Modern Coastal Plant Combination for S.E.QLD
This plant combination is ideal for a garden that requires low sight lines (such as beach views) or with contemporary-designed architecture.This selection has a strong ‘beach' or ‘resort' feel, but a few subtle changes can vary the dynamics of the style.Change thePandanusto a bottle tree for a native style, or swap out theMingowithZoyziagrass for a lusher feel.All species are very drought tolerant, and are also salt tolerant (ideal for properties near the sea).
1.WESTRINGIA fruticosa
Grey-green foliage and dense screening bush.This is a large shrub that will grow tall enough to screen high fences, though it needs room to grow out.
- Little brother and sister ‘Zena' and ‘Jervis Gem' are a great partner, as they are identical in appearance (the flower colours are slightly different), but smaller so the overall composition is repetitive but the scale changes.
2.POA labillardieri
A tallish grey-green foliaged that grass works well with the westringia foliage.
- Long thin leaves sway in the breeze with its heavy seed head.This creates lovely movement in the garden.
- The seed heads are reminiscent of theWestringia's small thin leaves.
3.PANDANUS tectorius
This is a large feature tree, used sparingly.Pandanusneeds to be the star-of-the-show, and not hidden behind shrubs or low trees.
- Up-lighting into the under canopy will dramatize thePandanusas a stunning focal feature to any entry.
- The trunk, and defining roots should be shown where possible, with nothing higher than the grasses or groundcovers to add interest under.
- The grey-green leaves mirror the agave in size, colour and texture.The colour also synchronises with the other plant colour tones.
4.THEMEDA'Mingo'
This is a low grass-like ground cover, often called flattened kangaroo grass as it looks like a tall grass that has been trampled in the middle.
- Leaf colour matches with thePOAandWestringia
- Leaf shape is similar to thePandanusleaf though on a greatly different scale.
5.PENNISETUM alopecuriodes
The ‘swamp fox tail' has a similar foliage structure and look to thePOA, though the fox tail's foliage colour is green-yellow, rather than blue-green.
- Planted with thePOAin clumps, it will break the monotony of too much grey leaf colour.
- The seed heads are the striking feature of this plant, and come in many colours.
6.AGAVE parryi
This is a dramatic feature in the garden - sharp and spikey.The location needs great consideration, but do not be afraid of this one - it is absolutely stunning.Grey-green in colour, it has large leaves that repeat the pandanas' size and texture.
- AGAVE parryineeds to be used sparingly, as it is so interesting and complex.
- Plant varied sized specimens from the nursery to play with size and scale.
Check outanother great combination of plantsrighthereon the SEED Landscape blog that work well in part-shade gardens in Brisbane and South-East Queensland.Feel free tocontact usto discuss your own planting needs.