Microsoft Word - PLANT LIST for residentsPLANTS RECOMMENDED FOR THE
COPPER COAST REGION
INTRODUCTION
This list was compiled by the District Council of the Copper Coast
after consultation with a number of plant growers in the Copper
Coast region. Organisations consulted included;
• The Kadina Growing Company
• Northern Yorke Peninsula Australian Plants Society
Factors that were considered when selecting plants for this list
included;
• Suitability to local conditions
• Sustainability with minimum or no supplementary irrigation
• Growth characteristics, (plants that are likely to become weeds
if they escape into the natural environment have been
avoided)
• Availability It is important to choose the plant that not only
possesses the form and function you require, but also suits the
conditions that you can provide. The list contains both native and
non-native plants. The list is intended to recommend plants that
will grow in the Copper Coast region under normal conditions. It is
not a complete list of plants that will grow in the region and is
not intended to be. The list will be updated on a regular basis as
different plants are recommended to Council that meet the required
criteria. It is anticipated that the list will be of assistance to
developers, landscapers and property owners. A Coastal Garden that
displays plants that are suited to front line coastal conditions,
second line coastal conditions and the dune environment has been
established on the foreshore adjacent to the corner of Riley Road
and The Esplanade, North Beach Township. The garden is a living
demonstration of plants suited for gardens in a coastal
environment.
CONTENTS
TREES 1. Allocasuarina verticillata 2. Callistemon ‘Harkness’ 3.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis 4. Eucalyptus cladocalyx 5. Eucalyptus
forrestiana 6. Eucalyptus incrassata var. incrassata 7. Eucalyptus
sargentii 8. Eucalyptus socialis 9. Eucalyptus stricklandii 10.
Eucalyptus torquata 11. Eucalyptus ‘Torwood’ 12. Melaleuca
lanceolata 13. Pittosporum phylliraeoides
SHRUBS
1. Acacia iteaphylla 2. Acacia notabilis 3. Adenanthos detmoldii 4.
Alyogyne hakeifolia 5. Alyogyne huegelii 6. Atriplex nummularia 7.
Banksia prionotes 8. Bursaria spinosa 9. Callistemon rugulosus 10.
Calothamnos quadrifidus 11. Chamelaucium uncinatum 12. Correa alba
13. Eremophila maculata 14. Eremophila nivea 15. Eremophila
oppositifolia 16. Escallonia ‘Red Elf’ 17. Hebe ‘Inspiration’ 18.
Melaleuca acuminate 19. Melaleuca pauperiflora 20. Photinia robusta
21. Westringia fruiticosa 22. Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Gem’
SHRUBS/PLANTS TO 1 METRE IN HEIGHT 1. Acacia glaucoptera 2.
Agapanthus orientalis 3. Correa pulchella ‘Dusky Bells’ 4. Cuphea
‘Tiny Mice’ 5. Dianella revoluta ‘Little Rev’ 6. Dieties spp 7.
Euryops pectinatus 8. Hebe buxifolia 9. Lavandula pendunculata 10.
Lomandra spp. 11. Rhagodia candolleana 12. Rosmarinus
officinalis
GROUNDCOVERS
GRASSES
1. Cymbopogon ambiguous 2. Isolepis nodosa
TREES Allocasuarina verticillata Native Drooping Sheoak
Round-headed, small-to-medium-sized tree that will grow in a
variety of sites. Height 6 metres with a spread of 4 metres. It is
well-known as a tree tolerant of sandy, dry soils, and coastal salt
spray. Although known as a coastal plant it also grows successfully
on heavy, cracking clay soils. Has been used extensively on
difficult sites both in Australia and abroad. Drought, frost and
lime tolerant. Requires minimal supplemental watering. A.
verticillata looks poorly-as it grows, but this appearance will
change with age. Do not plant closer than 3.5 metres from sewer
pipes.
Callistemon ‘Harkness’ Native Call. ‘Gawler Hybrid’ Rounded small
tree to 4 metres in height with a spread up to 3 meters. Masses of
bright red flower spikes in spring and autumn. Very hardy. Thrives
on alkaline soils. Drought, frost tolerant. Attracts nectar feeding
birds and insects. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Do not
plant closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Native River Red Gum Large spreading tree
to 30 metres in height. Will accept wet conditions. E.camaldulensis
is a hardy tree in cultivation but is probably too large for most
urban gardens. It adapts to a wide range of soils but growth is
best in soils with an assured supply of water. The white flowers
are seen mainly in late spring and summer and these are followed by
small seed capsules about 60 mm diameter with protruding valves.
Should not be overlooked for use in large open landscapes where a
dominant tree is required in the landscape. Requires supplemental
watering.
Eucalyptus cladocalyx Native Bushy Sugar Gum Small spreading tree
to 10 metres in height. Very hardy and fast growing. Will tolerate
most soils and conditions. Drought and frost tolerant. An excellent
plant for windbreaks due to its bushy growth habit. It can be
difficult to establish other plants under this species due to the
competitive root structure. Creamy yellow flowers in spring.
Eucalyptus forrestiana Native Fuchsia Gum A small, bushy tree to 5
metres in height with a spread of 4 metres. Attractive, pendulous
capsules which are bright red at flowering time. Red and orange
flowers. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Suitable for
shelter, ornamental or street planting. Drought and frost tolerant.
Prefers full sun. Is a bird attractant. Do not plant closer than
3.5 metres from sewer pipes.
Eucalyptus incrassata var. incrassata Native Yellow Mallee Small
tree to 5 metres. Will tolerate sandy soils and second line coastal
conditions. Creamy white to yellow flowers in winter. Drought,
fire, salt and frost tolerant. Bushy with attractive buds and
fruit. A good honey tree. Prefers a well drained soil. Nectar
eating bird and insect attracting. Requires minimal supplemental
watering. Do not plant closer than 3.5 metres from sewer
pipes.
Eucalyptus sargentii Native Salt River Mallee Small tree to 8
metres in height with a spread of 6 metres. Fast growing, hardy
tree with masses of cream flowers in spring and summer. Drought and
frost tolerant. Will tolerate most soils including saline soils and
poorly drained soils. Will tolerate second line coastal conditions.
Attracts nectar eating birds and insects. Requires minimal
supplemental watering. Do not plant closer than 3.5 metres from
sewer pipes.
Eucalyptus socialis Native Grey Mallee or Beaked Red Mallee Small
tree to 8 metres in height with a spread of 5 metres. Cream to
white flowers in summer and winter. Tolerates most soil types.
Drought and moderate frost tolerance. Will tolerate second line
coastal conditions. Leaves used for oil extraction. Prefers full
sun. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Attracts nectar eating
birds and insects. Do not plant closer than 2 metres from sewer
pipes.
Eucalyptus stricklandii Native Strickland's Gum Small tree to 10m
in height with a spread of 7 metres. Yellow flowers in autumn and
spring. An excellent tree for gardens and for screening. Tolerates
most soil types and second line coastal conditions. Requires
minimal supplemental watering. Frost and drought tolerant. Prefers
full sun. Nectar eating bird and insect attracting. Do not plant
closer than 3.5 metres from sewer pipes.
Eucalyptus torquata Native Coral Gum Small spreading tree to 8
metres in height. Prefers full sun and a well drained soil. White
to deep pink pendulous flowers. Drought and moderate salt
tolerance. Protect from frosts when young. One of Australia’s best
gum trees for the home garden. Can also be grown in large pots or
tubs. Moderate supplemental watering.
Eucalyptus ‘Torwood’ Native Eucalyptus ‘Torwood’ is a hybrid
between E. torquata and E. woodwardii. Small tree to 10metres in
height. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Tolerates most
soils. Frost and drought tolerant. Prefers semi shade to full sun.
Abundant large yellow to orange showy flowers in summer and winter.
Attracts nectar eating birds and insects.
Melaleuca lanceolata Native Dryland Tea Tree Small tree to 6 metres
in height with a 4 metre spread. Suitable for screening and
windbreaks. Flowers are creamy white in loose spikes in spring and
summer. A very hardy plant . Tolerates full sun or part shade.
Tolerates most soils. Moderate frost tolerance. Tolerates drought,
fire, limestone, salt spray and strong winds. Requires minimal
supplemental watering. Do not plant closer than 3.5 metres from
sewer pipes.
Pittosporum phylliraeoides Native Small tree to 8 metres high with
very pendulous branches. Flowers are creamy yellow in spring and
summer. Bears orange fruits with red seeds. A sunny well drained
position is required. Grows well in coastal conditions. Do not
plant closer than 3.5 metres from sewer pipes. Requires minimal
supplemental watering.
SHRUBS Acacia iteaphylla Native Flinders Range Wattle Weeping shrub
to 3 metres in height with a spread of 2 metres. Narrow grey
phyllodes (leaves). Yellow flowers in autumn and winter. Useful as
a hedge plant. Tolerates most soils but good drainage is preferred.
Attracts nectar eating birds and insects. Tolerates second line
coastal conditions. Do not plant closer than 2 metres from sewer
pipes.
Acacia notabilis Native Notable Wattle Large bushy spreading shrub
to 3 metres in height by 2 metres spread. Large ball shaped yellow
flowers in spring and summer. Pendulous branches. Tolerates most
soil types. Prefers good drainage. Frost and drought tolerant.
Prefers full sun to semi shade. Requires minimal supplemental
watering. Attracts nectar eating birds and insects. Do not plant
closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Adenanthos detmoldii Native Woolybush
Narrow leaved shrub to 2 metres in height with a spread of 1 metre.
Flowers are usually red or pink in autumn and spring. Tolerates
second line coastal conditions. Prefers good drainage and dabbled
shade or full sun. Moderate frost tolerance. Attracts nectar eating
birds and insects. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Drought,
strong wind, lime and salt spray tolerant.
Alyogyne hakeifolia Native Red Centred Hibiscus Open shrub to 3
metres in height. Mauve or Cream Hibiscus like flowers in spring
and summer. Hardy plant suitable for most soils. Tolerates second
line coastal conditions. Tolerates full sun to part shade. Requires
minimal supplemental watering. Bird and butterfly attractant. Do
not plant closer than 3.5 metres to sewer pipes.
Alyogyne huegelii Native Native Hibiscus Fast growing rounded shrub
to 2 metres in height with a spread of 1.5 metres. Mauve, purple,
white and yellow flowers occur in spring and autumn. Bird and
butterfly attractant. Tolerates full sun and part shade. Hardy
plant suitable for most soils but prefers good drainage. Pruning
required to maintain compact shape. Protect from strong winds.
Drought and limestone tolerant. Moderate frost tolerance. Tolerates
second line coastal conditions. Requires minimal supplemental
watering. Do not plant closer than 3.5 metres from sewer
pipes.
Atriplex nummularia Native Old Man Saltbush Dense shrub growing to
3 metres in height with a spread of 3 metres. Suitable for erosion
control and exposed coastal sites. Prefers full sun. Silver grey
foliage and insignificant yellow and brown flowers all year round.
Fire retardant. Tolerates most soils. Drought, limestone and salt
spray tolerant. Moderate frost tolerance. Requires no supplemental
watering. Do not plant closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Banksia prionotes Native Orange Banksia Large open shrub to 6
metres in height with a spread of 4 metres. Cylindrical orange
flower spikes in winter and summer. Tolerates drought, lime and
frost. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Tolerates second
line coastal conditions. Responds well to light pruning. Good
drainage and full sun essential. Attracts native birds and insects.
Do not plant closer than 3.5 metres from sewer pipes.
Bursaria spinosa Native Christmas Bush Erect, thorny shrub to 3
metres in height. Its thorny nature should be a consideration when
placing the plant. Prickly branches provide protection for smaller
birds against predators. The flowers are also an important source
of nectar for butterflies. Masses of white flowers cover the bush
in autumn and summer followed by attractive brown fruits. A very
hardy plant that will grow in almost any situation. Drought and
moderate frost tolerance. Requires minimal supplemental watering.
Bursaria will often colonise cleared land. Do not plant closer than
3.5 metres from sewer pipes.
Callistemon rugulosus Native Scarlet Bottle Brush (Syn. C.
macropunctartus) Rounded shrub to 2 metres in height by 2 metres
spread. Prolific deep red flowers occurring in spring. Drought and
frost tolerant. Tolerates most soils. Prefers full sun. Very easy
to grow.
Calothamnos quadrifidus, (Dwarf form) Native One-sided
Bottlebrush
Highly ornamental compact shrub to 1.5 metres in height with a
spread of 1 metre. Pine like foliage. Responds to pruning. Red
flowers occur in spring and summer. Requires good drainage and full
sun. Tolerates second line coastal conditions. Requires minimal
supplemental watering. Bird and insect attractant. Do not plant
closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Chamelaucium uncinatum Native Geraldton Wax Many cultivars are
available.
Spreading open shrub to 3 metres in height. Large open flowers from
white to deep purple occur in spring. Good drainage is essential.
Tolerates most soils. Tip pruning encourages a bushy growth habit.
Withstands extensive dry periods. Attracts honey eating birds and
insects. Prefers full sun. Requires minimal supplemental watering.
Do not plant closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes. There is some
concern with Chamelaucium uncinatum escaping from gardens into
the
native environment.
Correa alba Native White Correa
Rounded shrub to 1.5 metres in height with a 1 metre spread. White
flowers mainly in winter. Hardy in most well drained soils. Will
tolerate salt spray. Prefers full sun. Attracts nectar eating
birds. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Do not plant closer
than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Eremophila spp. Native Emu or Poverty Bushes
With over 100 species, the genus Eremophila essentially occupies
the arid zones of Australia. Eremophila spp. Show a great variation
in foliage. Leaves are often waxy or covered with grey hairs to
combat the rigours of a harsh arid environment. Flowers are tubular
and the colour is variable but usually showy with red, pink, cream
and purple being common. In cultivation, good drainage and a warm
sunny position is essential. Some of the species best suited to
this region are; Eremophila maculata Native Spotted Emu Bush
Cultivars are available in a variety of forms and colours. Flowers
in spring and winter. Variable forms from .5 metre to 3 metres in
height with a .5 metre to 3 m spread. Tolerates full sun to part
shade, drought, fire, limestone soils and frost. Attracts nectar
eating birds and insects. Requires minimal supplemental watering.
Do not plant closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes. Caution – toxic
to stock.
Eremophila nivea Native Silky Eremophila Small to medium shrub 1
metre to 2 metres in height with a spread of up to 1.5 metres.
Attractive silver grey foliage that responds well to pruning. Mauve
flowers in spring and summer. Attracts nectar eating birds and
insects. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Prefers a well
drained soil but can tolerate limited periods of inundation.
Tolerates second line coastal conditions, fire, limestone soils and
moderate frost. Prefers full sun to part shade. Do not plant closer
than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Eremophila oppositifolia Native Two leaf Emu Bush Medium shrub to 3
metres in height with a spread of 2 metres. Cream flowers in spring
and winter. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Grey green
foliage. Responds well to pruning. Prefers loam to clay soils.
Tolerates fire, drought, second line coastal conditions, limestone
soil and moderate frost. Do not plant closer than 2 metres from
sewer pipes.
Escallonia ‘Red Elf’ Non native Chilean Gum Box A compact, free
flowering shrub to 1.5 metres in height with a spread of 1 metre.
Glossy green leaves and deep red flowers in spring and summer.
Prefers a well drained soil and part to full sun. Tolerates second
line coastal conditions. This plant is excellent for hedging or can
be grown in a container. Bee and butterfly attracting. Requires
minimal supplemental watering. Do not plant closer than 2 metres
from sewer pipes.
Hebe ‘Inspiration’ Non native Dense spreading shrubto .7 metre in
height with a spread of 1 metre. Prefers well drained soil and full
sun to part shade. Tolerates second line coastal conditions. Purple
flowers in summer and dark green foliage. Tolerates drought fire
and most soils. Requires moderate supplemental watering. Butterfly
attracting. Do not plant closer than 2 metres from sewer
pipes.
Melaleuca acuminata Native Mallee Honey Myrtle Hardy, spreading or
erect shrub to 3.5 metres in height with a 2 metre spread. Cream
flowers in long spikes on old wood occur in spring. A very hardy
plant in most conditions. Will tolerate moderately saline and damp
conditions. Drought tolerant. Prefers a well drained soil. Responds
well to regular pruning. Attracts nectar eating birds and insects.
Tolerates second line coastal conditions. Requires minimal
supplemental watering. Do not plant closer than 2 metres from sewer
pipes.
Melaleuca pauperiflora Native (Syn. M. sheathiana) Erect, almost
tree like shrub to 3 metres in height with a spread of 1.5 metres.
Bears white flowers in spring. A hardy plant in most
situations.
Photinia robusta Non native Photinia Evergreen shrub with glossy
green leaves, red coppery new growth. Excellent clipped into a
hedge or a screen. Grows to a height of 3 metres. Small clusters of
white flowers in late spring. Hardy and adaptable to most soil
conditions. Once established is very hardy & drought
tolerant.
Westringia fruiticosa Native Coastal Rosemary. Rounded, dense shrub
to 2 metres in height with a spread up to 2 metres. White flowers
for most of the year. Suitable as a hedge plant. Responds well to
heavy pruning. Tolerates drought, moderate frost, and some salt
spray. Very hardy in almost all situations including coastal sites.
Prefers full sun. Attracts birds, butterflies and insects. Mature
plants are a bird habitat. Requires minimal supplemental
watering.
Westringia Wynyabbie Gem Native Hybrid of W. fruticosa and W.
eremicola. Dense shrub to 1.5 metres in height with a spread of 1.5
metres. Flowers are blue-mauve with browny-orange spots, mainly in
spring but occasionally over most of the year. Sunny open sites are
desirable and most soils are suitable. Pruning is required for a
compact form. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Attracts
native birds and insects for food and habitat refuge. Caterpillar
plant food.
SHRUBS/PLANTS TO 1 METRE IN HEIGHT
Acacia glaucoptera Native Flat Wattle Unusual bluish green foliage
with slightly prickly wing like phyllodes (leaves). Reddish new
growth. Yellow globular flowers in spring and winter. Height .5
metre with a spread of 2 metres. Requires minimal supplemental
watering. Pruning to remove dead wood is required in cultivation.
Responds well to pruning. Tolerates most well drained soils and
second line coastal conditions. Prefers full sun to part shade.
Drought, limestone and moderate frost tolerance. Attracts birds for
habitat. Do not plant closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Agapanthus orientalis Non native Agapanthus Plants with long strap
like fleshy leaves that form dense clumps. Tall stem above the
foliage hold bell shaped blue to purple to white flowers that
appear over long periods in summer. Plants grow to 1 metre in
height. Plant at 60cm centres. Hardy, easy to grow. Tolerates well
drained poor soils. Prefers full sun. Remove spent flowers to
encourage further flowering. Care should be taken to ensure plants
are contained within the garden. Discarded plant
material could establish in the natural environment. Below ground
plant parts are
poisonous.
Correa pulchella ‘Dusky Bells’ Native Dainty shrub to about 80cm
high with a spread of 1.5 metres. Prune after flowering to maintain
a dense habit. Orange to pink bell shaped flowers in winter to
early spring. Prefers well drained alkaline soils and will tolerate
shade. Drought, limestone and moderate frost tolerance. Will
tolerate second line coastal conditions. Requires minimal
supplemental watering. Attracts nectar feeding native birds. Do not
plant closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Cuphea ‘Tiny Mice’ Non Native
Small shrub grows to 40cm. in height with a spread of 1 metre. The
red and purple flowers resemble mouse ears, hence the name. Flowers
occur in spring, summer and autumn. Prefers full sun or part shade
and is frost and salt tolerant. Will grow in containers. Plants die
back in winter. Prune during the growing season to promote new
growth. Requires minimal supplemental watering.
Dianella revoluta ‘Little Rev’ Native Black Anther Flax Lilly Flax
like leaves, attractive in rockeries and water features. Can be
mass planted as a ground cover. Grows to 40cm with a spread of
30cm. Prefers full sun to part shade. Extremely hardy but requires
a well drained soil. Tolerates second line coastal conditions.
Flowers are bright blue with yellow anthers. Bright blue berries
are also a feature of these plants. ‘Little Rev’ is smaller than
most Dianellas. Attracts native birds and insects. Requires minimal
supplemental watering. Poisonous if eaten.
Dieties spp Non native Attractive, clump forming perennial with
light green sword shaped leaves. Yellow flowers with brownish spots
throughout spring and summer. A fast growing, spreading plant for
most situations and soils. This plant is not a native and care must
be taken not to let the plant escapee to the natural environment.
This plant can be grown in containers. Requires minimal
supplemental watering.
Euryops pectinatus Non native ‘Little Sunray’ Dense, compact shrub
to 1 metre in height with a spread of 1 metre. Yellow daisy flowers
in spring and summer. Prefers full sun to part shade. Requires a
well drained soil. Tolerates second line coastal conditions,
drought, lime stone and moderate frost. Butterfly and bee
attractant. Requires minimal supplemental watering.
Hebe buxifolia Non native Low growing, dense, rounded shrub to 1
metre in height with a spread of 1 metre. White flowers in spring
and summer. Ideal in tubs, rockeries and most garden situations.
Can be clipped to form a small hedge or interplanted with other
small shrubs. Frost hardy, ideal in coastal situations. Tolerates
full sun to part shade and most well drained soils. Prune after
flowering. Drought and moderate frost tolerance. Butterfly
attracting. Requires moderate supplemental watering. Do not plant
closer than 2 metres from sewer pipes.
Lavandula pendunculata Non native Italian Lavender Hardy, dense,
rounded shrub to 60 cm in height with a spread of 80 cm. Purple
flowers in spring and summer. Tolerates most well drained soils.
Tolerates drought, limestone and second line coastal conditions.
Moderate frost tolerance. Requires full sun. Butterfly and bee
attractant. Requires minimal supplemental watering.
Lomandra spp. Native Hardy, tussocky, strap leaved plants. Useful
in bush gardens and rockeries. When planted on mass they provide
soil stabilisation. Cutting back will initiate fresh growth.
Require a well drained soil in part shade or full sun. Requires
minimal supplemental watering. Will tolerate drought and second
line coastal conditions. Food source for butterflies and larvae.
Habitat refuge for small mammals and reptiles.
Many varieties are available that tolerate different conditions and
grow to different heights. Select varieties to suit the position
where they are required. Rhagodia candolleana Native Seaberry
Saltbush Low growing spreading shrub to 1 metre in height with a
spread of 1.5 metres. Green flowers in spring and summer. Prune to
promote bushier growth. Requires good drainage. Tolerates full sun
and full shade and most alkaline soils. Drought, limestone and
moderately frost tolerant. Withstands second line coastal
conditions. Food source and habitat refuge for small birds, lizards
and mammals. Requires minimal supplemental watering. Is a fire
retardant plant.
Rosmarinus officinalis Non native Rosemary Small dense shrub to 1
metre in height with a spread of 1 metre. Needle like leaves.
Responds to heavy pruning to maintain shape. Blue flowers in autumn
and spring. Tolerates second line coastal conditions. Requires full
sun. Butterfly attracting. Drought, limestone, fire and strong wind
tolerant. Will grow in areas of high pollution. Moderate frost
tolerance. Requires minimal supplemental watering.
GROUNDCOVERS Eremophila glabra (prostrate, yellow) Native Common
Emu Bush Hardy groundcover with a dense matting effect that
suppresses weeds and stabilises soils. Grows to a height of .3
metre with a spread of 1.5 metres. Variable foliage colours.
Responds well to pruning. Full sun to part shade. Requires good
drainage. Will grow in most alkaline soils. Tolerates second line
coastal conditions. Drought, fire, limestone and moderately frost
tolerant. Attracts nectar eating birds and insects. Requires
minimal supplemental watering.
Dampiera rosmarinifolia Native Suckering groundcover plant with
leaves similar to common Rosemary. May require pruning to keep
under control. Dense growth aids weed suppression and soil
stabilisation. Bright blue, mauve, pink, purple or white flowers in
spring and summer. Full sun and good drainage preferred. May be
grown in hanging baskets. Prefers well drained soils. Tolerates
second line coastal conditions, drought, limestone and moderate
frost. Attracts native butterflies. Requires minimal supplemental
watering.
Hardenbergia violaceae Native False/Native Sarsaparilla Trailing
plant covering at least 1 square metre. Various forms are
available. Climbing forms may take over other plants. Responds to
hard pruning. “Pea” flowers in winter and spring are usually violet
in colour but pink, white and other colours are sometimes found.
Drought, limestone and moderate frost tolerance. Tolerates most
soils and second line coastal conditions. Prefers full sun. Many
cultivars are available and cultivars grown to suit the conditions
where the plant is required should be sought. Attracts native
butterflies and is a caterpillar food source. Requires minimal
supplemental watering.
Myoporum parvifolium Native Creeping Boobialla Fast growing weed
suppressing groundcover to 30cm in height. Plant at 1 metre
centres. Purple and green leaf forms are available. Masses of white
star shaped flowers throughout the year. Tolerates second line
coastal conditions. Bird and butterfly attractant. Tolerates most
well drained soils. Full sun preferred. Tolerates fire, drought,
limestone and some salt spray. Moderate frost tolerance. Requires
minimal supplemental watering.
GRASSES
Cymbopogon ambiguous Native Lemon-scented Grass. Fast growing,
perennial,tufted, blue-grey grass with fluffy silver flowerheads to
a height of .8 metre. Lemon fragrance to the foliage. Requires
minimal supplemental watering. Can be cut back to improve shape and
to encourage regeneration. Will self seed when established. Highly
effective when mass planted in borders and verges. Tolerates most
soils, drought and moderate frosts. Full sun to part shade. Habitat
and food source for small native birds and butterflies
Isolepis nodosa Native Knobby Club-rush Fast growing, hardy,
clumping grass. Grows to a height of 1 metre with a spread of 1
metre. Can be used as a sand binder in coastal areas. Tolerates
second line coastal conditions. Brown knobby flowers for most of
the year. Prefers full sun or part shade. Drought, limestone, salt
spray and moderate frost tolerance. Will grow in most well drained
soils. Requires no supplemental watering.
TERMS USED IN THE GUIDE; • No Supplementary Watering. Once
established the plant requires no supplementary
water.
• Minimal Supplementary Watering. Once established the plant may
require supplementary water in extended periods without rain.
• Moderate Supplementary Watering. Once established the plant may
require supplementary water in summer and dry periods.
• second line coastal conditions. Plants will tolerate some degree
of salt exposure. Plants will generally require a well drained
alkaline soil, and need to tolerate strong winds.
• Small tree up to 10 metres, Medium tree 10 to 20 metres, Large
tree over 20 metres.
REFERENCES Rainfall in the Copper Coast Region.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology the average annual rainfall
of Kadina, (Bureau of Meteorology weather station site), is
approximately 377mm. Wallaroo has a similar rainfall to Kadina. The
average rainfall in Moonta tends to be slightly higher than Kadina.
Detailed information can be obtained from the Bureau of meteorology
, www.bom.gov.au SA Water
Information regarding planting near sewers has been obtained from
Schedule 1, Regulation 24.2 of the Sewerage Act. Detailed
information can be obtained from SA Water, www.sawater.com.au Plant
information Information on plant species was obtained from;
• The Sustainable Landscapes Project. An initiative of the South
Australian Government that focuses on plants suitable for
sustainable landscapes. Additional information can be obtained at
www.environment.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/sustainable.html
• Australian Native Plants. John W. Wrigley & Murray Fagg
• Australian Plant Study Group – Grow What Where
• District Council of the Copper Coast – Parks & Gardens
staff.
Projects & Property Officer – Andy West