If you’re after instant colour, spring annuals are the way to go. These are perfect for pots, borders, or filling gaps in garden beds.
Petunias
A classic choice. They come in a wide range of colours and flower abundantly through spring and summer. They love full sun and regular watering and are ideal for hanging baskets or containers.
Marigolds
Hardy and cheerful, with bright orange and yellow blooms that also help deter pests. They’re great companions for other plants and thrive in sunny spots.
Snapdragons
Great for vertical interest and come in a variety of colours. They’re ideal for borders and do well in both sun and part shade.
Lobelia and impatiens
Both are great for shaded areas. Lobelia trails beautifully over the edges of pots, while impatiens provide dense colour in garden beds.
Nasturtiums
Easy to grow and edible too. Their bright flowers and peppery leaves are great in salads, and they’ll happily self-seed for next year.
Sunflowers
Bold, fun and fast-growing. They need a sunny spot and space to grow tall. Great for kids and for attracting bees and birds.
Dahlias
They prefer rich, well-drained soil and regular feeding. Their large, showy blooms make a big impact in summer and they can be planted now from tubers.
Salvia
Tough, drought-tolerant and long-flowering, these are a great choice for low-maintenance gardens and come in a range of colours and sizes.
Native flowering shrubs
If you’re looking for plants that are beautiful, low-maintenance and suited to Perth’s climate, native shrubs are a smart choice. Many are flowering now or will bloom soon, and they’re great for attracting birds and pollinators.
- Blue lechenaultia (Lechenaultia biloba) is a striking WA native with vivid blue flowers. It’s perfect for rockeries or pots with free-draining soil.
- Yellow buttercup (Hibbertia hypericoides) is a spreading shrub with cheerful yellow flowers that suits most garden styles.
- Rock thryptomene (Thryptomene Saxicola) is a small, adaptable shrub with delicate pink flowers. It grows well in part shade and is ideal for borders or feature planting.
- Tall kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos flavidus) is a hardy plant with bold, architectural flowers and will stand out in any garden.
- Purple flag (Patersonia occidentalis) is a clumping plant with strap-like foliage and striking blue-purple flowers that resemble miniature irises.
- Feather flower (Verticordia plumosa) is a showy shrub with scented pink to purple blooms and silvery foliage.
Shrubs for structure and year-round interest
Not everything needs to flower to be beautiful. Some shrubs offer standout foliage, texture or form that adds depth to your garden all year round.
- Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’, often sold as ‘After Dark’ peppermint tree, has deep burgundy foliage and a graceful weeping habit. It’s a striking feature plant.
- Adenanthos sericeus, or woolly bush, is soft to the touch and shimmers in the light. It’s often used as a native Christmas tree and suits coastal gardens.
- Callistemon salignus ‘Great Balls of Fire’ is grown for its vivid red new growth rather than flowers. It’s ideal for hedging or as a colourful backdrop.
- Dianella revoluta is a hardy clumping plant with strappy blue-green leaves. It’s often used in architectural gardens and pairs well with flowering natives.
- Lomandra longifolia ‘Great White’ is a variegated form of the tough lomandra, with striking green-and-cream foliage that adds contrast and texture.
Cymbidium orchids
If you grow cymbidiums, September is the time to divide and repot them after flowering. Use a specialist orchid mix and keep them in a bright, sheltered spot. They’ll reward you with elegant blooms next winter
