When designing gardens in Perth, selecting plants suited to the regional climate ensures both beauty and functionality will endure for years. Attempting to force unsuitable species ultimately requires excessive effort while diminishing garden health and visual impact over time. As an experienced landscaper having constructed sustainable, low-maintenance gardens that withstand Western Australia’s intense summer heat waves, winter rains and drought cycles, climate-compatible plant selections are integral from the start.
Assessing the garden microclimate
While Perth faces very dry Mediterranean conditions overall, individual garden microclimates vary significantly based on aspects like soil profiles, sun exposure, shelter from winds and rainfall runoff flow. Observe conditions across each garden area during peak summer and winter to determine heat, drought and frost tolerance requirements before selecting species. This ensures plants match site-specific conditions.
Matching plants to rainfall
Low-rainfall zones like coastal plains and valleys average less than 600mm annually. Here plants with silvery or glossy foliage, waxy coatings or succulent adaptations suit tough conditions. Expand water-holding soil capacity using mulch and amendments to support the most vulnerable species through heat waves.
In hills and foothills, gardens can receive well over 1000mm rainfall depending on aspect. Lush tropical selections thrive in these zones including bamboo, banana, rainforest species and flowering exotics. Establish good drainage to prevent root fungi though.
Additional climate adjustments
- Position shade trees or shade cloth structures to protect vulnerable plantings during intense summer sun exposure when heat damage can occur rapidly.
- Incorporate windbreaks like screens, low walls or buffer plantings to protect against desiccation and increase backyard microclimate control.
- Amend clay or sandy soil with compost, manure, gypsum and mulch to maximise moisture retention and evenly release fertility.
- Group plants with similar water needs ie: thirsty natives vs drought tolerant succulents to simplify irrigation.
- Install effective irrigation systems – below soil drip irrigation, rotating sprinklers, passive watering spikes. Automate if possible.
- Prevent fungal issues in humid zones via airflow circulation, trimming dense growth, spacing plants, and using permeable mulches like gravel and wood chips.
Additional heat/drought hardy variety examples:
- Kangaroo paw, Geraldton wax, Bottlebrush, Honey myrtle
- Bluebush, Saltbush, Pigface, Fan Flower
- Agave, Aloe, Senecio, Aeonium
- Banksia, Grevillea, Hardenbergia, Correa
Tropical/subtropical species for sheltered warm microclimates:
- Bougainvillea, Mandevilla, Passionfruit
- Strelitzia, Birds of Paradise, Ginger Lily
- Dwarf banana, Bamboo, Philodendron
- Frangipani, Orchid Tree, Water Gum
Prioritising sun aspect
Northern facing gardens and FULL SUN zones tolerate far more heat-loving varieties from Yuccas to Kangaroo Paw. Cooler foliage plants require East, South or West orientation or afternoon shade to protect leaf tissue.
Observe sunlight patterns across the full site before finalising layouts and plant lists to capitalise on the solar aspect.
Wind protection inclusions
Perth’s windy climate desiccates exposed gardens. Utilise hedging, fences and walls to create sheltered microclimates on windward sides, allowing more delicate exotic species to thrive. Local native shrubs like Saltbush and Old Man Saltbush withstand battering gales once established so anchor exposed areas first before infilling with compatibles.
Match wind and water requirements
Factor in both adequate airflow and moisture retention when selecting and placing climate appropriate plants. For example, succulents suit Perth’s arid climate but often perish if sited in enclosed courtyards unable to transpire excess moisture through airflow. This causes fungal rots. Likewise avoid overly exposed sites for thirsty flowering natives requiring reliable water access. Site conditions must sync with needs.
Conclusion
Spending time to accurately match plant selections to the mesoclimate, microclimate and specific conditions within home gardens ensures Perth landscapes thrive sustainably. Avoid assuming imported tropicals bred overseas will survive 2017’s record heatwaves without shading and irrigation any more than European cottage varieties will handle salty coastal wind exposure. Work alongside regional realities not against them!
