Discover the best and easiest plants to add some colour to your garden no matter how green your thumb is!
Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, but for beginners or those with a busy schedule, the idea of maintaining a garden might seem daunting. Fortunately, there are plenty of outdoor plants that are not only low-maintenance but also incredibly forgiving for novice gardeners.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up your garden with vibrant colours or create a lush, green space with minimal effort, this guide will introduce you to the best and easiest outdoor plants to grow. These plants are well-suited to Australia’s climate to help create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden!
Add some vibrant colour to your garden with an Aussie staple! Known for its unique, vibrant flowers, the kangaroo paw features large stalks filled with delightful red, orange and yellow flowers. Blooming in spring and summer, the Kangaroo Paw thrives in a range of soil types and requires minimal watering once planted. Just plant in your front garden and enjoy the splendour with a kangaroo paw.
Photography by Phil Cruz. Image via ShutterstockKangaroo Paw
For those wanting to get a little creative with their hedges, the Lilly Pilly makes for a great fit. A versatile plant that can grow up to 10m high, what makes this Australian native plant distinctive are the gorgeous glossy and multicoloured leaves and berries, giving them a decidedly tropical look. Known for being hardy and drought-tolerant, this low maintenance plant has become a staple addition to many gardens across the country.
Photography by Mang Kelin. Image via ShutterstockLilly Pilly
Where variety is concerned, no one can match the Australian Grevillea. With almost 400 distinct species, this native-Australian shrub can thrive in all climates and soils across Australia, as their drought-tolerance makes them an essential low-maintenance plant for your gardens. That variety translates into a cornucopia of wattle-like flowers that bloom non-stop through the cooler months, with some even flowering year-round. Find the perfect Australian Grevillea to match your tastes! 
Photography by lesselsphotography. Image via ShutterstockAustralian Grevillea
For an unfussy plant for your garden, you can’t go wrong with a Callistemon. Also called a bottlebrush, this native Australian plant is best known for its distinctive brush-like flowers with bright and vibrant flowers that add an eccentric flourish to your garden. And unlike many other Australian plants, the bottlebrush is an easy-to-care-for plant, thriving in the full sun and can handle dry conditions. 
Photography by Pelevina Ksinia. Image via ShutterstockCallistemon
One of the most popular garden plants in Australia, wattles are an essential add to any garden. This iconic Australian plant features bright, fluffy flowers that are simply stunning when in full bloom, leading to an array of luminescent yellow. Wattles are a hardy plant, not fussy about soil types, and require only limited maintenance. They are grow quickly, letting you enjoy the fruits of your labour in no time!
Photography by OllyPlu. Image via ShutterstockWattle
Hibiscus is an excellent choice for those wanting a tropical touch in a low-maintenance garden. This tropical plant thrives in warm weather and plenty of sunlight. Yet with only minimal care, Hibiscus rewards gardeners with large, vibrant blooms. Its resilience to common pests and adaptability make it an ideal, easy-to-grow addition to any garden, providing beauty with minimal effort.
Photography by Gabriela Beres. Image via ShutterstockHibiscus
Also known as moss rose, Portulaca is the perfect addition for anyone wanting a low-effort outdoor plant. This succulent annual is great for ground cover and containers, even producing vibrant, colourful blooms throughout the summer. Since it thrives in full sun and is very drought-tolerant, it’s easy to simply plant in your backyard and leave it to bloom in even poor soil conditions. An easy-care option for beginner gardeners!
Photography by Sirinn3249. Image via ShutterstockPortulaca
For those after an easy-care and versatile plant should consider planting a Dianella. Often known as a flax lily, this low-maintenance plant thrives in both sunny and shaded areas with minimal care, needing only occasional watering once properly rooted. Yet once established, you’ll be treated to attractive blue-green foliage and striking blue or purple berries all year round.
Photography by alybaba. Image via ShutterstockDianella
Once you’ve decided on your first plant, learn about the 5 Tips for Achieving and Maintaining a more Sustainable Garden. And if you’re looking to maintain a more environmentally friendly garden, here are 7 Easy Tips on How to Create a Sustainable and Eco-friendly Garden.
