There’s nothing like enjoying the shade of a tall tree on a hot summer afternoon. But in many places in Australia, including Queensland, our hot, dry climate means choosing drought tolerant trees is essential. Whether you’re replacing an old tree that’s fallen or looking to plant a new shade tree, this list of ten fast growing drought tolerant trees in Australia has something for everyone. We’ve even included one of the best options if you’re hunting for drought tolerant fruit trees!
Below, we share ten of the best drought tolerant trees you can find in Australia. We’ve deliberately included something for everyone, from drought tolerant flowering trees to drought tolerant fruit trees. And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to choose an Australian native!
What better plant to kick off our list of best drought tolerant trees than the Eucalyptus? Australia is home to more than 700 species of eucalypts, from the stately Eucalyptus regnans (or mountain ash) to these magnificent gum trees. Because they’re native to Australia, gum trees are uniquely adapted to our harsh summer conditions, and you’re sure to find a gum tree precisely suited to your local area. Some of our favourite fast-growing drought tolerant gum trees include:
Instantly recognisable for their crinkly pink, red or purple leaves, crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia) are often used in landscaping as either statement or border trees. They grow well in full sun and prefer a hot, dry climate. They are also available in various heights and colours, including shrub form, making them versatile. When they’re young, they need a decent amount of water to establish a strong root system, but once the root system is fully grown, they’re easily one of the best drought tolerant flowering trees available.
Long-lived, fruit-bearing and drought tolerant—what’s not to love about the humble olive tree? Native to the Mediterranean, olive trees are a popular, low-maintenance option that makes a great addition to the garden in areas with long hot summers and cool winters. You can plant them in pots, position them as a standalone statement centrepiece, or grow them in rows along a fence line. Some of the most common olive trees planted in Australia include:
Like eucalyptus trees, wattles, or acacia, are instantly recognisable and widespread throughout Australia. Famous for their silvery green-blue foliage and vibrant yellow blossoms guaranteed to brighten any winter’s day, they’re one of the best drought tolerant trees Australia has. They make a beautiful statement tree and grow to a much smaller height than most gum trees, making them ideal for smaller backyards. Some of the best wattle tree varieties for drought-prone climates include:
Another favourite among gardeners looking for drought tolerant flowering trees, bottlebrushes are part of the genus Caliistemon. In nature, they occur predominantly along the east and southeast of Australia, often in creek beds. However, they’re a hardy addition to most gardens and a great option if you’re looking to attract native birds and insects to your garden. Bottlebrushes grow quickly and are happy in most soils as long as they aren’t highly alkaline and will produce the best flowers if planted in full sun. Once established, bottlebrushes grow as tall as around four metres in height and require very little maintenance.
The Claret ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa’ Raywood’) was first discovered in South Australia in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Despite being native to Australia, people commonly mistake it for a European tree due to its similarity in appearance to many European trees. Claret ashes are a fast-growing shade tree and a great choice if you’re looking for drought tolerant deciduous trees. They typically grow between 15 and 20 metres tall, and reach full maturity 20-30 years after planting. In autumn, their foliage turns a deep plum red, hence the name ‘claret’ ash. They are drought tolerant once established and a great, low-maintenance option for planting along driveways or in the middle of the lawn.
The Bribie Island Pine (Callitris columellaris), also known as the Murray River Pine, is native to Australia (excluding Tasmania). This evergreen tree typically grows to a height of 4 to 12 meters and is known for its hardiness. It features dark green leaves and clusters of cones, making it an attractive addition to any garden. Once established, the Bribie Island Pine is a highly drought-resistant tree and thrives in a variety of soil types, making it easy to cultivate.
If you’ve been searching for drought tolerant fruit trees, look no further—the pomegranate might just be the perfect option. Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are a fruit-bearing shrub native to Afghanistan and Iran known for their ruby red hand-staining fruit. They fruit in late summer or early autumn, and before that look just as pretty with beautiful orange flowers. They grow best in well-draining soils in areas that are warm and sunny year round. They require a bit more watering than some of the other plants on this list, but they don’t like to sit in soggy soil—in fact, pomegranate fruit can split if they receive too much water.
There are six species of casuarina in Australia, ranging from ground covering plants to tall trees. They’re a common sight throughout New South Wales and Queensland, particularly along riverbeds where they often grow up to 20 metres tall. They’re known for their distinctive slender ‘branchlets’ that hang down in clusters like leaves, and their small spiky seed cones. They’re one of the best drought tolerant trees to choose from if you’re looking to attract native birds to your garden because cockatoos and other birds love eating their seeds. They’re particularly good at acting as a wind break in larger areas like paddocks.
Renowned for their distinctive seed pods, and named after Sir Joseph Banks, there are 173 Banksia species in Australia. They’re predominantly found in southwestern Australia and along the east coast of Australia, with some varieties naturally occurring further inland as well. They typically flower between autumn and winter, with their flowers ranging in colour from yellow to red, making them one of the most popular native Australian trees. After flowering, the banksia fruit is left on the plant, looking like cones, until the seeds are released—typically after fire. Banksia are easily grown from seed and grow best in well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Some of the most popular drought-tolerant banksia include:
Found yourself with a fast-growing drought tolerant tree that’s grown a little too fast and needs a trim? We can help! Contact us for a free quote.
References
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