Planting native species is always a good idea, but it's an even better idea if you want to add splashes of colour to your garden in winter. Many Australian indigenous plants flower from autumn through to early spring, making them the perfect choice for your winter garden.

Of course, it's not just a matter of choosing any native plant and waiting for it to blossom as soon as the temperature starts to dip. Some species are more colourful and offer a greater abundance of flowers than others. Garden designers and nurseries generally agree that these are the most colourful and reliable varieties of winter flowering natives:

1. At the top of most lists is Grevillea. One of the reasons why the experts recommend Grevillea is because there are so many wonderful varieties to choose between. If you're looking for flowering ground cover, there's a Grevillea that will cover your ground with colour. If you want to plant a hedge or bush, choose another variety. You can even cultivate a small tree if you like. For best results, plant Grevilleas in full sun and make sure the soil can drain easily.


2. How does the idea of a "Giant Candle" in your winter garden sound to you? If it sounds enticing, then choose Banksia Giant Candles. Banksia do well in nutrient-poor soil, but, as is true of most natives, they don't like water-logged soil.


3. Correas (native fuchsias) are ideal for planting in pots or in smaller gardens. They like filtered sunlight, so may be perfect for your porch or patio. As an extra bonus, Correas attract birds, so not only will your plants brighten up your winter days with colour, they'll brighten them with bird song as well.


4. Acacias are another good choice for winter colour. One stunning variety is the Mount Morgan Wattle. Keep an eye on it, though, because after it flowers, it spreads prolific numbers of seeds and can get a little out of control. The professionals recommend trimming off the seed pods before this happens.


5. Last, but not least, is Cotton Bush (Cryptandra scortechinii). Imagine how a snowy cluster of flowers can bring sunshine to a cloudy day and you can appreciate why this is a favourite winter native. Give Cotton Bush a sunny location and good drainage for best results and don't hesitate to trim off the flowers and put them in an indoor vase. The pruning is good for them and will encourage the plants to produce even more flowers.

Native plants are relatively easy to care for if you remember the golden rule: they like good drainage. If you have clay soil, consider adding some gypsum to the soil to break it down. A little phosphorous-free fertiliser late in the summer and early in the spring will also help, but through the winter months, all you need to do is enjoy all the native colour in your garden. For all of your other garden maintenance needs or too see what Garden Design Ideas you can bring to your backyard, hipages has it all.