Why autumn is the best time to plant indigenous species

Mar 24, 2025 | Australian Natives

It’s been a long dry summer. According to the Bureau of Meterology, during December, January and February Viewbanks’s mean temperature was 2.1 degrees above average and rainfall was about 80%. And March has hardly been cool. If you’ve struggled to keep exotic plants alive through the heat, autumn is the perfect time to rethink your garden. By replacing thirsty, high-maintenance plants with indigenous species, you can create a beautiful, resilient landscape that thrives naturally. And there’s no better time to plant than right now.

Why plant in Autumn?

Many gardeners wait until spring to plant, but autumn is actually the ideal season for establishing indigenous plants. Here’s why:

  1. Perfect soil conditions – The soil is still warm from summer, helping roots establish before winter dormancy.
  2. Autumn rains – Nature does the watering for you, meaning less effort and better plant survival.
  3. Stronger growth – By the time the next summer arrives, your plants will have deep roots and need less watering.

Replace thirsty plants with harder local natives 

Many exotic plants struggle in our climate, requiring constant watering and care. Why not replace them with local species that are naturally suited to our conditions?

  • Instead of Silver Birch (Betula pendula), plant Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) – a beautiful shade tree that supports native birds.
  • Swap Maples (Acer spp.) for Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) – drought-hardy and a magnet for butterflies.
  • Replace Hydrangeas with a Correa (Correa reflexa or Correa glabra) – lovely pale green flowers and a favorite of birds, especially Eastern spinebills.
  • Ditch your high-maintenance lawn for Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides) – a soft, shade-tolerant native grass that stays green year-round.

Where to get indigenous plants

Local nurseries specialise in species adapted to our local soils: La Trobe Indigeous Nursery – Bundoora, Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Cooperative (VINC) – Fairfield and Edendale Farm – Eltham. I recommend buying from local nurseries as they will be growing plants of local provenance that are adapted to our soils and local conditions in our part of Melbourne. They are usually sold in tubes which are much more likely to rocket off and out grow bigger potted plants once planted in the ground. They are also usually only a few dollars each. 

Tips for planting success

  1. Plant after rain as moist soil helps roots establish.
  2. Mulch well using eucalyptus mulch or leaf litter to retain moisture.
  3. Water in well, indigenous plants need little water once established but benefit from early care.

By planting now, you’ll enjoy a healthier, low-maintenance garden that saves water, supports wildlife, and looks stunning year-round. Don’t wait until spring—autumn is nature’s perfect planting season!

Words and photos by Jen Willis.