Heart-leaf Flame Pea for Part Shade

Chorizema cordatum, the Heart-leaf Flame Pea, with its alluring heart-shaped leaves and vibrant red-orange blossoms, is a superb choice for those shaded nooks in the garden. This resilient native plant adds a burst of colour and can brighten up those partially shaded areas where few other flowering plants can thrive.

From experience, I have found this charming native plant to be very versatile – thriving in diverse climates all the way from Victoria to South East Queensland and across to it’s natural home in the south west of Western Australia. When the light dims and other plants may falter, Chorizema cordatum continues to please with its lush foliage and vivid blooms, contributing to a diverse and dynamic garden landscape throughout the year. It benefits from regular pruning when young if a more compact and bushy shape is what you desire, otherwise let it go for a low scramble amongst other plants. If you’re in Sydney I recommend a trip to the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan to purchase the seedlings from the nursery there, as their mother plant has much larger flowers than the others I have seen sold. See the Australian Plant Society guide for growing or propagating this beautiful native plant.

Musk Mallow for Sub-Tropical Gardens

My cultivation of the Australian native Musk Mallow (Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. tuberosus) in warm temperate and sub-tropical gardens has revealed its exceptional resilience and capacity to act as a pollinator magnet. Boasting velvety coral to pastel red petals that resemble a hibiscus, but in a low growing and leafy perennial plant that does die down in the winter, the Must Mallow not only adds a splash of colour but also attracts an abundance of bees and other beneficial insects critical for a healthy ecosystem.

In my experience, the musk mallow’s seeds are robust and easy to germinate and once established they provide a low-maintenance addition to sub-tropical landscapes, well suited to a very wet summer season and extended winter dry. Consistent watering in the initial stages leads to a thriving, blossoming spectacle that performs year after year, making it a stalwart in my garden. Its prolonged flowering period ensures a continual feast for bee populations, securing the musk mallow’s role as both an ornamental and ecological cornerstone in my botanical design designs.

If googling this plant you need to use the Latin or scientific name to ensure you have the correct plant, as the common name Musk Mallow will bring up lots of exotic plants and imports that are not native to Australia. For those in South East Queensland, Paten Park native nursery is a good place to source this plant, or go to a native plant society plant market in your area.

Red Kangaroo Paw in Sunny Spots

If you have a hot sunny spot in your garden, then Red Kangaroo Paw, known scientifically as Anigozanthos, is ideally suited for sunny plots. This striking plant’s tubular red nectar-rich flowers beckon nectar feeding birds and become a lively hub of activity. Its sword-shaped leaves and unique petal arrangements add a dramatic flair to sun-drenched garden spaces, while also providing a resilient choice for gardens prone to dry conditions.

If you’re gardening in more tropical climates then I definitely recommend reading my guide to growing and choosing Kangaroo Paws for your garden as it’s critical to select the right species to avoid the common problems with these plants in humid climates. Furthermore, as I’ve nurtured these plants in my own garden, I’ve appreciated their low water requirements and how they contrast beautifully against leafy green shrubs multi-coloured blooms.

Red Grevilleas For Year Round Flowers

In my years of cultivating a range of species, I’ve come to admire the Red Grevillea for its remarkable hardiness and ability to flower throughout the year. While many plants succumb to the attacks of pests and diseases, grevilleas stand as a testament to resilience. The continuous blossoming cycle offers not just a visual treat but also a reliable source of nectar for local wildlife, something I’m always pleased to support in my garden.

Through personal observation and care, I’ve noted that most Red Grevillea’s water needs are modest, making them perfect addition to water-conscious gardens. The plant’s forgiving nature allows it to thrive even when my attention is spread thin across the many demands of my garden. Here are some of my favourite grevillea hybrids with red flowers for you to consider for your garden: Grevillea Fireworks is an attention grabbing grevillea with bright red and yellow flowers on a small low growing plant ideal for small gardens, Grevillea Border Red as deep red flowers that contrast beautifully with the deep olive green foliage and is also a small variety, Grevillea ‘Molly’ is a medium size shrub with abundant flowers for much of the year and a favourite in my Sunshine Coast garden. For more experienced gardeners Grevillea bronweniae has a stunning and unusual red flower, but I would recommend sourcing a grafted plant to guarantee success outside of it’s natural climate in the Jarrah forests of south-west WA.

Kennedia coccinea: A Useful Climber

One of the gems in my Australian native garden is Kennedia coccinea, a spectacular but delicate climber that is perhaps more orange or coral red, with touches of pink in dense clusters of pretty pea flowers. With its bright coloured flowers, it invites numerous butterflies, providing a living tableau that enhances the garden’s appeal and biodiversity.

I’ve found that positioning Kennedia coccinea in areas with half day of sunlight is best for encouraging a spectacular display of blooms in rich tones. Morning sun is the best as it can die quickly if allowed to dry out in a hot spot in the garden. You will need very good drainage in either sandy soil, a raised garden bed or a free draining pot. This climber is a great companion plant for other climbers as it will grow gently among it’s companion plants to provide a longer flowering period on your fence, trellis or garden feature. Whenever I grow a climber I always plant two contrasting colours together so I can enjoy a longer flowering season and more interesting colour combinations. In the gallery below I have it planted with Hardenbergia comptoniana which is a spectacular form of Hardenbergia found naturally in south-west Western Australia.