Are you looking to transform your garden into a lush, vibrant oasis? Australia’s unique climate offers a fantastic array of foliage plants that can thrive in your backyard.
Whether you’re dealing with heavy clay soils or seeking plants with striking colours and textures, there’s something for every garden enthusiast.
From the bright new growth and purple-pink flowers of Baloskion pallens, also known as Didgery Sticks, to the subtle creamy foliage of Callistemon citrinus, or Great Balls of Fire, these plants are perfect for adding visual interest and resilience to your landscape.
Dive in to discover the best foliage plants that can turn your garden into a stunning sanctuary.
#1. Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’
Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a vibrant plant that can enhance your garden with its stunning foliage, featuring yellow and green variegated leaves that change colors seasonally—from bright lime green with yellow edges in summer to orange-red hues in autumn.
Planting involves choosing a spot with full sun to partial shade, digging a hole twice the width of the root ball, placing the plant level with the surrounding soil, filling in with soil, and watering thoroughly.
Regular watering, light pruning in late winter or early spring, fertilizing in early spring, and mulching around the base are recommended for maintaining its health and appearance.
#2. Agonis flexuosa ‘Jervis Bay After Dark’
Agonis flexuosa ‘Jervis Bay After Dark’ is a striking Australian native known for its dark burgundy foliage, adding dramatic flair to any garden. It thrives in full sun, growing up to 6 metres, and is drought-tolerant once established.
Regular pruning maintains its shape and encourages growth. Its aromatic leaves emit a minty scent when crushed. Versatile for various garden settings, it is ideal as a standalone feature or within mixed shrubbery.
Ensure well-drained soil to avoid root rot, possibly by planting on a mound and adding compost. This plant brings bold colour and resilience with minimal maintenance.
#3. Arthropodium
Arthropodium is a perfect fit for dry, shady areas in your garden. It has long green foliage that reaches about 70 centimetres high. In spring, you’ll see delicate clusters of nodding flowers above the leaves, adding a touch of elegance.
This plant thrives with minimal maintenance, making it a gardener’s dream. You can plant it in various garden settings for a lush, green look. Arthropodium also pairs well with other low-maintenance plants like Agonis flexuosa ‘Jervis Bay After Dark’ for a striking contrast.
#4. Baloskion ‘Didgery Sticks’
Baloskion ‘Didgery Sticks’ stands out with its bright new growth and purple-pink flowers. You’ll find this plant’s adaptability to heavy clay soils impressive. It adds a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
Its foliage catches your eye with a subtle creamy colour. The feathery texture gives your garden a gentle, breezy feel. Perfect for softening borders or accenting water features.
Planting is straightforward. Choose a spot with good drainage. Full sun to part shade works best. Water regularly during dry periods to keep it thriving. Your garden will appreciate the splash of colour and texture this unique foliage provides.
#5. Dwarf Whitestripe Bamboo
Dwarf Whitestripe Ground Cover Bamboo is an excellent choice for Australian gardens due to its striking white-striped leaves, adding visual interest and brightness. It’s compact, suitable for small gardens or containers, and thrives in well-draining soil with partial shade and regular watering.
Occasional trimming keeps it in shape, encourages new growth, and maintains its fresh appearance. This bamboo variety is ideal as a hedge, screen, or accent plant in mixed borders. Known for its low maintenance, resilience to pests and diseases, it stands out as a distinctive addition to any garden.
#6. Bergenia
Bergenia, also known as ‘elephant ears’, is a resilient plant ideal for Australian gardens, thriving in partial to full shade. Its large, leather-like leaves, which turn reddish-bronze in cooler temperatures, and vibrant pink flowers make it a standout addition.
Bergenia is low maintenance, tolerant of dry conditions, and adapts well to various soil types, preferring well-drained sites. It blooms from late winter to early spring, attracting pollinators.
To maintain its appearance, water during dry periods, remove old leaves, and apply mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
#7. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
Bird of Paradise, or Strelitzia, is a striking, tropical plant that adds an exotic feel to your garden with its large banana-like leaves. For best results, plant it in full sun with well-drained soil and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions, and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Remove dead flowers and leaves to encourage new blooms. Growing up to 2 meters tall, its bright flowers resemble a bird in flight and thrive in warm climates, ideal for Australian gardens.
#8. Brachysema praemorsum ‘Brown Butterfly’
Admire the beauty of Brachysema praemorsum ‘Brown Butterfly’, an Australian native plant known for its lush green leaves and striking brownish-purple flowers. Growing up to 1 metre in height and spreading up to 3 metres, it’s ideal for ground cover, rockeries, or as a border plant.
This resilient plant thrives in full sun to semi-shade and well-drained soil, tolerating sandy and poor conditions. Drought-tolerant once established, it requires minimal watering and has few pest issues. It’s perfect for attracting pollinators and pairs well with other native shrubs.
Light pruning after flowering promotes healthy growth and maintains its shape. Loved for its low maintenance and visual appeal, it’s a favourite in Australian gardens.
#9. Bromeliads
Bromeliads are notable for their vibrant rosettes of foliage and can thrive in a variety of conditions, whether in pots or garden beds. They prefer bright, indirect light and dappled sunlight but can tolerate some shade. Water them by filling the central cup formed by their leaves without overwatering.
With minimal maintenance, Bromeliads add year-round colour and texture to gardens, adapting well to both indoor and outdoor settings in Australia.
They bloom once, but their lasting foliage remains appealing. Varieties like Aechmea, Guzmania, or Tillandsia offer unique colour patterns and leaf shapes, enhancing visual interest in your green space.
#10. Caladium bicolour
Caladium bicolour, or Angel Wings, is a vibrant addition to any garden with its red, green, pink, and white leaves. It thrives in shaded spots with rich, well-drained soil and grows 30-60cm tall.
Plant it in warmer months in filtered sunlight to protect its leaves. Keep the soil moist, mulch to retain moisture, and feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks, avoiding high-nitrogen types.
Since it’s frost-sensitive, plant after the last frost or use pots in cooler areas. Tidy the plant by deadheading spent leaves and watch for pests like slugs and snails, using natural deterrents. Caladium bicolour adds a splash of colour and dynamic foliage to shaded garden areas.
#11. Callistemon ‘All Aglow’
Callistemon ‘All Aglow’ is a stunning addition to any Australian garden. Its vibrant foliage and dazzling bottlebrush flowers catch the eye. This plant blooms in striking red, orange and yellow tones.
Planting Callistemon ‘All Aglow’ is straightforward. Pick a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
Pruning is essential for maintaining shape and encouraging new growth. Do this after flowering. Fertilise with a slow-release native plant food in spring. It supports healthy growth and prolongs blooming.
This plant attracts birds and pollinators, making your garden lively. It’s hardy and tolerant of coastal conditions. Adding Callistemon ‘All Aglow’ provides year-round colour and vibrancy.
#12. Callistemon ‘Great Balls of Fire’
Callistemon ‘Great Balls of Fire’ is a versatile and visually striking addition to Australian gardens, known for its creamy, feathery foliage that turns from reddish to soft green.
Adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay, and requiring minimal care, this plant thrives with just occasional pruning and is drought-tolerant once established. Its bottlebrush flowers attract nectar-feeding birds, adding vitality to the garden.
Best positioned in full sun to part shade with good drainage, it can serve as a feature plant, mixed border, or low hedge. Planting involves incorporating compost and spacing plants 1-1.5 meters apart, with regular watering during the first growing season to establish roots.
#13. Canna lilies
Looking for an exotic touch in your garden? Canna lilies are some of the best landscaping plants for your garden design. They come in various foliage colours, adding a delightful mix to your space.
Canna lilies thrive in sunny spots and prefer soil enriched with compost. Plant them in areas that get ample sunlight to see them flourish. Their large leaves and striking flowers will brighten any garden.
Don’t forget to mulch well. It helps retain moisture in dry periods and keeps roots cool. Watering during these spells ensures your canna lilies stay vibrant and healthy. This low-maintenance plant will reward you with a lush, tropical display.
#14. Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’
Consider Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’ for your garden’s ground cover needs due to its resilient nature and adaptability to various soil conditions, including sandy and loamy beds. Its dense, evergreen foliage offers a lush cover perfect for erosion control and transforming barren areas into green carpets.
Planting is straightforward and once established, it requires minimal maintenance. ‘Cousin It’ works well in rockeries, along paths, or over retaining walls, and while it benefits from occasional watering during dry periods, it is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils without the need for fertilizers.
Choose ‘Cousin It’ for a low-maintenance plant with striking foliage that adds both beauty and functionality to any landscape.
#15. Colocasia
Colocasia, commonly known as Elephant Ear, brings dramatic flair to your garden with its large heart-shaped leaves. These can grow over a metre tall and come in a variety of colours, ranging from green to almost black. You can plant them in boggy spots or near ponds, where they’ll thrive in moist soil.
They’re shade lovers, preferring dappled light. You’ll find them perfect for gardens with established trees providing cover. It’s important to keep the soil rich but well-drained to avoid any root problems.
These plants are often targeted by snails and slugs. To protect your Colocasia, consider using snail and slug pellets. This will help keep the foliage intact and looking great. Ideal for adding bold textures to shaded areas, Colocasia is a standout addition to any Australian garden.
#16. Cordyline
Cordylines are fantastic foliage plants for Australian gardens, offering a variety of stunning colours and forms. Cordylines are indeed among the most sought-after foliage plants for Australian gardens, known for their vibrant colours, intricate forms, and hardy nature.
These versatile plants can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces, while also being relatively easy to maintain. Originating from the tropical regions of the Pacific and Southeast Asia, cordylines have adapted well to the diverse climatic conditions found across Australia, making them a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers alike.
#17. Dianella ‘Silverado’
Dianella ‘Silverado’ is an Australian native plant ideal for those seeking low-maintenance garden options. Its long, strappy silver leaves add brightness to any garden and thrive in well-draining soil with full sun to part shade.
Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant and is suitable for borders, mass plantings, or pots. This versatile plant requires occasional pruning and can withstand frost and coastal conditions.
#18. Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is ideal for Australian gardens with its striking green and gold variegated leaves that turn pinkish in colder months.
Its compact form and year-round color suit various garden styles. The plant thrives in well-draining soil, is drought-tolerant once established, and can withstand light frosts.
Regular watering is required for young plants, with occasional watering afterward. Prune in late winter or early spring and wear gloves due to its irritating sap.
It enhances borders, mixed beds, and containers, working well in sunny or partially shaded spots. This plant offers vibrant year-round colour with minimal maintenance.
#19. Heucheras
Heucheras are notable for their vibrant, varied foliage in shades of green, purple, caramel, and silver, making them perfect for adding color to shaded garden areas. They form dense, tidy clumps and prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is beneficial. For a dramatic look, plant different varieties together for a stunning mix of colors. Maintain their appearance by removing dead or damaged leaves and mulching to retain moisture and keep roots cool, ensuring year-round garden appeal.
#20. Hakea victoria (Royal Hakea)
Hakea victoria, often called Royal Hakea, is well-loved for its captivating foliage. The leaves display a mix of green, yellow, and red, often resembling stained glass. This eye-catching plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it perfect for Australian gardens.
Royal Hakea can reach up to 4 metres, creating a striking feature in any garden. It’s drought-tolerant and hardy once established, meaning it needs little upkeep. You’ll enjoy its stunning foliage year-round, adding colour and vibrancy to your outdoor space.
Pruning is straightforward. Simply trim after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the plant. Regular checks for pests can help keep your Hakea healthy.
#21. Hostas
Hostas are a staple in many Australian gardens, known for their lush foliage and shade tolerance. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for areas where sunlight is limited. With their wide, heart-shaped leaves, Hostas can add texture and visual interest to your garden.
Hostas pair well with other shade-loving plants like ferns and astilbes. Use them to create layered, textured garden beds that look lush and inviting.
Hostas are versatile plants that can thrive in various garden settings, from borders to under trees. Their striking foliage provides year-round interest, making them a valuable addition to any Australian garden.
#22. Kalanchoe luciae ‘Flapjack’
Flapjack, or Kalanchoe luciae, is one of the best foliage succulents for Australian gardens. With its paddle-shaped leaves that turn a striking red in full sun, it’s an eye-catching addition. This low-maintenance plant thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal watering.
Kalanchoe luciae is ideal for container gardening. Its compact size makes it perfect for pots, adding a pop of colour to patios and balconies. Pair it with other succulents for a visually appealing display. Remember to use a pot with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
#23. Lamium
Tolerant of shade, Lamium is perfect for planting under established trees. They thrive in such conditions where many other plants may well struggle. This makes them an excellent choice for those tricky garden spots with limited sunlight.
Lamium, a perennial groundcover, stands out with its striking triangular leaves. These leaves are silver with contrasting green edges, creating a visually appealing foliage. In spring and summer, pink flowers add a touch of colour, making Lamium a standout in any garden.
Besides being easy on the eyes, Lamium is also practical. It’s hardy and doesn’t require constant attention, which is great if you’re a busy gardener. Planting Lamium can transform shaded areas into lush, inviting spaces with minimal effort.
#24. Lillypilly ‘Big Red’
Lillypilly ‘Big Red’ adds lush foliage and vibrant color to gardens with its large, glossy leaves ranging from bronze to bright red hues. This evergreen tree blooms white fluffy flowers in spring and summer, followed by edible dark red fruits. It can grow up to 5 meters, so choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Deep watering during dry spells, occasional pruning, and annual fertilization with balanced, slow-release products are recommended. Monitor for pests like psyllids and treat with organic insecticides if needed.
Hardy and visually appealing, ‘Big Red’ provides screening, habitat for wildlife, and thrives in various garden conditions.
#25. Loropetalum ‘Plum Gorgeous’
Loropetalum ‘Plum Gorgeous’ is an evergreen shrub that adds vibrant color to gardens with its rich purple foliage and pink, fringe-like spring flowers. To cultivate this plant, use well-draining, slightly acidic soil in a location with full sun to partial shade.
Regular watering, mulching, and post-flowering pruning are crucial for maintaining its health and shape. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring also benefits its growth. This resilient shrub is particularly suitable for Australian gardens due to its striking appearance and moderate care needs.
#26. Melaleuca bracteata ‘Revolution Gold’
Melaleuca bracteata ‘Revolution Gold’ is noted for its bright golden foliage and adaptability, making it ideal for Australian gardens. It should be planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and regular watering aids its initial growth.
Pruning helps maintain its shape and encourage new growth. This low-maintenance plant is especially valuable in hedges, attracts birds, and provides striking year-round color, making it a visually appealing and easy-care choice for any garden.
#27. Melaleuca linariifolia ‘Claret Tops’
Melaleuca linariifolia ‘Claret Tops’ is a standout choice for your garden, featuring striking red new growth. This foliage plant, native to Australia, thrives in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Regular watering during establishment is crucial.
Prune often to maintain its dense, bushy appearance and encourage fresh red tips. It’s lovely when used in hedges or as a standalone feature. The plant attracts birds, adding life to your garden.
This plant has high resilience once established, with minimal maintenance required. It can tolerate various soil types but prefers a sunny spot. Keep an eye out for pests, but collectively, it’s a hardy addition to your garden.
#28. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Poinsettias, known for their bright red and green foliage, are popular in Australian homes during Christmas. Originally from Mexico, these plants thrive in well-draining soil, sunny spots with partial shade, and a warm environment (15-26°C).
Water regularly without waterlogging, and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. After flowering, prune to maintain shape and promote new growth, and rotate the plant to ensure even foliage. With appropriate care, poinsettias can flourish throughout the year.
#29. Syzygium ‘Cascade’
Syzygium ‘Cascade’ is a popular Australian plant known for its bright reddish-pink new growth, making it ideal for hedges or privacy screens due to its compact habit. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requires regular watering, and prefers well-draining soil.
Regular pruning and fertilisation in spring and summer encourage vigorous growth. This plant is relatively pest-resistant and attracts birds. Its dense and colourful foliage is perfect for hedges, privacy screens, or as a standalone feature, adding beauty and functionality to any garden.
#30. Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’
Trachelospermum ‘Tricolour’, or Variegated Star Jasmine, is notable for its green, white, and pink leaves, and clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil, which can be improved with organic matter.
Keep the soil moist initially; once established, it becomes drought-tolerant. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape. Offering year-round visual appeal, it’s versatile enough to be used as ground cover, on trellises, or in containers. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for busy gardeners.
#31. Variegated Yucca
Variegated Yucca is a striking addition to any garden with its cream, lime, and green foliage. It thrives in full sun and withstands extreme heat and dry conditions, making it ideal for gardens or pots.
Plant it in well-draining soil and water sparingly once established. In late winter to early spring, it produces flower spikes, enhancing its visual appeal.
Regular pruning helps maintain its compact shape and encourages fresh, vibrant growth. Its resilience and bright colours make it a popular choice for Australian gardens.
