12 Australian native plants that thrive in extreme heat
With Australian summers becoming hotter and drier, many traditional garden plants are beginning to struggle in exposed positions.
Over the past few years, we have trialled a range of Australian natives in extremely hot, open areas of our own garden. Some have failed, while others have proven consistently resilient, coping with intense sun, reflected heat and extended dry periods with minimal intervention.
Not all native plants are automatically heat-tolerant. Success depends on matching species to your climate, soil type and drainage conditions. See our guide to planting natives for the best success and our first year failure guide for what to watch for through establishment.
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1. Mat rush (Lomandra longifolia)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Lomandra longifolia naturally grows in exposed grasslands, coastal headlands and open woodland across eastern and southern Australia. Its tough, strap-like leaves reduce moisture loss and its deep root system reaches into cooler soil layers below the surface. Once established, it maintains structure and colour through extended dry periods. It is also one of the best living mulch plants available and features in our guide to the most adaptable natives.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil, using a sharp garden knife or sturdy trowel to divide or position plants cleanly. It performs best in sandy or coastal gardens but tolerates heavier clay if drainage is good. The first summer after planting is critical — water deeply while roots establish.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch around the base to insulate soil and reduce evaporation. Avoid cutting plants back hard in peak summer heat. Water deeply rather than lightly, as surface watering encourages shallow roots.
2. Coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Westringia fruticosa naturally grows along exposed coastal cliffs where it withstands harsh sun, salt spray and drying winds. Its fine, grey-green foliage reflects heat and reduces moisture loss, helping it cope with prolonged dry periods. Once established, it remains dense and resilient through consecutive heat events.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in free-draining soil, preparing the hole with a sturdy trowel or spade to ensure good root placement. It performs exceptionally well in sandy or coastal gardens and tolerates poor soils provided drainage is reliable. It is also one of the most effective screening and hedging plants available. Allow space for airflow between plants, especially in humid regions.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch to protect the root zone and reduce evaporation. Prune lightly after flowering using sharp secateurs to maintain density without stressing the plant in peak heat. Water deeply during establishment, then reduce frequency as the shrub matures.
3. Emu bush (Eremophila 'Nivea')
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Eremophila 'Nivea' is native to arid inland Australia where extreme sun and low rainfall are the norm. Its soft, silvery foliage acts like built-in sunscreen, reflecting harsh UV and insulating the plant from radiant heat. These natural adaptations allow it to handle prolonged dry periods and intense summer temperatures.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in very free-draining soil, using a spade to ensure the root ball sits slightly raised if drainage is marginal. It performs best in sandy or gravelly soils and struggles in heavy clay or humid climates. Avoid fertilisers high in phosphorus.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch lightly but keep it clear of the stem to prevent moisture build-up. Do not overwater during heat, as excess moisture is more damaging than dry conditions. Prune lightly with pruning shears after flowering, but not during peak summer stress.
4. Weeping bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Callistemon viminalis is naturally adapted to Australian riverbanks and open woodland where it experiences both drought and intense sun. Its thick, leathery leaves reduce moisture loss and its deep root system allows it to access water well below the surface.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, using a spade to prepare a generous planting hole that encourages strong root development. It performs well in coastal, temperate and many inland regions and handles reflected heat from paving or walls. Water consistently through the first summer to establish deep roots.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch around the base to moderate soil temperature and retain moisture. Prune after flowering with loppers to maintain airflow and structure — see our pruning guide for timing specific to bottlebrush. If leaves wilt during the afternoon but recover overnight, this is a normal heat response and not a sign of failure.
5. Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' (and heat-tolerant hybrids)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' was selected for its resilience in tough Australian conditions. Its narrow, divided foliage reduces moisture loss and copes well with intense sun, while its root system is adapted to dry, lean soils. Once established, it flowers reliably through hot summers without demanding excessive water.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in very free-draining soil, preparing the hole carefully with a spade to avoid compacted ground around the roots. It performs best in sandy or loamy soils and dislikes heavy clay without drainage. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers and use only native-specific products if feeding. See our growing guide for species selection and care.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch to stabilise soil temperature and reduce evaporation. Water deeply during the first summer to establish strong roots, then reduce frequency as the plant matures. Prune lightly with sharp secateurs after flowering rather than during peak summer heat.
6. Showy honey-myrtle (Melaleuca nesophila)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Melaleuca nesophila is native to Western Australia's dry coastal regions where strong sun, wind and poor soils are common. Its tough leaves and insulating papery bark help reduce moisture loss and protect stems during prolonged heat. Once established, it remains resilient through extended dry periods and high summer temperatures.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in free-draining soil, using a fork to loosen surrounding ground so roots can establish easily. It performs particularly well in sandy or gravelly soils and tolerates exposed coastal positions. In heavier soils, slight mounding improves drainage and long-term success.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch to regulate soil temperature and reduce evaporation. Avoid heavy pruning in peak summer and instead shape lightly with hand pruners. Water consistently through the first summer, then reduce as the plant matures.
7. Tussock grass (Poa labillardierei)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Poa labillardierei forms dense, arching tussocks that naturally shade their own root systems and help moderate soil temperature. Native to southern and eastern Australia, it is adapted to open grasslands where sun exposure can be intense. Once established, it copes well with heat provided it receives occasional deep watering in very dry conditions.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil, loosening the planting area with a cultivator to encourage root spread. It performs best in temperate and higher rainfall regions but adapts to drier inland areas with support during establishment. Space generously to allow airflow and maintain the natural arching form.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch to protect the root zone and reduce surface drying. Water deeply rather than frequently during extended dry spells. Trim lightly at the end of summer with sharp secateurs to refresh growth once temperatures ease.
8. Native wisteria (Hardenbergia violacea)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Hardenbergia violacea is naturally found in open woodland and coastal regions where it experiences strong sun and dry periods. Its thick, leathery leaves reduce moisture loss and its spreading habit helps shade the soil beneath it. Once established, it tolerates heat well and remains vigorous through long summers.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil, preparing the planting hole with a trowel to ensure roots are not restricted. It performs reliably in temperate and coastal climates and adapts to a range of soils provided drainage is good. Train along fences, allow it to spill over retaining walls or use it as a dense groundcover. See our guide to covering fences without damage. It also features in our pea flower guide for its ecological value.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch to retain soil moisture and protect shallow roots. Water deeply during the first summer, then reduce frequency as the plant matures. Prune back by up to one-third after flowering using sharp secateurs to maintain strength and shape.
9. Porcupine grass (Triodia scariosa)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Triodia scariosa is native to the arid and semi-arid mallee and hummock grassland communities of southern Australia where extreme heat, poor soils and minimal rainfall are standard conditions. Its fine, needle-like foliage reduces moisture loss and its tight, domed form protects the centre of the plant from radiant heat. Older plants spread outward in a ring formation, sometimes reaching 3m across, providing refuge for lizards, small mammals and birds. These adaptations make it exceptionally tolerant of prolonged drought and high summer temperatures.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in very free-draining sandy or gravelly soil, loosening the area with a spade to prevent compaction around the roots. It performs best in arid, inland or Mediterranean-style gardens and is not suited to high rainfall or humid climates. Position away from paths — the foliage is sharp.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Avoid rich soils and heavy mulches, as this species prefers lean conditions. Water sparingly during establishment, then reduce significantly once roots are established. Do not prune hard, as the natural domed form is central to its resilience.
10. Guinea flower (Hibbertia scandens)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Hibbertia scandens naturally grows along coastal dunes and sandy headlands where sun exposure is intense and soils are poor. Its tough, glossy leaves reduce moisture loss and tolerate reflected heat from sand and stone. Once established, it handles prolonged dry periods and high summer temperatures with surprising resilience.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in free-draining soil. It performs particularly well in sandy or coastal gardens and adapts to slopes and hot western aspects. Train along fences, over low walls or allow it to spread as a groundcover.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch lightly to protect surface roots without retaining excessive moisture. Water deeply during establishment, then reduce frequency as the plant settles in. Prune lightly after flowering with secateurs to maintain density and prevent woody thinning.
11. Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Banksia serrata is naturally found on coastal headlands and sandy soils where it endures intense sun, drying winds and low fertility. Its thick, leathery leaves minimise water loss and its deep root system accesses moisture well below the surface. Once established, it tolerates prolonged heatwaves and dry summers with minimal intervention.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in very free-draining sandy soil, digging with a sharp spade to ensure the root zone is not compacted. It performs best in coastal and temperate regions and dislikes heavy clay or poor drainage. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers and use only native-specific products if feeding. See our banksia growing guide for species selection and care.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch with coarse organic material to regulate soil temperature without trapping excess moisture. Water deeply through the first summer, then reduce frequency as roots establish. Avoid disturbing the root zone — banksias prefer stability once planted.
12. Creeping saltbush (Rhagodia spinescens)
Why it thrives in extreme heat
Rhagodia spinescens is native to arid, semi-arid and coastal regions across all mainland states of Australia, where heat, poor soils and low rainfall are part of the landscape. Its silvery-blue foliage reflects sunlight, helping reduce heat absorption and moisture loss. Once established, it tolerates prolonged drought, salt exposure and repeated high-temperature days with very little intervention.
How and where to plant
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, loosening the area with a gardening knife or cultivator to encourage root spread. It performs reliably on banks, verges and exposed slopes and adapts to sandy, loamy and moderately saline soils. Allow space for it to spread naturally as a dense groundcover.
Tips for 30°C+ heat
Mulch lightly to reduce surface drying without retaining excessive moisture. Water deeply during establishment, then reduce significantly once mature. Trim once a year in cooler months with secateurs to maintain density and shape.
Designing for extreme heat: Taller, heat-hardy plants and shrubs on the north and west sides of your garden cast afternoon shade over more vulnerable plants beside and beneath them. Bare soil absorbs and radiates enormous amounts of heat, so covering the ground with low groundcovers and generous mulch keeps root zones cooler and reduces water demand across the whole garden. See our guide to layered planting for how to build this structure effectively.
Additional options for very harsh positions
These are exceptionally tough Australian natives suited to exposed sites with reflected heat, wind, poor soil and low water. They perform best when matched carefully to climate and drainage. See our full guide to native plants for dry gardens for more options.
1. Tar bush (Eremophila glabra)
One of the most heat-resilient natives available, particularly in arid and Mediterranean climates. It thrives in full sun and lean, well-drained soils but struggles in humid regions or heavy clay without mounding. Once established, it requires very little supplemental water.
2. Native pigface (Carpobrotus rossii)
Adapted to coastal dunes and sandy soils, pigface tolerates salt spray, drought and intense reflected heat. It features in our guides to native groundcovers, native succulents and dry garden plants. It performs best in free-draining soil and open sun and can decline if drainage is poor or humidity is consistently high. Excellent for stabilising slopes and exposed banks.
3. Native fuchsia (Correa reflexa)
Heat-tolerant when positioned correctly, particularly in inland or temperate climates with some afternoon protection. It is also one of the most reliable plants for dry shade beneath established trees. It dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils and performs best with reliable drainage and light shade in hotter regions. Not as drought-hardy as desert natives but dependable once established.
4. Golden buttons (Chrysocephalum apiculatum)
A resilient groundcover for hot, dry, open sites with lean soil. It prefers excellent drainage and can become short-lived if planted in overly rich or damp conditions. Ideal for gravel gardens and areas with strong sun exposure.
5. Bower wattle (Acacia cognata dwarf forms)
Adaptable and reliable once established, particularly in well-drained soils and full sun. It tolerates heat well but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells in its first summer. Avoid heavy clay and poor drainage for long-term health.
6. Blue hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii)
Performs exceptionally well in dry heat and full sun once established. It prefers sandy or well-drained soils and can struggle in heavy clay or humid coastal climates without airflow. Light pruning after flowering with secateurs maintains strength and flowering performance.
For more plants adapted to heat, learn about deep-rooted options.
A resilient garden in Australia's extreme heat
Creating a garden for increasingly hot Australian summers is not about giving up on beauty. It is about choosing plants that are naturally equipped for your climate and supporting them properly during their establishment phase. When species are matched to soil, drainage and sun exposure, even exposed sites can become stable, long-lasting plantings rather than constant rescue missions.
Deep watering methods such as terracotta ollas encourage stronger root systems during the first summer and careful soil preparation with quality tools reduces stress at planting time. The right foundations matter more than reactive watering during a heatwave. See our full planting guide and mulching guide for the right approach from day one.
Caring for yourself when gardening in extreme heat
Extreme heat affects gardeners as much as plants. Work early in the morning or later in the evening, take regular breaks and avoid heavy digging during peak heat. Wear a sun-safe hat and breathable gloves, carry a lightweight gardening belt and keep your hose within easy reach. A thriving summer garden starts with a thriving gardener.
keep reading
A Guide to Australian Native Gardening
How to plan, plant and care for a thriving native garden, whatever your experience level.
Read the guide →
