South-East Queensland is known for its radiant and sunny weather, which is perfect for the green thumb of the household. The attractive subtropical climate means we experience a dry spell during the warmer months, so it is important to choose native plants that suit the climate and complement your outdoor patio space.
This time of year is bustling for the average household, leaving little time for nurturing the garden, so it’s important to choose plants that require minimal supplementary watering and are best suited for low-maintenance gardening.
We’ve put together a list of native SEQ subtropical plants that will turn your patio into an easy-going garden oasis with a few surprising benefits.
Lavender
Fresh and fragrant, lavender is known as one of the more common garden and backyard flowers, and for good reason. It has so many uses and benefits! In its original form, it’s a soothing and calming fragrance that is perfect for helping you unwind in your outdoor space after a long day. It’s very easy to grow, works as a great bug repellent and makes the perfect companion plant in your garden. If you’re willing to be experimentive, you can add the lavender flowers to your food as a decorative element, steep them in tea or freshen your linen drawers with small bunches stored in fabric bags.
Aloe Vera
A uniquely signature plant for the sunshine state, Aloe Vera grows well in pots and can easily be transferred from your outdoor space to indoors during the winter months, making it a good all-rounder. It’s most commonly praised as a topical antidote for cooling and relieving sunburn on those scorching hot summer days. But it is also very rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants and contains healing properties that can be applied to nasty insect bites. Fresh aloe vera juice can be used as a moisturiser for the skin and even as a mouth wash that is effective in improving dental health.
Hibiscus
The Hibiscus thrives in Australia’s subtropical regions, growing and flowering best in full sun. It is a vibrant addition to any garden, producing masses of beautiful flowers with many colour variations. For best results, you can prune and fertilise the plant on a monthly basis, but it is mostly self-sufficient and sturdy enough to tolerate moderate wind and a cool climate. You can trim the leaves for aesthetic appeal and add them as a complementary decoration to your favourite summer cocktail.
Summer Succulents | Agave Geminiflora and Crassula Ovata
Succulents are a great feature addition to your patio, adding sculptural appeal to garden beds and pavements. Hardy species like Agave Geminiflora and Crassula Ovata will prosper for many years with little maintenance required, they are drought tolerant and don’t require much water to survive in the summer months. They come in various sizes, with strong to delicate leaves and vibrant florals and are an easy go-to for beginner to intermediate gardeners.
Feeling inspired? Read more of our blogs for simple ideas on how to invigorate your outdoor patio space:
● Bring A Tropical Balinese Holiday To Your Backyard
● 5 Ways To Create A Perfect Hamptons Style Patio
● Create A Stunning Mediterranean Inspired Patio
Want help bringing your patio to life? SEQ Patio Group can set you up with a beautifully custom-designed patio or even a pergola to suit a relaxed modern lifestyle, If you would like to learn more about how we can help, get in touch with us today.
