Introduction

If you're living in Lismore and keen on keeping your garden looking schmick year-round, native plants are a bloody good place to start. Not only are they well suited to our subtropical climate, but they’re also low-maintenance, water-wise, and help support local birds, bees, and wildlife. Whether you're sprucing up a rental or giving your family home a facelift, this guide will give you the rundown on the best native plants for gardens around Lismore and the broader Northern Rivers region.

Why Choose Native Plants for Your Lismore Garden?

Lismore’s subtropical weather brings a mix of warm temps, summer rainfall, and the odd flood. Native plants have evolved to thrive in these conditions, which means:

• Less watering and fertilising
• Better resistance to pests
• Support for local ecosystems
• A garden that looks great year-round

Plus, you’ll save on water bills and have more time to relax on the verandah with a cold one.

Best Native Plants for Lismore Gardens

🌿 1. Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia)

Why it works: Tough as nails and good-looking too, Lomandra is a go-to for landscaping across Northern NSW. It’s drought-tolerant, flood-resistant, and makes a great ground cover or border plant.

Care tips:

• Prefers full sun or part shade
• Cut back every couple of years to keep it neat
• Hardy in most soil types

🌺 2. Grevillea (Grevillea spp.)

Why it works: With their spidery flowers and constant nectar, Grevilleas attract birds like rainbow lorikeets and honeyeaters. They’re perfect for adding a splash of colour and movement to your garden.

Top picks for Lismore:

• Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ – compact and reliable
• Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’ – grows up to 4 metres

Care tips:

• Plant in a sunny spot
• Avoid heavy clay soils
• Prune lightly to maintain shape

🌸 3. Callistemon (Bottlebrush)

Why it works: Iconic Aussie shrub that flowers like mad in spring and autumn. Its bottlebrush-shaped blooms are a magnet for bees and birds.

Good varieties:

• Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush)
• Callistemon ‘Little John’ – great for smaller spaces

Care tips:

• Full sun or light shade
• Water well until established
• Trim after flowering to keep compact

🌼 4. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)

Why it works: If you want something a bit different, Kangaroo Paws bring bold colour and texture. They thrive in well-drained soil and make excellent feature plants.

Best varieties for Lismore:

• Anigozanthos ‘Bush Pearl’ – pink flowers
• Anigozanthos ‘Big Red’ – stunning red bloom

Care tips:

• Needs good drainage
• Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming
• Cut back hard in winter

🌱 5. Dianella (Flax Lily)

Why it works: This one’s a ripper for ground cover or planting under trees. Its deep green strappy leaves and small purple flowers add subtle interest, and it thrives in shade or sun.

Care tips:

• Great in poor soils
• Minimal maintenance
• Excellent for erosion control

🌳 6. Lilly Pilly (Syzygium spp.)

Why it works: Fast-growing and versatile, Lilly Pilly is ideal for hedging or screening nosy neighbours. The glossy leaves, fluffy white flowers, and edible berries are all big pluses.

Lismore-friendly varieties:

• Syzygium australe
• Syzygium ‘Resilience’ – compact and psyllid resistant

Care tips:

• Regular pruning for shape
• Likes rich, well-drained soils
• Mulch well and water when young

Tips for Planting Native Gardens in Lismore

• Soil prep: Loamy soils are ideal, but you can improve clay with compost or gypsum.
• Mulching: Use sugarcane mulch or bark to keep roots cool and suppress weeds.
• Watering: Water natives regularly until they establish – usually a year or so – then ease off.
• Positioning: Most Aussie natives love the sun, but check labels – some thrive in part shade.

Where to Buy Native Plants Around Lismore

Support your local nurseries for the best advice and healthy, region-specific stock. Try:

• Lismore Garden Centre
• Friends of the Koala Nursery
• Daley’s Fruit Tree Nursery (Kyogle Rd, Geneva)

They often stock endemic species suited to Northern Rivers microclimates.

Final Thoughts

Going native in your Lismore garden isn’t just about making life easier – it’s about creating a space that belongs to this place. Whether you’ve got a big backyard or just a few pots on the patio, incorporating native plants can make your garden more resilient, beautiful, and uniquely Aussie.

If you’re ever unsure about what to plant where, give us a bell at Lismore Gardeners – we’re locals who know how to make your outdoor space thrive.