Lisa's Summer Favourites 2025

Discover three exceptional plants handpicked by Lisa for their stunning summer performance and suitability for our Ballarat climate.

Sedum 'Superstar'

Origin: Hybrid cultivar developed from Asian Sedum species.

Height & Width: Grows approx 30cm high x 50cm wide

Evergreen or Deciduous: Semi-evergreen perennial (foliage dies back in winter).

Growing Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Extremely drought tolerant once established. Frost hardy and perfect for cold climates. Cut back spent flower heads in late autumn. Excellent for rockeries, borders, containers, and cottage gardens. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Fun Fact: This spectacular succulent produces masses of vibrant pink star-shaped flowers from late spring through summer, creating a stunning display that attracts butterflies and bees. The fleshy blue-green foliage provides year-round interest and the flowers are excellent for cutting. It's virtually indestructible and thrives on neglect!

Crowea exalata 'White Star'

Origin: Native to eastern Australia's coastal and highland regions.

Height & Width: Grows approx 90cm high x 90cm wide

Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen shrub.

Growing Tips: Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Water regularly during establishment, then moderately. Frost hardy once established. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain compact shape. Excellent for pots, borders, rockeries, and cottage gardens. Benefits from light feeding in spring.

Fun Fact: This beautiful compact native produces masses of delicate white star-shaped flowers throughout summer and into autumn, often flowering for 6-8 months of the year. The aromatic foliage releases a pleasant citrus scent when brushed, and the long flowering period makes it a favourite for pollinators. It's one of the easiest Australian natives to grow!

Callistemon 'Kings Park Special'

Origin: Cultivar developed at Kings Park Botanic Garden in Western Australia.

Height & Width: Grows approx 3-4mtrs high x 3mtrs wide

Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen shrub.

Growing Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil (tolerates most soil types). Drought tolerant once established. Frost hardy and perfect for cold climates. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Excellent as screens, hedges, feature plants, or in native gardens. 

Fun Fact: This premium bottlebrush produces spectacular orange-red flower spikes that light up the summer garden and are magnets for honeyeaters, lorikeets, and native bees. The vibrant new growth emerges bronze-pink before maturing to deep green. It's one of the most striking and reliable bottlebrushes available, combining brilliant colour with exceptional cold-climate performance.