The Complete Plant Selection Guide for Brisbane's Subtropical Climate
Brisbane's subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa) is one of Australia's most plant-friendly — warm winters, long growing seasons, and reliable rainfall support an extraordinary diversity of plants. Yet this abundance of possibility can be paralyzing. Which plants will thrive? Which will struggle? Which are appropriate for your specific site and microclimate?
This guide provides a comprehensive framework for plant selection in Brisbane, organised by plant category and use. Whether you're designing a new landscape, renovating an existing garden, or simply trying to understand why certain plants aren't performing in your current garden, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
Understanding Brisbane's Climate Zones
Brisbane's climate varies significantly across the city, influenced by elevation, proximity to water, and local topography. The inner suburbs experience a slightly warmer, more humid microclimate than the western suburbs. Bayside suburbs benefit from sea breezes that moderate summer temperatures. Western suburbs experience greater temperature extremes.
For plant selection purposes, it's useful to think of Brisbane as having three distinct microclimates:
Inner-city and bayside: Warm, humid, consistent temperatures. Ideal for tropical and subtropical plants. Frost is rare.
Inner western suburbs: Moderate temperatures, good rainfall, occasional light frosts. Suitable for a broader range of subtropical and temperate species.
Outer western suburbs: Greater temperature variation, occasional moderate frosts, lower humidity. Requires more careful plant selection.
Feature Trees for Brisbane Gardens
Feature trees provide scale, shade, and seasonal interest. The following species perform consistently well in Brisbane conditions.
*Jacaranda mimosifolia* (Jacaranda)
One of Brisbane's iconic trees, the Jacaranda produces masses of purple-blue flowers in spring (October-November). Deciduous, it provides summer shade and winter light. Mature height: 15-20m. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid planting near pools or paving due to flower and seed drop.
*Ficus hillii* (Hill's Fig)
A native Australian tree that provides dense, evergreen foliage and excellent screening. Fast-growing, it reaches 15-20m at maturity. Tolerates a range of soil types and is relatively low-maintenance. Excellent for privacy screening. Avoid planting near buildings due to aggressive root systems.
*Brachychiton acerifolius* (Illawarra Flame Tree)
A spectacular native tree with bright red flowers in spring (September-October). Semi-deciduous, it provides summer shade and winter light. Mature height: 15-25m. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Excellent for feature planting in larger gardens.
*Lagerstroemia indica* (Crepe Myrtle)
A deciduous tree with delicate flowers in summer (December-February) in colours ranging from white to deep pink. Mature height: 6-10m. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Excellent for smaller gardens and courtyards. Prone to powdery mildew in humid conditions — ensure good air circulation.
*Liquidambar styraciflua* (Sweet Gum)
A deciduous tree with spectacular autumn colour (April-May in Brisbane). Mature height: 15-20m. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Excellent for larger gardens where autumn interest is desired. Not suitable for small spaces due to size and seed drop.
Screening and Hedging Plants
Screening plants provide privacy, windbreak, and visual structure. The following species are reliable performers in Brisbane.
*Acmena smithii* (Lilly Pilly)
A native Australian shrub with dense, evergreen foliage and small red berries. Fast-growing, reaching 3-6m depending on variety. Tolerates a range of soil types and is relatively low-maintenance. Excellent for hedging and screening. Prone to leaf spot disease in very humid conditions — ensure good air circulation.
*Murraya paniculata* (Orange Jasmine)
A fast-growing evergreen shrub reaching 2-4m. Produces small white flowers with a sweet fragrance. Dense foliage makes it excellent for screening. Requires regular pruning to maintain shape. Tolerates a range of soil types.
*Viburnum odoratissimum* (Sweet Viburnum)
An evergreen shrub reaching 3-5m with dense foliage and small white flowers. Tolerates a range of soil types and light conditions. Relatively low-maintenance. Excellent for hedging in both sun and shade.
*Buxus sempervirens* (English Box)
A classic hedging plant with dense, fine foliage. Slow-growing, reaching 1-3m depending on variety. Requires regular pruning to maintain shape. Prone to box blight in humid conditions — ensure excellent air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
*Elaeagnus ebbingei* (Silverberry)
An evergreen shrub with silvery foliage and small fragrant flowers. Fast-growing, reaching 3-4m. Tolerates a range of soil types and is relatively low-maintenance. Excellent for screening and windbreak.
Groundcovers and Low-Growing Plants
Groundcovers tie planting compositions together and reduce maintenance by suppressing weeds. The following species perform well in Brisbane.
*Lomandra longifolia* (Basket Grass)
A native Australian groundcover reaching 0.5-1m. Dense, fine-textured foliage provides excellent visual interest. Tolerates a range of soil types and light conditions. Very low-maintenance. Excellent for large-scale planting.
*Liriope muscari* (Lilyturf)
A groundcover reaching 0.3-0.5m with fine, grass-like foliage and purple flowers in summer. Tolerates a range of soil types and light conditions. Very low-maintenance. Excellent for edging and mass planting.
*Mondo grass* (*Ophiopogon japonicus*)
A fine-textured groundcover reaching 0.2-0.3m. Tolerates shade and a range of soil types. Very low-maintenance. Excellent for underplanting beneath trees and shrubs.
*Ajuga reptans* (Bugle)
A low-growing groundcover reaching 0.1-0.2m with purple flowers in spring. Tolerates shade and a range of soil types. Spreads rapidly — useful for large areas but requires containment. Prone to root rot in poorly drained soils.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add movement, texture, and seasonal interest to planting compositions.
*Pennisetum setaceum* (Fountain Grass)
An ornamental grass reaching 0.8-1.2m with fine, feathery foliage and pink flower spikes in summer. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Relatively low-maintenance. Excellent for adding movement and texture to planting compositions.
*Miscanthus x giganteus* (Giant Miscanthus)
A large ornamental grass reaching 2-2.5m with fine foliage and feathery flower spikes in autumn. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Dies back in winter, providing winter interest. Excellent for screening and backdrop planting.
*Stipa gigantea* (Golden Oats)
An ornamental grass reaching 1.5-2m with fine foliage and tall, delicate flower spikes. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Very low-maintenance. Excellent for adding height and movement to planting compositions.
Tropical and Subtropical Foliage Plants
These plants provide bold foliage and architectural interest.
*Heliconia* species (Lobster Claw)
Bold tropical plants reaching 1-3m depending on species. Produce spectacular red, orange, or yellow flower bracts. Require warm, humid conditions and well-drained soil. Excellent for feature planting in tropical gardens.
*Strelitzia reginae* (Bird of Paradise)
A dramatic plant reaching 1-1.5m with bold orange and blue flowers. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Relatively low-maintenance. Excellent for feature planting and architectural interest.
*Alocasia* species (Elephant Ear)
Bold foliage plants reaching 0.5-2m depending on species. Require warm, humid conditions and moist, well-drained soil. Excellent for underplanting beneath trees and for adding architectural interest.
*Philodendron* species
Climbing or upright plants with bold foliage. Tolerant of shade and a range of soil types. Excellent for screening and backdrop planting.
Native Australian Plants
Native plants are well-adapted to Brisbane's climate and require minimal maintenance once established.
*Grevillea* species
A diverse genus of native Australian shrubs and trees. Most tolerate a range of soil types and light conditions. Flowers attract native birds and insects. Excellent for wildlife gardens.
*Callistemon* species (Bottlebrush)
Native Australian shrubs and trees with distinctive red, pink, or yellow flower spikes. Tolerant of a range of soil types. Flowers attract native birds. Excellent for screening and feature planting.
*Banksia* species
Native Australian shrubs and trees with distinctive flower spikes. Require well-drained soil and full sun. Flowers attract native birds. Excellent for feature planting.
*Leptospermum* species (Tea Tree)
Native Australian shrubs with fine foliage and small flowers. Tolerant of a range of soil types. Low-maintenance. Excellent for screening and mass planting.
Plants to Avoid Near Pools
Certain plants should never be planted near pools due to aggressive root systems, excessive leaf drop, or toxicity.
Avoid: Ficus species (aggressive roots), deciduous trees with heavy leaf drop (Liquidambar, Jacaranda), plants with invasive root systems (Bamboo, Agapanthus), plants with toxic berries or leaves.
Suitable for pool surrounds: Agapanthus (in containers, away from pool shell), Buxus, Lilly Pilly, Murraya, Viburnum, Lomandra, Liriope.
For detailed pool landscaping guidance, see our pool landscaping guide.
Seasonal Planting Calendar for Brisbane
Spring (September-November): Best season for planting. Warm soil temperatures and reliable rainfall support establishment. Plant deciduous trees before they leaf out. Plant spring-flowering shrubs after flowering.
Summer (December-February): Avoid planting if possible due to heat stress. If planting is necessary, ensure consistent watering. Mulch heavily to retain soil moisture.
Autumn (March-May): Good season for planting. Cooling temperatures and reliable rainfall support establishment. Plant spring-flowering bulbs and perennials.
Winter (June-August): Acceptable season for planting, though growth is slower. Ideal for planting frost-tolerant species. Avoid planting tropical species.
Key Takeaways
- Brisbane's subtropical climate supports an extraordinary diversity of plants — choose species appropriate for your specific microclimate
- Feature trees provide scale, shade, and seasonal interest — select based on mature size, root systems, and maintenance requirements
- Screening plants should be fast-growing, dense, and tolerant of Brisbane's humid conditions
- Groundcovers and ornamental grasses add texture and movement while reducing maintenance
- Native Australian plants are well-adapted to Brisbane's climate and require minimal maintenance
- Avoid planting aggressive-rooted species near pools, buildings, and underground services
- Plant in spring or autumn for best establishment — avoid summer heat stress if possible
Ready to Design Your Planting?
Selecting the right plants for your Brisbane garden requires understanding both the plants and your specific site conditions. At DG Gardens, our planting design process includes detailed site analysis, plant selection based on your climate zone and microclimate, and specifications that ensure successful establishment and long-term performance.
Book a design consultation to discuss your planting needs. We work across Brisbane and South East Queensland, and we'd be delighted to help you create a garden that thrives in Brisbane's subtropical climate.
