Gardening Through Brisbane’s Dry Spells
Brisbane’s long hot summers and unpredictable rainfall can make gardening tough. But with smarter soil care, efficient watering, and the right plant choices, your garden can thrive even in the driest conditions.
Soil & Mulch: Your Best Defence
Healthy soil is the key to resilience. Add compost, manures, and organic matter to hold water longer and strengthen roots.
Top with 5–8 cm of mulch — such as sugar cane — to cut evaporation, suppress weeds, and keep soil cool.
Smarter Water Use
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Water deeply and less often to grow strong, drought-resistant roots.
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Water early morning or evening to minimise evaporation.
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Install drip or soaker hoses under mulch for efficient irrigation.
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Collect rainwater in tanks and reuse greywater where safe.
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Group plants by water needs to avoid overwatering.
20 Drought-Tolerant Plants for Brisbane Gardens
Here are resilient species suited to Brisbane’s climate and available at Brookfield Gardens:
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Grevillea
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Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)
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Lomandra
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Westringia (Coastal Rosemary)
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Rhaphiolepis (Indian Hawthorn)
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Myoporum groundcover
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Dietes (Wild Iris)
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Helichrysum ‘Silver Mist’
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Ptilotus (Mulla Mulla)
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Carex ‘Feather Falls’ / ‘Dusky Fountain’
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Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
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Xanthorrhoea (Grass Tree)
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Atriplex (Saltbush)
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Escallonia
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Osteospermum (African Daisy)
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Olive tree (Olea europaea)
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Casuarina ‘Cousin It’
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Rosemary
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Lavender
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Succulents & cacti
Tip: Water well during the first year to establish, then these plants thrive with minimal care.
Final Thought
Dry times don’t have to mean dull gardens. With mulch, water-wise practices, and drought-resistant plants, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance Brisbane garden that thrives year-round. Visit Brookfield Gardens to explore our full collection of drought-tolerant plants and get expert local advice.
