Adapted to similar soils and climates as Australian, non native plants often cope just as well as our Native species. Non native species bring great value to your landscape design, providing a variety of flower types and colours, along with stunning foliage variation. From countries like, Africa, Asia, America & New Zealand, Exotic species have adapted very well to the vast range of climatic regions throughout Australia. What non native species often don’t achieve is providing a diverse food source for our Native Fauna, however the possum has become quite partial to a Hibiscus flower or two. Some believe that non native species do not have the hardy nature of our native species. When you consider some of their origins, it is easy to understand just how hardy some species would need to be just to survive in their native land.
Neighbouring Native
Plants like Metrosideros are often mistaken as an Australian Native species when in fact they are one of New Zealand’s prized Natives. The New Zealand Christmas Tree features large, bright red/orange pompom flowers. These beautiful flowers are like a beacon to our Native bird life, like Lorikeet & other honey eaters, who happily feed on the nectar these flowers produce.
Non native plants like Agave, Yukka, Bougainvillea (just to name a few) are often used in garden designs throughout the country because of their ability to cope well in our climate. Originating in South America, these species have had to withstand long periods of time without high levels of moisture, in soils that are poor. These species are very adaptable making them a wonderful inclusion in Arid Garden Designs. They also hit the brief for inclusion in a Tropical/Balinese Garden Design, bringing wonderful foliage variation & flower colour.
Dracaena, Strelitzia, Crassula & Agapanthus just to name a popular few, originate in Africa & have all been extensively used throughout Australian gardens. When you think about how South Africa and Australia were joined 80-150 million years ago, you can understand why other species including Banksia, Grevillea & Macadamia (all part of the Proteaceae Family) also thrive naturally in Australian soils.
There are so many different species of non native plants utilised in Australian garden design. The diverse foliage and flower colour, along with hardiness, means non native species hold just as much value in your garden design as native species.
Our native animals are integral to the ecosystems in our neighbourhoods & should be supported as much as possible. If you’re having trouble with possums eating your fruits & vegetables, then consider planting more native species. They will certainly prefer to feed from the safety of the trees then venture down into your productive garden.
So, when you think hardy plant species don’t just think native, as non native plant species can be just as resilient, making them a worthy inclusion in your backyard landscape design.
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