Written by Susan – Plant Lover, Adelaide
If you live near the coast, you already know that gardening by the sea is a little different. Between salty air, sandy soils, and strong winds, not every plant will thrive. But don’t worry — there are plenty of hardy, beautiful plants that love Adelaide’s coastal conditions.
Whether your garden sits a few streets back from the beach or right on the dunes, here are the best coastal plants to create a thriving, low-maintenance landscape that looks good all year round.
🌿 Why Choose Coastal Plants?
Coastal plants are nature’s problem-solvers. They’re used to salty air, sandy soil, and strong breezes — exactly what you’ll find along Adelaide’s coastline. These plants tend to be:
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Drought-tolerant once established
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Wind and salt resistant
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Low-maintenance and great for busy households
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Perfect for natural, native-style landscaping
🌾 Adelaide’s Top Coastal Plant Picks
🌿 Westringia Fruticosa ‘Grey Box’
(Coastal Rosemary)
This hardy native is an Adelaide coastal superstar.
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Silvery-grey foliage suits coastal tones perfectly
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Naturally compact and rounded — great for hedges
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Handles wind, salt, and dry conditions easily
💚 Perfect for Brighton, Glenelg, or Henley Beach gardens where sea breezes are common.
🌸 Scaevola Albida ‘Mauve Clusters’
(Native Fan Flower)
A spreading groundcover that thrives in sand and sun.
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Masses of purple-mauve flowers for months
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Sprawls beautifully over retaining walls or garden edges
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Great for erosion control in sandy soils
🌼 Use along paths, driveways, or coastal borders for easy colour.
🌾 Poa Poiformis
(Coastal Tussock Grass)
Soft, flowing texture and perfect movement in the wind.
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Evergreen native tussock that loves sandy soils
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Wind-tolerant and low-care
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Works well in mass plantings or as a natural screen
💨 A must-have for modern coastal designs and native-themed gardens.
🌿 Rhaphiolepis Indica ‘Oriental Pearl’
(Indian Hawthorn)
For a structured, flowering look that still handles coastal exposure.
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White-pink blooms in spring and summer
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Dense foliage for hedging or feature planting
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Moderate salt tolerance once established
🌸 Adds formality and floral colour to coastal landscapes.
🌼 Xerochrysum Bracteatum ‘Dark Scarlet’
(Everlasting Daisy)
A hardy native that brings vibrant, long-lasting colour.
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Drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly
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Excellent for garden beds, pots, or sandy banks
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Minimal maintenance — just cut back spent flowers
🌞 Perfect for bright coastal gardens that need a pop of colour.
📐 Design Tips for Coastal Gardens
To get the best results, remember these simple coastal gardening rules:
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Choose hardy natives and Mediterranean species suited to wind and salt.
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Improve sandy soil with compost and organic matter to retain moisture.
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Group plants by water needs — natives together, exotics in their own beds.
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Mulch generously to protect roots from heat and sand movement.
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Water deeply while plants establish, then reduce once they’re settled.
🌴 Create a Relaxed, Beachside Feel
Coastal gardens work best when they blend into their surroundings. Think natural textures, silvery foliage, and movement. Mix Westringia for structure, Scaevola for softness, and Poa for flow — and you’ll have an effortlessly calm, Adelaide-style coastal garden.
💚 Final Thoughts from Susan
“Coastal gardens are all about embracing the elements, not fighting them. With the right plants, you can have a lush, low-care garden that thrives in the sea air and brings the beach vibe right to your doorstep.”
