With a hot season on the way, hardy varieties will be the plants that survive. These ones retain their ornamental form while storing water, and require almost no maintenance. They especially suit lawn-free courtyard.
Spikes of colour
New Zealand flax is a modern plant with spiky, strappy leaves in purple, pink and peachy stripes popular with architectural-style gardens. Plant it in a sunny spot with good drainage.
/>The eye-catching New Zealand flax makes a bold statement when planted in a pot
Striking ornamental
The slow-growing agave is a succulent that thrives on lots of sunlight, well-drained soil and protection from frost. Plant in sandy ground or keep in large pots.
The slow growing agave is a sensible, low maintenance choice
Stunning flowers
Part of the agave family, the strappy-leafed yucca has rosettes of evergreen, sword-shaped leaves and produces large clusters of white flowers. Plant in hot, dry conditions.
/>Save water without sacrificing luscious displays of blooms
National icon
A creeping plant with blood-red flowers that have a prominent black bump, Sturt’s desert pea withstands extreme hot, dry conditions and light frosts when established.
This Australian Native evolved to survive the harshest, dry condiitons
Pretty in pink
The narrow-leaf native hop bush grows up to three metres with bright, sticky, green leaves in spring. It tolerates a wide range of conditions but prefers well-drained sandy soil.
/>The Narrow-leaf hop usually grows 2-3m tall and thrives in light sandy soils
Aussie classic
Sandhill wattle is a dome-shaped shrub that grows between one and four metres with bright yellow, globular flowers in spring. It likes sandy soil with minimal fertilising.
Flowers of the Sand Hill Wattle usually appear in the spring