What native plants in Sydney, Australia will grow in the shade?

Question

I would like to have a nice pot near my front door but the problem is that it doesn't get a lot of sun, if any at all. I could move the pot to be in the sun but it would get the afternoon sun but not for very long.

Can anybody help me with some Australian native plants for the Sydney area that will tolerate this?

I have heard that Correas like shade but have also read that they prefer full sun, so I'm confused.

I would like something flowering.

Thanks for your input.

Answer 1

Lack of light is difficult to quantify without a light meter but if the area is not very dark as in not a southern exposure and it gets some partial light it is worth trying. The best thing about pots is that you can rotate them about so they spend a week or two at peak flower by your door then exchange them with another set that have been getting better light.
The term “half shade” when used to describe a plant’s needs means that the plant will do best in—or can withstand—sunlight for just half a day or about 4 hours. Some plants do best with only morning & evening light but will fry with noonlight. Moister soil helps plants handle more sun. Other plants can tolerate shade only if early or late and will be happiest with their light exposure at noon.

You may do well with Hibbertia (Trailing Guinea Flower) loves understorey shade like it was growing under gum trees but it will need a support trellis. Perhaps it can grow up into the light?
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/147074/
http://www.chah.gov.au/images/photo_cd/732131822164/054.html

Running postman (kennedia prostrata) is a red pea flowered ground cover.
http://www.sgaonline.org.au/plant_kennediaprostrata.html
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54269/
Mint bush in a variegated leaf form of Prostantheras ovaliflolia
http://bluemts.com.au/MountTomah/weeklyplant/2003/Prostanthera.htm
http://asgap.org.au/p-ball.html
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2623
Austrostipa ramosissima ( Australian Plume Grass )
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2356

Hebe 'Turkish Delight' has purple bronze foliage.
http://www.greenhillspropagation.com.au/plantlist.php?v1=genus&v2=H

Correas. Try C. alba, C. pulchella forms & hybrids, C. glabra red & green forms, and Western Vic forms of Correa reflexa.
http://www.greenhillspropagation.com.au/plantlist.php?v2=correa&Submit=Submit&v1=genus

Answer 2

A week is not long enough, but if it's all you have, what can you do. One week is plenty if it is just Cairns and the reef you want to do. Subtract roughly 1/5 from the $AUD to get $USD. A lot of tours wont sail out to the reef if it is too windy, so consider not booking your reef tour until you arrive in Cairns, or book on a big boat that wont be so affected by the weather. It is peak season, but there are many tour operators, it is unlikely you will miss out. Don't forget you have to pay departure tax when you leave Australia - probably already included in your tickets. Sunscreen is essential, and a hat and sunglasses, but obviously you can get these here. There is a 10% GST (goods and services) tax on most things, but it is always already included in the price(though often listed separately on the bill), don't let them charge you twice eg in a taxi. Tipping is not customary, but always appreciated. Not in cafes or shops, and only if the service is good in restaurants (no more than $10-15, even for an expensive meal, say $150 meal). No one will think anything much if you don't tip. I usually just give an extra $5, or round up to the nearest $5 if it's far off. Never know what to do for the hotel porter, last time I had to take my own luggage up ! $5 total should be fine. People don't rely on tips to make a living here like they do in the States.

Answer 3

wow! YOur from Sydney Australia? That's pretty cool!
Are you in high school? Kangeroos and stuff?
Don't know about Syndney but here in Oklahoma we grow catsus in a pot. Those will take a lot of heat and they have nice blossoms.

Answer 4

Hebe Turkish Delight