Top 5 Native Groundcover Plants for Sunshine Coast & South east Queensland Gardens

Top 5 Native Groundcover Plants for Sunshine Coast & South east Queensland Gardens

Top 5 Native Groundcover Plants for Sunshine Coast Gardens

If you’re looking to cover bare spots, reduce weeds, and add year-round interest to your garden, native groundcovers are a great choice. Perfect for the Sunshine Coast and South east Queensland climate, these hardy, low-maintenance plants are ideal for filling spaces, spilling over retaining walls, or covering banks. Here are our top 5 native groundcover picks.

1. Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler’

A vigorous spreading groundcover with attractive bronze-tinged foliage and rich red spider flowers. Excellent for suppressing weeds and attracting birds, it performs best in full sun and is ideal for large areas or embankments.

2. Casuarina ‘Cousin It’

A unique, dense, mat-forming groundcover with trailing, rope-like green foliage. Perfect for cascading over walls, covering slopes, or adding texture to rockeries. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established.

3. Grevillea curviloba

This hardy prostrate Grevillea features soft, ferny foliage and masses of creamy-white flowers in winter and spring. Great for attracting native birds and covering large areas in sunny to partly shaded spots.

4. Grevillea ‘Gin Gin Jewel’

A compact, low-growing Grevillea with dense silver-green foliage and soft pink and cream spider flowers. Ideal for small spaces, rockeries, or as a living mulch. Performs well in full sun to part shade.

5. Grevillea ‘Sunkissed Waters’

A colourful groundcover Grevillea with bright green foliage and golden-orange flowers that attract birds and pollinators. Perfect for adding colour to borders, banks, and low-maintenance garden beds.

Shop Our Range of Native Groundcovers

At Garden Centre Sunshine Coast, we stock a wide selection of hardy native groundcovers perfect for local gardens. Visit us in-store or browse online to find the right plants to complete your garden.

Grevillea Bronze Rambler

Grevillea Bronze Rambler

Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' Description: Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is a stunning ground cover known for its sprawling habit, vibrant flowers, and distinctive bronze-colored new growth. This Australian native plant is highly valued for its ornamental appeal and its ability to thrive in various garden conditions, making it an excellent choice for adding color and texture to landscapes. Flowers: The flowers of Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' are bright red and spider-like, appearing in clusters along the stems. Blooming from late winter to early summer, these eye-catching flowers are rich in nectar and attract birds and pollinators, adding life to the garden. Foliage: The foliage consists of finely divided, fern-like leaves that are dark green, providing a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers. The new growth emerges with a striking bronze tint, which gradually matures to green, creating an attractive contrast. Form and Size: Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' has a low, spreading growth habit, typically reaching up to 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) in height and spreading up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet). Its prostrate form makes it ideal for use as a ground cover, in rockeries, and for cascading over walls or embankments. Growing Conditions: Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in bright light but can tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter climates. Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. It adapts well to various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, and prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Water: Low water requirements once established. Water regularly during the growing season to establish roots and reduce watering as the plant matures. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods. Temperature: Thrives in warm, temperate to subtropical climates. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Protect from frost and extreme cold. Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity levels. Suitable for typical garden conditions without the need for additional humidity. Uses: Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is primarily grown for its ornamental value. It makes an excellent ground cover, providing a lush, green carpet that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture. The plant's vibrant flowers and bronze new growth add color and texture to garden beds, borders, and rockeries. It is also well-suited for use in erosion control on slopes and embankments. Maintenance: This plant is relatively low-maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Notes: Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is non-toxic and safe to grow around pets and children. It is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects, which can be treated with appropriate insecticides. Companion Plants: Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' pairs well with other low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants with similar growing requirements, such as: Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) Leptospermum species (Tea Tree) Banksia species Eremophila species Common Name: Bronze Rambler Botanical Name: Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' Family: Proteaceae Origin: Native to Australia, cultivated as an ornamental plant variety

Regular price $16.00 AUD
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Casuarina Cousin it

Casuarina Cousin it

Description:Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It' is a unique Australian native groundcover known for its dense mat of trailing, needle-like foliage. It forms a lush, cascading green carpet, creating a soft, layered texture ideal for various landscaping applications. This hardy, low-maintenance plant is excellent for use in challenging areas such as slopes, rockeries, and coastal gardens, bringing a dramatic, flowing effect to any garden setting. Flowers:This variety rarely flowers, as it is primarily valued for its attractive, cascading foliage. On the rare occasions it does produce flowers, they are inconspicuous and not a significant ornamental feature. Foliage:The fine, evergreen, needle-like leaves create a dense and uniform mat that can cascade over edges or spread across the ground. Its deep green color remains vibrant year-round, adding lushness and ground coverage to garden spaces. The foliage is soft to the touch, giving it a plush, carpet-like appearance. Fruit:Not known for any notable fruiting characteristics. Form and Size:'Cousin It' has a low-growing, spreading form, typically reaching 10–30 cm in height and spreading up to 1–1.5 meters in width. Its growth habit is naturally dense and mat-like, ideal for covering bare ground. Growing Conditions:This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It prefers moist, well-drained conditions but demonstrates significant tolerance to drought, light frost, and coastal winds once established. Uses:Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It' is versatile in landscaping, excelling as a groundcover to suppress weeds and help retain soil moisture. Its low, trailing growth habit makes it suitable for erosion control on slopes and embankments. It’s also an excellent choice for rockeries, retaining walls, and containers, where it can cascade elegantly over edges. Maintenance:This variety requires minimal maintenance. It benefits from light trimming to maintain its shape if needed but generally requires no pruning. Fertilize annually in spring with a slow-release, native-friendly fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Notes:'Cousin It' adds unique texture and interest to any garden setting. Its tolerance to challenging conditions, including salt spray and drought, makes it suitable for coastal gardens and challenging landscapes. Companion Plants:Pairs well with other Australian natives such as Grevillea, Banksia, and Callistemon, as well as grasses and other low-growing groundcovers for a diverse and layered garden aesthetic. Common Name: Cousin ItBotanical Name: Casuarina glauca 'Cousin It'Family: CasuarinaceaeOrigin: Australia

Regular price From $14.95 AUD
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Grevillea curviloba

Grevillea curviloba

Grevillea curviloba Description: Grevillea curviloba, commonly known as Curly-leaved Grevillea or Prostrate Grevillea, is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its unique foliage and stunning floral display. This Australian native plant is highly valued for its ornamental appeal and adaptability, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden landscapes. Flowers: The flowers of Grevillea curviloba are white to creamy-white and spider-like, appearing in dense clusters along the stems. Blooming from late winter to early summer, these delicate flowers are rich in nectar and attract birds and pollinators, adding life and movement to the garden. Foliage: The foliage consists of narrow, curved leaves that are bright green and finely textured. The distinctive, curled leaves create an interesting and attractive texture that complements the plant's floral display. The foliage remains lush and vibrant year-round. Form and Size: Grevillea curviloba has a low, spreading growth habit, typically reaching up to 0.5-1 meter (1.5-3 feet) in height and spreading up to 2-4 meters (6.5-13 feet). Its prostrate form makes it ideal for use as a ground cover, in rockeries, or for cascading over walls and embankments. Growing Conditions: Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Thrives in bright light but can tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter climates. Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Adapts well to various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, and prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Water: Low water requirements once established. Water regularly during the growing season to establish roots and reduce watering as the plant matures. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods. Temperature: Thrives in warm, temperate to subtropical climates. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Protect from frost and extreme cold. Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity levels. Suitable for typical garden conditions without the need for additional humidity. Uses: Grevillea curviloba is primarily grown for its ornamental value. It makes an excellent ground cover, providing a lush, green carpet that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture. The plant's unique foliage and delicate flowers add visual interest to garden beds, borders, and rockeries. It is also well-suited for use in native and wildlife gardens, attracting birds and beneficial insects. Maintenance: This plant is relatively low-maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Notes: Grevillea curviloba is non-toxic and safe to grow around pets and children. It is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects, which can be treated with appropriate insecticides. Companion Plants: Grevillea curviloba pairs well with other low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants with similar growing requirements, such as: Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) Leptospermum species (Tea Tree) Banksia species Eremophila species Common Name: Curly-leaved Grevillea, Prostrate Grevillea Botanical Name: Grevillea curviloba Family: Proteaceae Origin: Native to Western Australia

Regular price $17.00 AUD
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Grevillea Sunkissed Waters

Grevillea Sunkissed Waters

Description:Grevillea 'Sunkissed Waters' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms and fine-textured foliage. This Australian native hybrid is prized for its compact growth habit, resilience, and ability to attract birds and pollinators. The bold flowers, combined with its easy-to-care-for nature, make it a perfect choice for a wide variety of garden styles, from native landscapes to formal borders. Flowers:Grevillea 'Sunkissed Waters' produces striking, large clusters of bright yellow and orange spider-like flowers. These blooms appear primarily in spring and autumn but may continue sporadically throughout the year. The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies, making it a wonderful addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Foliage:The foliage is composed of fine, deeply divided, fern-like leaves in a rich green hue. The soft texture of the foliage adds a lush, delicate appearance to the plant, providing a beautiful contrast to the vibrant flowers. Fruit:Occasionally, small, woody seed pods may form after flowering, though they are not a prominent ornamental feature. Form and Size:This compact shrub typically grows to 1-1.5 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width, making it ideal for smaller gardens, low hedges, or container plantings. Its naturally bushy, rounded form is easy to maintain with minimal pruning. Growing Conditions:Grevillea 'Sunkissed Waters' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and can withstand light frosts, making it suitable for a variety of climates, including coastal areas. Uses:Ideal for use as a feature plant, low hedge, or as part of a mixed native garden bed, Grevillea 'Sunkissed Waters' provides year-round interest with its colorful blooms and attractive foliage. Its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for pollinators, making it a perfect choice for wildlife gardens. Its compact size and form also make it suitable for container planting or smaller spaces. Maintenance:Low-maintenance and hardy, Grevillea 'Sunkissed Waters' requires minimal care. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth. Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth and flowering, and ensure that it is planted in well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging. Notes:This hybrid Grevillea is known for its toughness and long flowering period. It’s a perfect addition to low-water gardens or areas where wildlife attraction is desired. Like other Grevilleas, it is sensitive to high-phosphorus fertilizers, so use fertilizers designed for Australian natives. Companion Plants:Combines beautifully with other Australian natives like Callistemon, Banksia, and Kangaroo Paw. Its bright flowers contrast well with silver-leafed plants like Westringia and Eremophila, and it pairs nicely with ornamental grasses like Lomandra for added texture. Common Name: Grevillea 'Sunkissed Waters'Botanical Name: Grevillea 'Sunkissed Waters'Family: ProteaceaeOrigin: Australia (hybrid cultivar)

Regular price $16.00 AUD
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by Jason Kay – May 11, 2025