Australia’s sunburnt summers can be brutal—not just for people, but for plants too. If you’ve ever watched your lush garden turn crispy and sad after a few scorching days, you’re not alone. Between relentless UV rays, patchy rainfall, and dry winds, keeping a garden thriving in Aussie heat can feel like a full-time job.
But here’s the good news: some plants absolutely love the heat. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and perfect for Aussie backyards. Pair them with a bit of professional help from a local gardener or landscaper, and you’ll have a space that’s not only gorgeous but built to last through summer (and beyond).
Here’s your guide to the best plant tips for hot Aussie weather—and why having an expert gardener can make all the difference.
When it comes to thriving in the heat, you can’t beat native Australian plants. These species evolved to handle our tough conditions—from the blazing Outback to salty coastal breezes.
Top Picks:
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos): These beauties come in striking reds, yellows, and oranges. They’re drought-tolerant and love full sun, making them perfect for garden beds or borders.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon): With its bright red, brush-like flowers, it’s both heat-resistant and bird-attracting. Bonus: it’s low-maintenance.
Grevillea: Another native favourite that flowers year-round and draws in bees and nectar-loving birds. It thrives on neglect and hot weather.
Lomandra: Ideal for adding texture to your garden, this tough grass-like plant handles both drought and frost.
Gardener’s Tip: A professional gardener can help you design a native plant layout that suits your soil type and water availability. They can also show you which varieties bloom best in your local area—because not all natives are the same from Perth to Brisbane!
Many Mediterranean plants thrive in similar conditions to Australian summers—think dry, sunny, and occasionally windy.
Top Picks:
Lavender: Fragrant, drought-resistant, and loved by pollinators. Perfect for garden borders or potted displays.
Rosemary: Great for cooking and landscaping. Once established, it barely needs watering.
Olive Trees: Hardy, elegant, and heat-tolerant—plus, they add a Mediterranean vibe to your yard.
Bougainvillea: Vibrant and show-stopping, it thrives in poor soils and extreme heat (just watch out for the thorns).
Gardener’s Tip: A pro gardener can prune and shape these plants properly—especially bougainvillea, which can turn unruly if left unchecked. They can also ensure your soil drains well, which is key for Mediterranean species.
If you’re after low-maintenance beauty, succulents and cacti are your best mates. They store water in their leaves and stems, meaning they can go weeks without attention.
Top Picks:
Aloe Vera: Not only heat-hardy but also handy for soothing sunburns.
Agave: Striking, sculptural, and tough as nails.
Echeveria: Compact, colourful rosettes that look great in pots or rock gardens.
Golden Barrel Cactus: A round, cheerful cactus that thrives on neglect.
Gardener’s Tip: While these plants are easy to grow, a gardener can help you arrange them aesthetically—mixing heights, textures, and colours for a more balanced, intentional look. They’ll also ensure you’ve got proper drainage (a must for succulents).
Think you can’t have a tropical garden in dry conditions? Think again. With the right plant selection (and a little help from irrigation), you can enjoy that lush, resort-style look even during heatwaves.
Top Picks:
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia): Exotic and dramatic, yet incredibly tolerant of Aussie conditions.
Hibiscus: Loves the sun and brings bursts of bright colour.
Frangipani: Iconic summer blooms and minimal water needs once established.
Cordyline: Adds a splash of colour and texture to tropical-inspired gardens.
Gardener’s Tip: Gardeners can design a tropical layout that works with your sunlight exposure and microclimate. They can also set up automated watering systems to keep things thriving without daily effort.
Even heat-tolerant plants need the right setup to truly thrive. A professional gardener or landscaper can assess your garden’s conditions and optimise them for long-term success. Here’s what they consider:
Sun Exposure: They’ll position plants strategically—putting shade-lovers under trees or near fences and placing heat-lovers in the open.
Soil Type: Sandy, clay, or loamy? Each needs a different approach. Gardeners can test and amend your soil to improve drainage and nutrient retention.
Mulching: The right mulch keeps roots cool and moisture locked in. A gardener knows which mulch works best in your climate.
Irrigation: From drip systems to smart timers, they can install efficient watering solutions that save both water and money.
It’s this kind of tailored approach that turns a struggling yard into a thriving, heat-hardy haven.
Sure, you could head to Bunnings and pick up a few plants yourself—but here’s why it pays to get help from a professional gardener through ServiceSeeking.com.au:
Expert Knowledge: Gardeners know which plants will thrive in your specific suburb and microclimate.
Time Savings: They can handle planting, irrigation setup, and maintenance—so you spend more time enjoying your garden, not working on it.
Long-Term Results: Proper planting and care from the start mean fewer replacements and less wasted money down the track.
Aesthetic Design: They’ll create a balanced, cohesive look rather than a random mix of plants.
On ServiceSeeking.com.au, you can compare quotes from local gardeners in minutes, read verified reviews, and find someone who fits your budget and style. Whether you need a full garden makeover or just seasonal upkeep, it’s the easiest way to get the job done right.
A thriving garden in Australian heat isn’t about luck—it’s about choosing the right plants and giving them the right care. From native shrubs to Mediterranean herbs, there are endless options to keep your outdoor space looking lush, colourful, and alive all summer long.
And if you want to skip the guesswork? Bring in a local gardener who knows exactly what your soil, sun, and space need.
Hop onto ServiceSeeking.com.au, post your gardening job, and get quotes from trusted pros near you. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting in your shady oasis, drink in hand, surrounded by plants that love the Aussie sun as much as you do.