Gardening in Western Australia can be both rewarding and challenging, especially during the harsh summer months. With scorching temperatures and minimal rainfall, choosing the right plants is essential to keep your garden looking attractive and healthy.
In our experience, incorporating drought-resistant plants and water-wise landscaping techniques, creates a stunning, low-maintenance garden that stays vibrant year-round.
As experts here at Looking Good Landscaping, we’re passionate about helping homeowners and garden enthusiasts in WA design beautiful, functional gardens that can survive and flourish under tough conditions.
Read on for our expert guide to the best drought resistant plants for WA gardens, including tips on why these easy care plants are perfect for your outdoor space.
Choose Plants That Will Survive a WA Summer
What Makes WA’s Climate Unique
As we all know, Western Australia has one of the most diverse climates in the world, ranging from arid desert conditions in the north and east, to temperate zones in the south and south west.
However, Perth and its surrounding areas face particularly hot, dry summers with prolonged periods of minimal rainfall. These conditions mean many traditional and non-native garden plants simply won’t survive without constant watering and attention.
In this environment, choosing drought tolerant plants is not just a sustainable option – it’s a necessity. Drought resistant plants are specially adapted to store water, withstand high temperatures and thrive in sandy or poor soils, making them ideal for WA gardens.
Why Drought-Resistant Plants?
Drought-resistant plants save time, money and water while reducing stress for gardeners who are tired of seeing their plants burn and wither during summer. These easy care plants are not only practical but can also add striking beauty and unique textures to your garden. By investing in water-wise landscaping with drought tolerant plants, you’ll create a sustainable garden that’s both eco-friendly and visually stunning.
1. Native Aussie Plants
We’ll begin with Australia’s native flora, as we know much of it is perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions of WA’s climate. These plants are naturally drought tolerant and often require minimal care once established, making them ideal for homeowners seeking low-maintenance gardens.
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)
The iconic kangaroo paw is a fantastic addition to any WA garden. With its vibrant, claw-shaped flowers in shades of red, yellow and green, it’s not only eye-catching but also hardy and low-maintenance.
Kangaroo paw thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and we find it’s perfect for adding colour and texture to your garden.
Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea)
Grass trees are a stunning feature plant native to WA. Known for their dramatic foliage and striking blackened trunks, they can live for decades with minimal water.
Grass trees prefer sunny locations and add a unique, sculptural element to gardens.
Saltbush (Atriplex)
Saltbush is a resilient native shrub that thrives in WA’s sandy soils. Its silvery foliage adds a beautiful contrast to your garden, while its drought-tolerant nature ensures it survives even the harshest summers.
Saltbush is perfect for coastal gardens like the pines we have in Perth, and can be used as a low-maintenance groundcover or hedge.
2. Hardy Succulents
We think succulents are among the most reliable drought-tolerant plants for WA gardens. These easy care plants are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, making them highly resistant to dry conditions.
Agave
Agave plants are as tough as they are beautiful. With their spiky, architectural foliage, they’re a great choice for modern and minimalist garden designs. Agave is incredibly drought resistant and requires very little maintenance, making it a practical and stylish addition to any WA garden.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a classic succulent that offers both beauty and utility. Its fleshy leaves store water, helping it survive long periods without rainfall. Additionally, the gel contained in aloe vera’s thick leaves can be used to soothe burns and skin irritations, making it a functional plant for your outdoor space.
Stonecrop (Sedum)
Stonecrop, or Sedum, is a versatile succulent that comes in a variety of colours and shapes. It’s perfect for groundcovers, rockeries or container gardens. Stonecrop thrives in hot, dry conditions and requires little attention, making it one of the easiest drought tolerant plants to grow.
3. Ornamental Shrubs and Trees
For a garden that’s both practical and visually appealing, also consider drought-tolerant shrubs and trees. These plants add height, structure and shade to your outdoor space while withstanding WA’s challenging conditions.
Grevillea
Grevilleas are a favourite among WA gardeners for their bright, spider-like flowers and low-maintenance nature. These shrubs attract birds and pollinators while thriving in poor soils with minimal water. With many varieties to choose from, grevilleas are versatile drought tolerant plants for any garden.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
The bottlebrush is another iconic Australian plant, known for its vibrant red, brush-like flowers. It’s a hardy, drought resistant shrub and tree that can tolerate WA’s dry summers. Bottlebrush is ideal for creating hedges or as a standalone feature plant.
Olive Tree
In our experience, when it comes to trees, olive trees are a fantastic choice for WA gardens due to their Mediterranean origins and tolerance for dry conditions. They’re not only drought resistant plants, but also provide a timeless, elegant look to your outdoor space. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added bonus of homegrown olives!
Design a Water-Wise Garden with Looking Good Landscaping
With our help, creating a stunning, sustainable garden in WA is easier than you think – especially when you have the right team to guide you.
By choosing drought tolerant plants, easy care plants, and expert landscape design, you can enjoy a lush, beautiful garden year-round without the stress of constant watering.
At Looking Good Landscaping, we specialise in designing water-wise gardens that suit the unique climate and soil conditions of Western Australia. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to revive your garden or a garden enthusiast wanting to make a sustainable change, our team is here to help.
Contact us today for a quote and let us transform your outdoor space using drought resistant plants and expert landscaping techniques. Together, we’ll create a landscape design that’s as resilient as it is beautiful.
By incorporating the best drought resistant plants for WA gardens, you’ll not only save time and water but also create a sustainable space that thrives in even the harshest summers. Get in touch with Looking Good Landscaping, and let us help you design the garden of your dreams.
