Canberra Plant Selector

Evergreen slow growing branched palm-like tree with fleshy rhizome (8-12m x 5m) from New Zealand. Rosettes of long strap-shaped leaves at the end of each stem. Mostly unbranched when young. Large open panicles of small fragrant white flowers in autumn. Useful feature for its unusual form. Variable coloured leaf forms available. Frost and drought tolerant.

Evergreen slow growing shrub (3m x 3m, depending on variety) from Japan and China. Dark green toothed glossy leaves. Flowers variable THsingle, semi-double, anemone form, peony form, rose-form, formal double and irregular double – in shades of pink, red or white. Useful as a single feature or in groups, as a screen or hedge and suitable for containers. Prefers partial shade or full shade and humus rich well drained acid soil. Drought sensitive. Very sensitive to salinity. Moderately frost tolerant.

Evergreen shrub (1.5-4m x 2m depending on cultivar) from China and Japan. Glossy dark green leaves, smaller than C. japonica. Flowers appear from autumn and are variable (single, semi-double and double petal arrangements) in shades of pink or white with centres filled with yellow tipped stamens. Useful for a screen, formal or informal hedge, containers or in mixed borders. Wind tolerant. Prefers humus rich soil. Hardiest of the Camellia family. Moderately frost and drought tolerant.

Evergreen large round shrub (2m x 2.5m) from North America. Lance shaped glossy dark green leaves. Dense clusters of small lightly scented blue flowers at the tips of new growth in spring to summer. Useful as a specimen or in groups for its colourful flower display. Needs full sun and free draining soil. Best near a north facing wall. Frost and drought tolerant.

Evergreen pyramidal semi-dwarf coniferous shrub (2.5m x 1m) from North America. Flat sprays of glossy bright green scale-like leaves. Urn shaped cones maturing to reddish brown. Useful specimen, accent, or formal hedge. Prefers full sun and fertile moist well drained soil. Protect from harsh winds. Tolerates light frosts. Drought sensitive.

Rhodanthe anthemoides, or Chamomile Sunray is a stunning addition for late winter interest in the garden, with purple-pink buds through winter, opening to papery white flowers with a hint of pink in late winter. Once it heats up they will die down, and this is a good time to cut them back.