12 Australian native plants that thrive in extreme heat
With our summers getting hotter and drier each year, some of the plants we once relied on now struggle to cope.
Over the past few years, I’ve tested different Australian native options in my own garden in extremely hot, exposed spots. I've found many are resilient, water-wise and well adapted to a warming climate, making it possible to grow a beautiful garden even when the conditions are tough.
In this guide, we cover the native plants that have given us the most success in scorching conditions and how you can use them in your own home garden.
1. Lomandra longifolia (Mat Rush)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Lomandra has tough, strap-like leaves with a thick, waxy coating that reduces water loss. Its deep root system taps into cooler soil layers, helping it stay green even in prolonged heatwaves.
How and where to plant:
Plant in full sun or part shade, in well-drained soil. Ideal for borders, mass planting or binding dry slopes. Once established, it requires minimal water.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Mulch heavily around the base. A deep soak every 7–10 days during extreme heat will keep it looking lush.
2. Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Naturally found on exposed coastal cliffs, Westringia is adapted to harsh sun, salt spray and wind. Its fine, grey-green leaves reflect heat and reduce transpiration.
How and where to plant:
Perfect for full-sun positions, hedging or low-maintenance cottage-style borders. Tolerates poor sandy soils extremely well.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Light pruning after flowering encourages a dense, heat-hardy shape. Ideal for spots that bake in the afternoon sun.
3. Eremophila ‘Nivea’ (Emu Bush)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
The silver, velvety foliage is a built-in sunscreen — the leaf hairs reflect harsh UV and insulate the plant. Native to arid inland Australia, it is naturally designed for extreme temperatures.
How and where to plant:
Needs full sun and excellent drainage. Stunning as a feature shrub or mixed with other silvery natives for a Mediterranean look.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Avoid overwatering. These plants can suffer more from excess moisture than heat.
4. Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Bottlebrushes have thick, leathery leaves that minimise moisture loss. Their deep root systems handle drought extremely well.
How and where to plant:
Use as a statement tree or screening plant. Handles full sun, reflective heat from paving, and poor soils.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Water deeply during the first summer. Once established, they tolerate consecutive 40°C days with ease.
5. Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ (or heat-tolerant hybrids)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Grevilleas evolved for tough Australian conditions — needle or divided leaves reduce water evaporation, and their roots prefer dry, lean soils.
How and where to plant:
Plant in full sun, ensuring very free-draining conditions. Great for attracting honeyeaters and adding colour.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Grevilleas love heat but hate “wet feet.” Raise beds if soil drainage is poor.
6. Melaleuca nesophila (Showy Honey-Myrtle)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Naturally found in WA’s dry climates, with thick papery bark that insulates stems and tough leaves adapted to long dry periods.
How and where to plant:
Excellent for hot, exposed garden edges or nature-style planting. Loves full sun and sandy soils.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Mulch generously. Once established, it’s almost maintenance-free.
7. Poa labillardierei (Tussock Grass)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Poa forms dense tussocks that shade its own roots and reduce soil temperature. It copes exceptionally well with heat when established.
How and where to plant:
Use in drifts for a soft, meadow-like look. Full sun to part shade.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Trim lightly at the end of summer to refresh growth.
8. Hardenbergia violacea (Native Wisteria)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Has thick, leathery leaves and a sprawling habit that helps it shield its own roots while tolerating high heat.
How and where to plant:
Train along a fence, allow to spill over a retaining wall, or use as a groundcover. Prefers sun but tolerates shade.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Water deeply before a heatwave. Once mature, it’s surprisingly resilient.
9. Triodia scariosa (Porcupine Grass)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Its fine, needle-like leaves significantly reduce transpiration, and the tight, domed structure protects the plant’s centre from radiant heat. It is naturally adapted to drought, poor soils and prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
How and where to plant:
A sculptural, architectural plant suited to full-sun positions, gravel gardens and exposed sites with intense afternoon sun.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Once established, it needs almost no water. Use gravel or stone mulch (rather than organic mulch) to replicate its natural habitat.
10. Hibbertia scandens (Guinea Flower)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Its tough, glossy leaves are built to withstand sun exposure and reduce water loss. This climber/scrambler is adapted to sandy, nutrient-poor soils that heat up quickly.
How and where to plant:
Grow along fences, trellises, or let it trail as a groundcover. Ideal for west-facing walls or hot boundaries.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Provide a deep drink before heatwaves. It bounces back even after extreme dehydration.
11. Banksia serrata (Old Man Banksia)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
Its thick, leathery leaves minimise water loss, and the plant’s deep root system accesses cooler moisture well below the soil surface. These natural adaptations make it exceptionally tolerant of heatwaves.
How and where to plant:
Plant in sandy, free-draining soil, coastal gardens, native beds or hot western aspects where other plants may struggle.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Water deeply during its first summer, then gradually taper off. Once established, it will handle extreme heat with minimal care.
12. Rhagodia spinescens (Creeping Saltbush)
Why it thrives in extreme heat:
The silvery-blue foliage reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption. Native to inland Australia, it handles blistering heat, poor soils and drought beautifully.
How and where to plant:
Use as a groundcover on banks, verges, dry areas or full-sun slopes. Great for suppressing weeds in hot spots.
Tips for 30°C+ heat:
Once established, it rarely needs watering. A trim once a year keeps it dense and tidy.
Additional options for very harsh positions
These are exceptionally hardy, tough performing Australian natives suited to extreme heat, reflected sun, wind, poor soil and low water.
1. Eremophila glabra
One of the most heat-resilient natives available. Thrives in arid, exposed sites with minimal water once established. Suitable for harsh inland and coastal conditions.
2. Carpobrotus rossii (Native Pigface)
Exceptionally tolerant of heat, drought and salt. Ideal for sandy soils, slopes and coastal or exposed positions where little else survives.
3. Correa reflexa
Surprisingly heat-tolerant when planted in the right position. Performs well in hot inland areas with some afternoon shade.
4. Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Yellow Buttons)
Thrives in hot, dry, open sites with minimal care. Excellent as a low groundcover in areas with intense sun and limited water.
5. Acacia cognata (dwarf forms)
Highly adaptable and resilient once established. Suitable for hot, dry positions provided drainage is good.
Creating a garden that can cope with Australia’s increasingly hot summers isn’t about giving up on beauty — it’s about choosing plants that are adapted to thrive where others struggle. These native species bring structure, softness and colour while standing up to scorching sun, dry soil and extended heatwaves.
With the right planting choices, plus practical supports like ollas for slow, efficient watering and quality tools built for tough conditions, even the hottest parts of your garden can become resilient, low-maintenance spaces.
Hot weather can creep up quickly, so consider sun-safe hats, breathable gloves, a lightweight gardening belt and after-sun care when working outdoors. A thriving summer garden starts with a thriving gardener.
