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Top 5 Australian Native Plants to Transform Your Commercial Space This Spring

Whether you’re greening a retail precinct, office park or council-managed open space, planting native species ensures your landscape thrives with minimal water, supports local biodiversity and provides a sense of place rooted in Country.

With spring just around the corner in Sydney, now is the ideal time to plan and prepare your planting schedule. Here are five classic native plants perfect for commercial spaces, along with tips on when to plant and how to prepare for a successful spring planting season.

🌿 1. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)

Why it’s great:
Striking, fuzzy flower stalks in vibrant colours (red, yellow, orange, green) that add dramatic flair and attract native birds.

Best for:
Garden beds, entryways, open plazas

When to plant in Sydney:
Late winter to early spring (August–October)

Preparation tip:
Prefers full sun and well-drained soils. Lightly mulch and water during establishment.

🌱 2. Lilly Pilly (Syzygium smithii)

Why it’s great:
A robust hedging or screening plant with dense green foliage and pink edible berries. Great for structure and privacy.

Best for:
Boundaries, car parks, building perimeters

When to plant in Sydney:
Spring (September–November)

Preparation tip:
Choose a suitable cultivar for size. Add compost and water deeply after planting.

🌼 3. Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)

Why it’s great:
A hardy, drought-resistant shrub with neat form and soft purple-white flowers year-round. Perfect for structured landscapes.

Best for:
Pathways, medians, low-maintenance gardens

When to plant in Sydney:
Any time in spring (September–November)

Preparation tip:
Tolerates salt and wind, ideal for exposed commercial areas. Trim for shape.

🍃 4. Native Violet (Viola hederacea)

Why it’s great:
A spreading groundcover with dainty purple and white flowers. Softens edges and suppresses weeds.

Best for:
Shady beds, under trees, decorative ground cover

When to plant in Sydney:
Early to mid-spring (September–October)

Preparation tip:
Prefers moist, shaded spots with well-draining soil.

🌸 5. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)

Why it’s great:
Bold red flower spikes, evergreen foliage, and bird-attracting qualities make this native a landscape staple.

Best for:
Feature planting, council verges, public buildings

When to plant in Sydney:
Mid to late spring (October–November)

Preparation tip:
Plant in full sun. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape.

Preparing for Spring Planting

To ensure success:

• Start planning in late winter (July–August)
  Secure your native plant stock early, especially for larger commercial projects.

• Prepare the soil
  Remove weeds, cultivate soil and amend with organic matter where needed.

• Set up irrigation
  Consider drip systems for water efficiency.

• Mulch and protect
  Helps retain moisture and reduce weeds during establishment.

Want Culturally-Informed Advice and Native Plants for Your Project?

At Muru Mittigar Native Nursery, we grow high-quality, locally propagated Australian native plants ideal for commercial and council-scale projects. Whether you need advice, supply, or planting services, we’re here to help you care for Country the right way.

Locate us at Muru Mittigar Native Nursery
128b Terrybrook Rd, Llandilo NSW 2747

Contact Richard Burrell, Nursery Manager
Phone: 421 111 419
Email: richard.burrell@murumittigar.com.au

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