Introduction: Summer in Australia can be brutal for our gardens. With temperatures soaring and water restrictions often in place, it pays to choose plants that love the heat. In this guide, we will explore the best native species that can survive and thrive with minimal water.
Why Choose Natives?
Native plants have evolved over thousands of years to handle our unique climate. They have deep root systems designed to seek out moisture deep in the soil profile. Unlike imported European flowers that wilt at the first sign of a 30-degree day, these tough Aussies barely break a sweat.
“The key to a survival garden is choosing the right plant for the right spot. Don’t fight the climate—embrace it.”
Top 5 Picks for 2026
Here are our top recommendations for a bulletproof summer garden:
- Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos): Loves the sun and attracts nectar-feeding birds.
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon): Extremely hardy and comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
- Banksia: Iconic, structural, and tough as nails.
- Pigface (Carpobrotus): An excellent groundcover that holds moisture in its succulent leaves.
Watering Tips for Establishment
Even drought-tolerant plants need help getting started. For the first 12 weeks, water deeply once a week to encourage those roots to go down. Once established, you can back off significantly.
Happy Gardening!