Explore top fire-retardant plants for Melbourne landscapes — hardy, low-maintenance species ideal for bushfire protection, home gardens and property safety.
Native Shrubs and Hedges for Foliage Contrast
For striking foliage effects in landscape design, Australian natives offer reliable performance with strong visual impact. Below is a curated selection of groundcovers, shrubs, and hedges that provide colour contrast, structure, and resilience across a range of conditions.
Groundcovering Shrubs
White Mundi™
Westringia fruticosa ‘WES09’ PBR Trade Name White Mundi™
Cream and grey-green variegated foliage with white flowers in spring. Grows 40cm high × 1m wide. Suited to borders and coastal landscapes.
Blue Horizon™
Eremophila glabra prostrate ‘EREM1’ PBR Trade Name Blue Horizon™
Dense blue-grey foliage with yellow winter flowers. 25cm high × 1m wide. Works well in mass plantings or borders, tolerates dry soils.
Aussie Flat Bush™
Rhagodia spinescens ‘SAB01’ PBR Trade Name Aussie Flat Bush™
Blue-toned foliage, 30–50cm high × 1m wide. Hardy groundcover for slopes, verges, and modern landscapes.
Small to Mid-Sized Shrubs and Hedges
Grey Box™
Westringia fruticosa ‘WES04’ PBR Trade Name Grey Box™
Compact grey foliage shrub, 30–45cm unpruned, with white flowers for most of the year. Ideal for low hedges.
Goldie Box™
Westringia fruticosa ‘WES11’ PBR Trade Name Goldie Box™
Golden-variegated foliage with occasional white flowers. Grows to 45cm. Suitable for low hedges, topiary, or features.
Aussie Hedge Bush™
Rhagodia spinescens ‘SAB02’ PBR Intended Trade Name Aussie Hedge Bush™
Dense silvery blue-grey foliage forming a 1–1.6m shrub. Suitable for screening, windbreaks, or structured borders.
Taller Shrubs, Hedges, and Screens
Red Alert™
Callistemon viminalis ‘KPS38’ PBR Trade Name Red Alert™
Red new growth in autumn and spring. Reaches 2–2.4m high × 1.5–2m wide. Low-maintenance, drought and frost tolerant.
Coastal Pink™
Correa alba ‘COR10’ PBR Trade Name Coastal Pink™
Shrub or hedge with pink flowers and bluish-green foliage. Grows 2m high × 2m wide, prunable to a dense hedge.
Design Impact
From blue-grey foliage to vibrant red and gold highlights, these resilient native selections offer versatile solutions for contrast and cohesion in commercial and residential landscapes.
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The views expressed may be personal and not official policy. Plants are natural products and may die for various reasons. Ozbreed believes the information is correct at publishing but does not guarantee accuracy or accept liability for inaccuracies or photo colour discrepancies. Images are illustrative and may not reflect the actual product’s size, colour, or appearance.
All information is for general guidance and not a substitute for professional advice. Ozbreed makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the fitness or suitability of any plant or product for a particular purpose. Plant performance may vary based on regional climate, soil type, and other conditions. Users should independently verify the suitability of plants, products, and advice, consulting local experts to determine the best choices for their location.
Some plants may cause allergic reactions or require specific care. Users should research potential allergies, toxicity, or safety concerns before selecting or planting products. Review technical specifications to ensure products or plants meet your requirements. Ozbreed is not liable for how information is used.
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