Plant Selection

Plant selection is very important for a great looking garden. Considering soil types, drainage, aspect (i.e. full sun, part shade, and shade) and local climate will all influence your plants’ survival. The right plants can provide shade in summer or may produce edible fruit. Some plants do best when grouped, based on their sun/shade, water and fertiliser needs. Nurseries and plant labels can help provide information about the specific needs of plants.

Local (indigenous) plants are well suited to the local conditions and require little care once established. Try to avoid plants that are known environmental weeds which may become a ‘garden escapee’. If you have some of these plants in an existing garden, you can contain their spread by collecting seed heads and disposing of cuttings and clippings carefully. Refer to the Weed Control page for a list of known weedy plants in our region.

We plan to update this page to showcase examples of indigenous plants that are well suited for gardens in and around Kinglake, and which will provide suitable habitats for native wildlife.

You can also refer to Plant Selection in our Caring for Your Patch booklet which can be downloaded here.

Plant Selection Information

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Close up shot of green leaves and yellow flowers of the Silky Golden Tip shrub

Shrub: Silky Golden Tip (Goodia pubescens)

A light, open small shrub with clover like foliage on hairy brown/red stems. Particularly found in forest, rare and endangered in Victoria, but, abundant in some Kinglake locations. A great garden plant and habitat for indigenous wildlife.

Close up shot of green foliage and white flowers of the Blackwood tree

Tree: Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)

A fast-growing small to large attractive tree which thrives in the Kinglake district, living to over 50 years. Commonly found where rainfall exceeds 600mm as it likes deep/moist well drained soils.

Close up shot of fluffy, yellow Silver Wattle tree flowers

Tree: Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata)

A large, spreading tree of up to 20 metres that is indigenous to the Kinglake area and suitable for most conditions. Fast growing with a life span of 30 - 50 years, it flowers from July to November and attracts a variety of animals & insects. Note that Silver Wattles have a strong spreading root system and should not be planted near septic or sewer connections.