There are a few points to consider before embarking on container cultivation.

Ceramic pots are more decorative than plastic containers but are heavier. Plastic pots are easier to move and usually less expensive. Pot size should be at least 30cm in diameter. Smaller pots will dry out faster and require frequent watering.

Good quality potting mix should be used as this will be their permanent home. There are a number of companies manufacturing high quality potting mix that are formulated for native plants.

Plants will need feeding and each spring, a handful of slow-release fertiliser should be sprinkled on the soil surface and raked in.

Pots should be mulched with organic mulch spread to about 3cm thick. This will reduce evaporation and cut down on watering.

Containers should be watered when the soil surface is dry. A finger in the mulch will give an indication.

Tip pruning the plants occasionally will prevent them becoming straggly. After plants finish flowering, cut back each stem behind the spent blooms.

Now is the time to consider what native plants are suitable for container cultivation. Perhaps “the sky’s the limit” best describes the range of suitable plants.

Boronias, correas, croweas, eremophilas, grevilleas and kangaroo paws all have representatives that are suitable for growing in pots. 

Two correas are worthy of cultivation. Correa alba is a medium shrub with almost circular leaves and white, four-petalled flowers.

The blooms, of this species, are not the “conventional” tubular shape but flattened. This correa will survive and thrive in shady situations. Correa “Autumn Blaze” has spectacular brilliant orange flowers. This cultivar flowers, as the name implies, in the cooler months.

The eremophilas or emu bushes have many varieties suitable for container cultivation. Eremophila kalbarri carpet is a ground cover. In spring and summer, tubular yellow flowers form a ring around the stems at the leaves.

Grevillea alpina hybrid peach is a 1m tall shrub with soft grey foliage and pink and yellow flowers that appear in spring. Even when not in flower, the foliage is a striking feature.

Grevillea amethyst is another small shrub. In spring and summer, plants become covered with showy, mauve flowers. This would be an outstanding contender for pot cultivation.

The brown boronia (Boronia megastigma) is a compact shrub with yellowish-brown flowers. Spring blooms are highly perfumed and their aroma spreads around the garden.