years to grow to 1.5 metres tall and 80cm wide.

Pinus radiata are faster growing and can get up to 20m tall so be prepared to only have this guy in a pot for a few years and then it will have to go out in your yard. This tree has dense green needle like foliage and beautiful pine cones. Can handle the pot life for a number of years and can be trimmed.

While these two trees are currently the most popular, I find they are not the best choice for us here in Ipswich or other areas of high humidity. Picea glauca ‘Christmas Star’ is native to central Alaska and Canada. It is very hardy plant in the right conditions but it does not like the warmer, humid climates where it may suffer fungal attacks.

Pinus radiata is native to the West Coast of North America. It was introduced to Australia in 1857 and is now considered a major general purpose timber in Australia. Unfortunately in some areas of Australia it has become a major weed invading open dry environments both in native remnant vegetation and forests. While it is not a problem here in Ipswich it could become one.

So what do we use instead of these popular choices?

Gymnostoma australianum, The Daintree Pine should be the first choice as a Christmas tree. I have no idea why over the years these trees have not become the preferred choice for living Christmas trees. These beautifully elegant plants are native to the the World Heritage Forests of Far North Queensland. Due to their rarity in the wild they have obtained the Qld government’s official conservation status of ‘vulnerable’ species. Soon the only place we may see these pines is in our own backyard. The Daintree Pine is like a living Christmas tree with its naturally beautiful conical shape, that requires little to no pruning. it has attractive soft dense, deep green foliage of slender jointed needles. These guys can grow forever in a pot or you can plant them in your garden. Once established it tolerates cold, heat, humidity and dry. It prefers to be planted in well composted, well drained soil or in platnium potting mix. Once established it needs little maintenance to survive. They will naturally reach about 4 - 6m.

However, if you wanted something really different here are some of my top recommendations:

Magnolia ‘Little Gem’

My ultimate living Christmas tree would be the Magnolia ‘Little Gem’. This evergreen magnolia thrives in pots and can be brought indoors for short periods. Its lush, dark green foliage with bronze undersides creates a festive look. The branches are strong enough to hold baubles, and its enormous, cream-coloured flowers have a delicate perfume - making it a stunning choice.

Trachelospermum Jasminoides

These beautiful evergreen climbers look great on a tripod (perfect Christmas tree shape) and you can easily hang lights and decorations on the stakes of the tripod. They will last forever in a pot and you can enjoy the scent of your living Christmas tree in late spring, early summer.

Thuja ‘Smaragd’ Conifer

Is a classic choice for a living Christmas tree. With its naturally conical shape and vibrant green, fine-textured foliage, it’s the perfect addition to any Christmas setting. This conifer grows slowly and stays compact, making it perfect for pots and small spaces. Its dense, upright growth makes it ideal for hanging ornaments, lights, and decorations. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is incredibly low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types and conditions, even our humidity.

Lygodium microphyllum

Lygodium microphyllum is a climbing fern. Native to Australia as well as tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. This delicate native fern features fine, lacy foliage that can be trained over a tripod (like I have here), forming a Christmas tree shape. Using the tripod as a structure you can hang fairy lights and small decorations, creating the perfect indoor Christmas tree. This fern thrives in warm, humid conditions and grows well in pots. If you have it in the garden it can climb through your trees very quickly especially in a wet humid summer like we are having now.

Syzygium 'Resilience'

Works as an ideal native Christmas tree. Its exceptional trimmability allows easy shaping into a classic Christmas tree form even from a young age. Thriving in our climate, it endures well indoors, making it a lasting festive centrepiece. It can grow in a pot for many years and if you are looking for a faster growing Christmas tree or even a Christmas tree to plant in the garden to add your own decorations over time, this is your plant.

Acmena smithii 'Allyns Magic'

This compact native is ideal for small spaces and works well in pots. Young plants make charming table centrepieces, while older ones look stunning on patios. Its bright red new growth contrasts beautifully with its dark green foliage. With trimming, it can take on a conical Christmas tree shape.

Casuarina glauca ‘Greenwave’.

This hardy evergreen native shrub forms a natural, ball-like shape with long, thin branches reminiscent of a conifer. It would require little trimming to turn it into the classic conical shape of a christmas tree. It can look fantastic in pots or gardens. Growing up to 2 metres, it loves full sun and makes a low-maintenance, festive statement.

Callitris rhomboidea

This uniquely Australian native can grow up to 12 metres in the wild but typically reaches about 6 metres in gardens. It’s an excellent feature tree, thriving in pots or the ground. Hardy and adaptable, it tolerates dry and cold conditions. With its soft, conifer-like foliage, it makes a striking Christmas tree alternative and doubles as a windbreak or loose screen in the garden.

Elaeocarpus Prima Donna

This elegant native tree features masses of delicate pink flowers in spring, resembling fairy ballerina skirts, followed by blue edible fruits loved by wildlife (though not highly palatable for humans). Its foliage transitions through bronze, dusky green, and bright red as it matures. With a slender shape and sturdy branches, it’s perfect for hanging Christmas decorations. A low-maintenance tree, it grows up to 4 metres and withstands dry, hot, humid, and cold conditions.

Backhousia citriodora

This tree comes “pre-decorated” with its showy flowers at this time of year. Even after flowering, the bracts remain stunning, adding a natural festive flair. Its vibrant appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a perfect Christmas tree option.

Phyllanthus cuscutiflorus

This dainty native features soft, delicate foliage and tassel-like flowers that resemble fairy lights hanging from its stems. It naturally forms a loose Christmas tree shape, though light trimming can enhance its density. Growing to about 3 metres, it thrives in various conditions, from full shade to full sun, and tolerates most soil types. While it prefers regular watering, it can handle some neglect once established. This charming plant is a delightful addition to any festive display.

Taking Care of Living Christmas Trees

Living Christmas trees add a beautiful, sustainable touch to your home during christmas, but they need a little extra care to thrive.

Here’s how to keep your tree healthy during and after the holidays:

Watering Is Key
The most common reason living Christmas trees fail is under-watering. This often happens because we worry about wetting the floors or presents. To avoid this, invest in an extra-large saucer or a planter (a pot without drainage holes designed to retain water). Check the soil regularly, and keep it moist but not waterlogged.

Limit Indoor Time
Don’t keep your tree inside for too long—living trees are best suited to outdoor conditions. A few weeks indoors is fine, but any longer can stress the plant. Once the holiday season ends, it’s time to transition your tree back outside.

Reintroducing Your Tree to the Outdoors
When returning your tree outdoors, it’s important to do so gradually:

1. Start in the Shade: Place the tree in a shady spot for two weeks to allow it to acclimatise.

2. Fertilise: Apply Organic Link slow-release organic fertiliser and fortnightly liquid feeds with Plant Care to encourage recovery and growth.

3. Transition to Sunlight: After the initial two weeks, move the tree to a part-shaded spot for another fortnight.

4. Full Sun: Finally, move it to a sunny position where it can thrive year-round.

5. Watering: Water according to the weather, one big drink every few days is better than lots of little drinks.

This year, why not buy a Living Christmas tree. Just remember to choose a plant that will bring you and your family years of joy and let the kids do the decorating, while you sit back and enjoy an egg nog (or three)!

The Native Garden: A Balanced Approach

With the ongoing discussions about some exotic species becoming problematic in parts of Australia, I felt it was time to reveal that while I love native plants, I also have a deep appreciation for many exotic species and believe they can coexist harmoniously.

The Native Plant Misconception

It’s important to recognise that just because a plant is native doesn’t mean it won’t become a weed. Take the Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana) as an example. This beautiful, fast-growing acacia is naturally restricted to the South Western Slopes of New South Wales. When planted in higher rainfall areas, it can aggressively invade surrounding bushland, self-seed, and become a nuisance. 

Another misconception about native plants is that they require little to no maintenance. A native garden, like any other garden, requires effort. This includes:

• Soil Cultivation: Regularly improving soil with compost and organic mulch.

• Fertilising: Using products like Organic Link at the start of each season and supplementing with regular liquid fertilising.

• Maintenance: Trimming and replacing plants as weather conditions change.

Responsibility

People must start to take responsibility for our plants and gardens. For instance, Syngoniums, a popular houseplant, are classified as weeds. Do we stop cultivating this plant, or do we educate and ensure responsible care and correct disposal, if needed? As a professional horticulturalist, I explain the potential pitfalls and dangers of allowing such plants into the wild. I expect their new owners to trim and care for them to prevent them from becoming out of control. I expect people to allow themselves to be educated and take on that advice. You cannot buy a climber and then get upset when it climbs.

Choosing the Right Plants

• Reputable Sources: I only purchase plants from reputable sellers. For example, seed-grown vinca (which I do not sell) can be a weed, but with modern horticultural advancements, sterilised vinca won’t usually last longer than 6-12 months (this is what I stock).

• Local Availability: Many Southeast Queensland natives are not commercially available because they are hard to cultivate in large numbers or aren’t as visually appealing as their Western Australian counterparts. Thus, a native garden in Ipswich might consist of 20 Western Australian and South Australian natives and only a couple of Southeast Queensland natives.

Genetic Dilution in Local Australian Plants

Genetic dilution refers to the weakening or loss of genetic diversity in local native plant populations due to cross-breeding with introduced species from other areas or non-native species. This can lead to several ecological and evolutionary problems, including reduced adaptability to local conditions and the loss of unique genetic traits.

An example of this happening is with the Australian native Corymbia torelliana, commonly known as Cadaghi. It is native to northern Queensland, Australia, and has been widely planted outside its native range due to its fast growth, aesthetic appeal, and usefulness in timber production.

Corymbia torelliana can hybridise with closely related species, such as other Corymbia species and some Eucalyptus species. When this occurs, the genetic material of Corymbia torelliana mixes with that of the native species, resulting in hybrid offspring. These hybrid offspring may exhibit reduced fitness compared to pure native species, including traits such as lower resistance to local pests and diseases, or reduced adaptability to local soil and climate conditions.

The genetic dilution of native species can also lead to a reduction in biodiversity, potentially disrupting ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, water regulation, and habitat and food provision for other species.

Corymbia torelliana produces a large amount of pollen, which can be dispersed over long distances by wind or pollinators like bees. This increases the likelihood of cross-pollination with native species over longer distances. Just one tree can affect a very large area.

The Role of Exotic Plants

Native and European plants can be used together. Many fruit trees and vegetables aren't native, but that doesn't mean we should stop growing them. Many herbs, like garden mint, and comfrey, can become weeds, yet we don’t stop cultivating them. Instead, we focus on education and responsibility.

I have personally found Camellia sasanqua flowers and bacopa (both exotic) are a preferred flower for my native bees.  Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) was traditionally used by the ancient bee keepers. They used to rub the crushed leaves on the beehives to encourage the domesticated bees to return to their hives. They also believed that the lemon balm would also bring new bees to the hive.

Creating a garden, whether it be native or a combination, requires thoughtful planning and effort, but the results are worth it. By understanding the specific needs of our environment and taking responsibility for our plant choices, we can create beautiful, sustainable gardens that celebrate both native and exotic species. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and others while embracing the diversity that makes our gardens thrive.

Native Cottage Garden

Recently a customer asked me to help her design a native cottage garden.

She had watched an episode of Gardening Australia where they had made a beautiful cottage garden using only Australian native plants.

The problem was this list, like many native plant lists, had native plants that grew better in dry sandy soils not natives that can handle humidity, drought, frosts, black heavy clay soils .... all the things Ipswich can throw at a plant, sometimes at once!

Accepting the challenge, I set out to create a new list of native plants that thrive in Ipswich's variable climate and soils. Special thanks to The Mountain Man for his extensive knowledge of native plants; his input was invaluable in compiling this list.

This list is meant to inspire and demonstrate that anything is possible. It is not exhaustive but serves as a guideline. If it were my garden, I’d incorporate a variety of plants including grasses, groundcovers, shrubs, and flowering annuals. I would also plant trees to provide shade and create spaces for epiphytic plants like orchids and air plants.

Soil improvement would be ongoing, with compost and organic mulch, and I would fertilise with Organic Link at the start of each season, supplemented by regular liquid fertilising. A maintenance program would be essential for trimming and replacing plants as weather conditions change. A native garden still requires care, including fertilising and maintenance.

Australia's diversity means that just because a plant is native doesn’t necessarily make it suitable for every garden, soil, or climate. It's crucial to select the right plants for your specific conditions.

Cottage Garden using Australian Native Plants

Australian Native Kangaroo Paws

You know how as a kid you thought your mum was the vegie monster because she made you eat food like Brussel sprouts but as you get older the idea of Brussel sprouts for dinner grows on you till somehow you find yourself not only buying them and cooking them but also enjoying them.

Kangaroo Paw, an Australian Native Plant

Kangaroo Paws are kind of like my Brussel sprout in the garden! For years I would almost double over in pain at the idea of growing one of these hideous plants. Why? I couldn’t come to terms with a plant that had gangly disease ridden leaves and long boring flowers.

I guess I just had never seen it used well in landscaping because now I am totally in love. Why? Strangely enough it was Ipswich City Council and the Riverheart parklands that caused me to start to fall in love with them because a few years ago they were planted en masse in the gardens and they looked fantastic most of the year. 

Kangaroo Paws belong to the genus Anigozanthos, native to south-western Western Australia. A region that’s drier, hotter, and has very sandy soil. Quite different from Ipswich's heavier soils and sticky summer air.

And that’s where a lot of the trouble starts. One of the main reasons I disliked Kangaroo Paws was because of the dreaded ink spot, those black patches that ruin the leaves. It’s mostly caused by fungal diseases thanks to humidity, but frost damage and snails can also contribute. Parts of Ipswich can swing between high humidity and black frosts, basically, Kangaroo Paw hell.

Some newer cultivars, like the Celebration series, recommend growing in pots in a partially shaded spot and only in areas with less than 70% humidity (Ipswich averaged around 75% in summer 2024). So while Kangaroo Paws traditionally love full sun and excellent drainage, if you're in a more humid region like ours, pots in airy spaces with morning sun might be the better way to go. Terracotta pots are a great choice too, because they breathe. If you want to grow Kangaroo Paws out in the garden, try going for the older varieties like Anigozanthos flavidus or the red and yellow flowering forms in the Bush Gem series.

Most sprays or fertilisation will not prevent Ink spot.  Thanks to Angus Stewart, the main cultivator of Kangaroo Paws, I now know the best and easiest way to deal with ink spot! Mow over them when the leaves start to become infected and fertilise with a complete organic slow release fertiliser like Organic Link!  Secateurs would work just as well as a mower but nowhere near as fun!

By cutting all that leaf off, you get get rid of Ink spot and encourage beautiful, fresh new leaf which gives the plant a really vigorous green appearance and promotes the flowers and the flowers are the best part.

Kangaroo Paw flowers have been described as one of Australia’s most striking and unusual flowers and with modern cultivation I think there is one available in in all the colours of the rainbow, hot pink, red and green and the black are my favourite.

These fabulous bird-attracting, drought tolerant plants grow to all different sizes too. From small boarder plants to large striking feature plants there is one suit all gardens.  All they need is a dry well drained spot in full sun and easily accessible by mower (or Secateurs)!

I love using a mixture of flowering heights in pots too. They make an awesome feature in a hot area of your patio or garden. Just remember to remove the spent flowers and yucky leaves and this plant should reward you with vibrant colour most of the year.

This weekend eat some Brussel sprouts and plant an icon of the Australian garden at your house.

Diospyros australis

What’s not to love about a beautiful native tree that work wonderfully as a feature tree or slow growing hedge that also produces edible fruit?

Diospyros australis, commonly known as Black Plum or Native Persimmon, is a small native rainforest tree found from south-east NSW up to tropical Queensland.

During the cooler months Diospyros australis, produces plum-like berries. Berries are about 10mm in size, starting out yellow and turning black as they ripen. They are most edible when black and soft with a sweetness that makes them perfect for jellies, chutneys and jams.

Small cream/yellow flowers appear enmasse from October, and will self-pollinate. However it is sometimes advised to plant two or more trees to improve your chances of fruiting.

The fruit isn’t the only reason to grow one. I love the beautiful green glossy foliage. The leaves tend to have a yellow/green underside with a prominent yellow mid-vein. I would be using Diospyros australis instead of Syzigum australe for my hedge plantings.

Being a native rainforest tree, Diospyros australis prefers moist well composted soils. It performs best with protection from both wind and afternoon sun.

These trees can grow anywhere between 4 to 10 metres in the garden, but as they are slowish growing can easily be kept as a small bushy shrub or even in a large pot, trimmed to be a feature plant! I also found out they are known for their fire retardant properties, making them a worthwhile inclusion in your garden especially if you live in a bush fire zone.

The fruit and leaves of the Diospyros australis is said to have many medical properties. One property is helping to convert starch into energy and keep blood sugar levels in check, perfect for Diabetics. The fruit is said to also said to help relieve stomach pain, anti-scorbutic (high amounts of vitamin C) and diuretic. If you make your own vinegar from the fruit you can drink it to help reduce enlargement of spleen, diarrhoea, and those have urine retention problems.

This beautiful native tree, commonly called Burrpurr (Yolngu) by the First Nations, will become a must have in your garden.

Native Large Leaf Tamarind - Edible

Diploglottis australis.

I love saying this Australian Native’s botanical name. It has such flow and yet the weirdest set of letters together.

Say it slowly the first time helps

Dip..lo..glot..tis Aus..tral..is

This beautiful plant is commonly called Native Large Leaf Tamarind.

In its natural habitat, along east coast of Australia anywhere from Proserpine (QLD) to Brogo (NSW), it can grow to over 35m tall. In cultivation, our backyards, it’s mainly used as a large shade tree. In best conditions it will usually grow to about 10m high and 3-5m wide.

There are so many things to love about this tree but honestly the thing I love the most is it’s leaves. I love trees with large leaves and this one has these large leaves that are covered in velvety golden brown hairs. Adding a bronzing effect to the overall greenness of the tree. Added to that the leaf veins are easy to see and the midrib is slightly raised. It’s truly a visual and textural leaf.

Not only does it have these amazing leaves it also has the coolest fruit!

The flowers are like hairy creamy white puffs that form in the Spring. Then from about January fruit starts to drop to ground when ripe. The berries, are two or three-lobed and are roughly about the size of a small fig fruit. They have a brown hairy outer casing and contain juicy, orange/red, edible pulp around a large brown seed.

The fruit is often sour to taste, but like the Asian Tamarind, may be enjoyed raw or processed into jams, jellies, sauces and drinks. It’s a great native food.

Diploglottis australis can be grown in full sun or part shade. It doesn’t like frosts or windy positions. It does prefer to have moist fertile soil but beggars can’t be choosers and can grow in a wide range of soils and conditions.

A good feed with a complete slow release organic fertiliser, like Organic Link, every three months would be greatly appreciated.

Diploglottis australis is a beautiful small native tree that would be an added bonus to any garden.

Soft and Delicate Native

Phyllanthus cuscutiflorus or pink phyllanthus

This is a glorious native with the softest most delicate foliage and dainty flowers.

At the moment ours are all in flower and it looks like dainty fairy lights hanging off the stems.

This plant has soft green foliage and pink new growth that has a slight weeping habit. It’s not an exceptionally dense grower but that’s so you can see the little flowers that form like tassels along the stem.

I adore this plant and was very excited to use it as a lose hedge in my last house.

Phyllanthus cuscutiflorus grow into a lovely Christmas tree shape naturally. Mine was near the trampoline and it got trimmed occasionally, this made them really dense and even more fantastic than I originally planned.

These plants can grow to around 3m high and wide. It can grow in full shade to full sun and can handle most soil types. I found it can stress if left for a long time without water (may suffer leaf drop) but it can handle some neglect once it’s established.

It can handle humidity and can handle the cold but it doesn’t like heavy frosts.

As a word of warning and not to scare you off as I think this is a great all round tree. Perfect for hedges or as a small feature tree in your garden. The flowers can have a fairly unpleasant smell at night to attract insects.

One of my favourite native trees.

Native Daisy

Brachyscome multifida is endemic to Australia and a brilliant free flowering hardy ground cover daisy.

This cute little daisy has fine feathery foliage and can grow to about 50cm diameter and about 40cm high.

It prefers full sun in good quality free draining soil. The flowers usually appear from mid winter until summer but they can spot flower continuously if conditions are right. The flowers are usually shades of pinks and purples.

They don’t mind the cold or a little bit of dry but do need a top up water.

Fertilise then seasonally with a good quality complete organic fertiliser like Organic Link. They also appreciate a liquid fertilise with Triple Boost to keep them powering on.

I think these guys make great fillers in gardens and work like a living mulch. I also have seen them tumbling out of urns and as hanging basket specimens for full sun areas.

I think these guys are really cute and would work well in a cottage or formal landscape. Sometimes we all need a daisy in our lives.

Native Basil

Today I have one you all probably know but maybe you are a bit like me and didn’t know it was a native!

Coleus graveolens, synonym Plectranthus graveolens

Commonly called Bush Basil or the Five Spice Herb!

This plant is native from Cape York all way down to NSW.

Bush Basil is a very strong herb and is said best to use with Mediterranean flavours like tomato and garlic. You could use fresh leaves on a pizza or blend for a pesto.

It also has many medicinal qualities and can be steeped into a tea to help with coughs and colds.

It’s a vigorous growing herb and can handle full sun or shade and will grow in pots or the garden. It doesn’t mind the heat, dry or cold once established.

It gets covered in pretty mauve flower stalks in the warmer months. These are great as cut flowers and if you cut the leaves off with the flowers it will work as an aromatic bunch of flowers. Scenting the house nicely. The flowers also attract all different types of beneficial insects.

It can get to about 1.5m tall if let go but I find it’s best to trim after flowering otherwise it can get rather scraggly.

As with all my natives I would be fertilising my bush Basil with an organic complete slow release fertiliser like Organic Link every three months.

Native Ground Cover

The Fanfare range of groundcovers is a must have for your native garden.

Scaevolas are a hardy, low growing plant with lush green foliage all year long. They have striking fan-shaped flowers that cover the bush for most of the year. You can get them in a range of colours - blue, pink, white and yellow.

This Australian native is heat & drought tolerant and has a trailing and cascading habit making them a great choice for hanging baskets, underplanting under trees in gardens, cascading over retaining walls, in large pots as a glorious spiller as well as being just a great plant for the garden.

Scaevolas suit all style gardens from native gardens to tropical and even cottage gardens.

It seems to handle the cold (not heavy frosts), wind and the heat. It loves free draining soils and hates wet feet. Mulch well and keep slightly dry in summer as it hates humidity. As Scaevolas never stop flowering I find giving them small tip prunes regularly and liquid fertilising with Triple Boost every fortnight keeps them looking fantastic.

While Scaevolas love the sun they can handle a little bit of shade.

Even the bees and butterflies love it!

Native Shade Tree

Luscious® is a cultivar or Tristaniopsis laurina. It is one of my favourite Australian native shade trees.

Luscious® can grow in a small garden, provide some shade and allow your children to still play around it.

Tristaniopsis laurina
Photo: Brian Walters from Australian Native Plant Society

Just imagine a tree

• no higher than 5-8m high and around 3-5m wide

• bird and bee attracting

• has scented flowers

• Evergreen

• lush deep green leaves that are long and leathery

• brilliant red new growth to add a bit of colour

Sounds pretty perfect, right?

Well I just described Luscious®.

We have one of these growing at Trevallan and while all these things I’ve mentioned are great and perfect selling points it’s the bark that takes my breath away. It’s roughly textured and is cream coloured with variations in it. It’s a true feature in itself.

This tree can also handle full sun to part shade and all types of soil. It can handle the heat, humidity and once established can handle the cold and dry.

I would care for this tree like I care for all my other plants. About four times a year I throw some Organic Link around the base and I try to liquid fertilise with Triple Boost every fortnight.

Luscious® is a cultivar or Tristaniopsis laurina and is an absolutely stunning native and one that for some reason is constantly overlooked but not anymore!

Please enjoy this exciting video telling you about amazing this tree is.

Elaeocarpus

Elaeocarpus are one of my all time favourite native tree speices.

Two of my favourite cultivars for home gardens are Elaeocarpus reticulatus Prima Donna and Elaeocarpus eumundi.

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Prima Donna

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Prima Donna

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Prima Donna or blueberry ash has masses of delicately fringed small pink flowers in spring. These flowers may look like fairy petticoats or ballerina skirts and have a faint perfume. After flowering blue edible fruits appear that the wildlife love (these fruits are edible for humans ... not so palatable!).

The foliage is pretty wondrous too and can be very colourful when it’s in full growth mode. It has bronze new growth, dusky green growth and then as the leaf ages it turns brilliant red.

It’s a slow growing small tree (maybe 4m on average in normal house lot). It has a slender shape and I have found its best grown as a feature planting but I have also seen it used a a hedge in Gympie and it looked glorious.

It has high pest and disease resistance and is exceptionally low maintenance once established. It can handle dry, heat, humidity and the cold.

You can plant these beauties in gardens or pots and I find it’s best to fertilise about every three months with a complete organic slow release fertiliser like Organic Link.

This is the type of tree you can sit back and enjoy once established!

Elaeocarpus eumundi

Elaeocarpus eumundi is a mid-sized native rainforest tree and one that I love and adore and have plans to use at home.

This tree is commonly known as Eumundi Quandong, or Smooth Leafed Quandong.

Usually you don’t see native trees used in cultivation wisely but fortunately for us Ipswichites, Elaeocarpus eumundi was chosen as a feature tree for the Coles in Ipswich development.

Elaeocarpus eumundi are the perfect tree when tall and skinny but beautiful Is a requirement. I personally plan on using these trees down the western side of my house.

Elaeocarpus eumundi Picture from Natures Decor Garden Centre

Perfect in that they get tall (about 5m , perfect conditions about 8m) but not too wide (about 2m). I can use these trees to protect my home from the western sun but also not encroach too much on the neighbours.

Elaeocarpus eumundi have glossy green foliage and gorgeous bronze new growth. The thing I love most about them is in later life they can develop a small but beautiful buttress trunk.

It does get small scented flowers and fruit in warmer months. While the fruit isn’t classed as palatable for humans it is known as a great wildlife attractant, with many nectar eating birds and insects as well as seed loving birds utilising it’s resources.

This tree doesn’t like the frost but can handle the cold once established. It prefers well drained, Fertile soil. Once established can handle periods of dry and heat. As an added bonus it is very disease and pest resistant.

This tree responds well to care and attention but can also withstand being a ‘street tree’.

I think this tree is a must for your native garden.

Leptospermums - Spoilt for Choice

Love our native Tea Trees, Leptospermums?

Here a a few cultivars to fill your garden with.

Leptospermum obovacum 'Starry Night' 

Leptospermum obovacum 'Starry Night'

This glorious Leptospermum has shiny black-purple foliage... I know you are already sold but when it's dripping in white starry flowers you may actually think it really is a Starry Night!!!!

All the wildlife will love you too as the flowers are laden with pollen

This easy to grow, exceptionally hardy Australian native is happy in full sun to light shade. It can handle most soils and once established will handle a little dry and a light frost. It will get to around 2m High x 1.5m Wide. I would trim and shape from an early age if a tight screen was needed. Trim after flowering.

I would fertilise every three months with Organic Link fertiliser and plant into excellent quality garden soil.

Trevallan's have not started to flower yet as this Leptospermum flowers late spring summer. This picture is from Austraflora 's website. The breeders of this beautiful plant.

Leptospermum Purple Haze (Leptospermum scoparium). 

Leptospermum Purple Haze (Leptospermum scoparium).

This Leptospermum has pretty pinky/purple flowers in spring that cover the entire Bush. The mass of flowers attracts nectar feeding insects, birds and other wildlife.

I like this Leptospermum mainly though because it’s leaves are a little different to other Leptospermums, they are kind of small, fat and glossy.

This is a great small to medium shrub that can be used a feature plant in pots or gardens but would also be perfectly suited to form a small low hedge.

It grows naturally to around 1.5ms tall. This plant doesn’t need to be trimmed but like most Leptospermums looks better after a haircut. Leptospermums can handle a range of soil types and once established don’t mind the cold, heat or the dry. I like to give all my natives a good feed with Organic Link (a complete organic slow release fertiliser) about once every three months.

Leptospermum scoparium ‘Burgundy Queen’

While all Leptospermums are beautiful my favourite and the one I’d have in my garden is the Leptospermum scoparium ‘Burgundy Queen’.

I think at first it was the deep burgundy almost black foliage but It’s majestic upright growth habit also took my breath away.

Then I found out it flowered profusely with intense dark burgundy double flowers. I was blown away. Plus it has the most adorable black eyes inside the flowers.

Seriously how could you not fall in love.

I honestly think it looks best kept trimmed to around 1.5m but this plant can easily grow untouched to about 3m

I could imagine it in a pot surrounded by the soft delicate Sweet Alyssum or in a dry landscape garden as a hedge.

Leptospermums can handle a range of soil types and once established don’t mind the cold, heat or the dry. I like to give all my natives a good feed with Organic Link (a complete organic slow release fertiliser) about once every three months.

Like most Leptospermums ‘Burgundy Queen’ is great at attracting wildlife when it’s in flower and is also an amazing cut flower.

Seriously I think we all need these beauties in our life.

Leptospermums - Aussie Blossom Range

Naoka Leptospermum

I always get asked for Geraldton Wax. While we do sometimes stock this beautiful native I believe the Leptospermum cultivars, our native Tea Trees, do a lot better here in Ipswich.

I like to refer to our native tea trees as the Australian Cherry Blossom

The Leptospermums that reflect this name the best is the Aussie Blossom Range.

The Aussie Blossom Range is a beautiful range of Leptospermums that have masses of stunning flowers in a range of pink shades that cover the bush for about 8-10 weeks in winter and early spring.

The range has been bred for easy care, compact growth and brilliant flowers and there are a few within the range to choose from

• Alicia Rose pbr (rose coloured flowers)

• Emily Nao pbr (pink coloured flowers)

• Joy pbr (dusty pink flowers)

• Martin pbr (dusty white flowers)

• Naoka pbr (pink with ruby red centre)

• Stephen Rose pbr (white with pink centre)

You could mass plant any of these beauties to create an informal low hedge (grow to about 1.5m) or you could create a stunning masterpiece in your garden with just one.

While you don’t NEED to trim these guys I always find they grow and look better after a hair cut. I like to do it after they finish flowering.

Joy Leptospermum

While some people are under the impression natives don’t need fertiliser this is not true. All plants need fertiliser. I like to say it’s the difference between survive and thrive.

I like to give all my natives a good feed with Organic Link (a complete organic slow release fertiliser) about once every three months and a liquid fertilise with Triple Boost about once a fortnight.

This is a beautiful range of plants and I think at least one should be a part of any garden design. They even work wonderfully for cut flower displays.

Backhousia citriodora

One of my all time favourite scented foliage plants is the Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle).

It is endemic to subtropical rainforests of central and south-eastern Queensland, Australia, with a natural distribution from Mackay to Brisbane.

Unfortunately the lemon myrtle was very hard hit by the myrtle rust and the commercial availability of the smaller plants became very limited. You see, Backhousia citriodoras don’t grow true to form from seed, cutting grown is always best but Backhousias are notoriously hard to grow from cutting. Understand now why there can be a shortage some years! Older established trees are readily available and now the smaller ones are slowly coming back on the market.

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is an absolute delight for any garden. It is a small growing tree (around 3-5m) with leaves that release a strong lemon scent when crushed or after rain. I love breaking off a few and throwing them on the lawn before I mow. It makes mowing so much more enjoyable!

New growth is tinged red and in summer you’ll get abundant clusters of creamy white flowers which are loved by butterflies and bees.

Lemon myrtle is quite versatile and can be used as a screen, hedge or feature tree and is suitable for most gardens and courtyards. It loves the full sun and can handle the cold and dry once established. It is naturally thick and dense and doesn't require trimming to keep it neat.

A good fertilise with Organic Link on turn of every season would be appreciated by the tree.

Long, hot day calls for an icy mineral water (maybe with a splash of vodka) and some Backhousia citriodora leaves for a great tang.

The leaves, flowers and seeds of lemon myrtle are all edible and can be used in cooking to flavour biscuits, cakes, bread, pasta, meat and herbal teas. It can be also use to scent your own soaps or bath bombs.

Lemon Myrtle essential oil is also available. It has an intense lemony aroma which is uplifting and invigorating and is great to use when studying or just needing a gentle nudge into the fast track of the day.

One of my all time favourite natives. Trevallan always tries to have these amazing natives in stock

Macadamia tetraphylla

Did you know that Macadamia tetraphylla was the first Australian native food plant to be grown by non-indigenous Australians as a commercial crop?

What’s even cooler is that seedlings from this original plantation were used as rootstock for grafted modern varieties of Macadamia Nuts well into the 20th century.

Macadamia tetraphylla from Royal Botanical Garden in Sydney

In recent times commercial growers have stopped growing Macadamia tetraphylla and preferred to grow Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia Nut most of us know and love). The reason for this is the Macadamia tetraphylla has a higher sugar content than Macadamia integrifolia. Having a higher sugar content makes it really yummy when eaten raw but can lead to burning when used in baking.

Macadamia tetraphylla is native to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales and is now classed as a vulnerable in the wild.

Macadamia tetraphylla has long, pendulous nectar rich pink flowers that the insects and birds adore. They also have a delicious scent. After the flowers woody, rounded fruits appear which contain the edible seeds.

It can grow to 18m in best conditions but can be kept smaller. It is best suited for people who have space and is an excellent shade tree.

These trees are best growing in the ground. Best planting advice is dig your hole twice as big as your pot. Back fill with excellent quality garden soil and plant your tree, fertilise with Organic Link when planting. I like to fertilise all my natives on turn of every season (every three months) with Organic Link. It usually takes around three months for a tree to fully establish itself. Keep water and liquid fertiliser up to your tree over this time and allow it to get the best possible start in life.

We have some of these beauties in stock now

Finger Lime

Finger Limes are like our national treasure.

I always liken the little balls of tasty goodness to popping candy that I used to have as a kid.

Here’s this weird long fruit that you cut open to reveal what looks like caviar. You put these little balls of goodness on your tongue and a sweet Lime explosion happens in your mouth, giving a unique flavour sensation.

But to get to this amazing point we all need to remember the saying be thankful the thorn bush has roses!

To me Finger Lime bushes are spindly and exceptionally prickly. There really isn’t much more to say about their looks. As my mother always taught me if you can't say something nice, don't say anything!

As for care and attention, these guys are very hardy as long as you get it right! They Like a very warm protected position. This plant isn’t a fan of the cold and it also hates the burning sun. You have to remember that these plants are native to the rainforests of the border ranges of SE Queensland and Northern NSW.

I personally have found I can grow them better in a pot but I know a lovely family that is growing them by the tens at Pine Mountain in the ground.

They love a really nutrient dense soil so fertilise on the turn of every season with an excellent quality all round organic fertiliser like Organic Link.

Finger Lime Chartreuse

I have found it’s best to keep them trimmed as they can get a little, dare I say it, ugly !

White Autumn flowers are followed in Winter and Spring by slow-growing finger-shaped fruit containing glistening ‘citrus pearls’. The fruit is highly nutritious, rich in Vitamin C and high in antioxidants. Finger Lime fruit doesn’t ripen well off the tree, so pick only fully ripe fruit – these will feel full and detach easily. When opening the fruit, avoid getting oil from the rind onto the pearls, as this can affect the flavour.

Varieties Trevallan Stocks

Red Champagne variety of Finger limes produce fruit from December to March and they say the flavour is like spiced apple and apricot with a berry aroma... sounds like a good wine description!

Chartreuse has a subtle citrus flavour and is less bitter than other finger lime varieties.  It has green fruit with a pale green/yellow flesh. It is said to be ideal for salads, desserts and seafood. Chartreuse has a long fruiting season

Byron Sunrise is a dark skinned finger lime with tangy light pink coloured citrus pearls that strengthen in flavour when the fruit is cut and exposed to the air.

Crystal variety has very large fruit and can be vigorous, enabling the possibility of high yields per tree. The fruit is green skin with light green vesicles, bursting with flavour.

Seriously while these plants aren’t the prettiest plants they have a unique look that can work in many garden designs especially as containerised feature trees. Come into Trevallan today and get your own native fruit tree!

Brilliant Australian Native Plant

Photo by Brian Walters from the Australian Native Plants Society

Summer Red Eucalyptus would have to be the best flowering Australian Native gum tree for suburbia.

Before this range was released if you wanted a flowering gum tree you had to just go out and buy one and hope for the best. Sometimes the flowers turned out red and other times pink, but quite often it was an insipid white which you didn’t really want anyway. Plus the plant was straggly and had to be kept heavily trimmed to look nice.

The good news is that it’s now possible to buy flowering gums with predictable flower colours. Specially bred for the home garden, the new plants are hybrids between Eucalyptus ficifolia and Eucalyptus ptychocarpa, grafted on to Eucalyptus intermedia rootstock.

Eucalyptus ‘Summer Red’ produces masses of mid-pink to red flowers in summer and grows quickly to around 5 metres. It has large glossy green leaves and the new foliage is an attractive bronze colour. The trees should do well in most areas of Australia and will tolerate light frosts and drought.

Eucalyptus ‘Summer Red’ would be my ideal gum tree for the home garden. It is the perfect shade tree, with a height and spread of around 5m. It can be kept easily pruned and is even suitable for large pots.

Make a bird happy today and plant a Eucalyptus ‘Summer Red’!

It can be trimmed after flowering and I find its best to fertilise them at least three times a year with Organic Link.

A Stunning Australian Native Plant

Photo by Brian Walters from the Australian Native Plants Society

The Alloxylon flammeum, Queensland tree waratah, would have to be boss lady's favourite Australian native plant.

This tree is widely known as one of the most stunning rainforest trees (endemic to North Queensland Rainforest) with a spectacular flowering display in spring.  Despite its tropical origin, the tree waratah can be grown in cooler districts at least as far south as Sydney where the plant flowers reliably.

Alloxylon is from the Greek allo, strange or different and xylon, wood, referring to the unique wood anatomy of the genus - oak-like grain with very broad medullary rays. Flammeum is Latin, meaning flame-coloured or fiery red.

It is listed as 'Vulnerable' under the EPBC Act* (ie. facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with prescribed criteria).  Which means if you have the space get one of these beauties in your garden!

It has shiny green elliptical leaves up to 18 cm long, and prominent orange-red inflorescences (An inflorescence is a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem that is composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branches) that appear from August to October, followed by rectangular woody seed pods that ripen in February and March. Juvenile plants have large (up to 25 cm long) deeply lobed pinnate leaves.

It will flower most prolifically if grown in full sun in deep rich  soil with extra water given in periods of hot dry weather. In its native habitat it can grow to around 25m tall. In a normal garden it will get to around 10m tall and I find it to be the perfect shade tree.

You can trim after flowering but it has a natural beautiful shape that does not require trimming. It will need a good fertilise every three months. I use Organic Link on all my natives.