Kuranga Native Nursery

26/06/2026

Continuing on with plants that are suitable for containers on balconies, what do you think about these gorgeous displays?

As it happens, these particular plants would cope happily on a balcony that faces the sea and receives salt-laden winds. There are many more plants at Kuranga, suitable for this situation and you don't need to prune them into little balls of course although its a cute look.

You'll know the Coast Tea Tree - Leptospermum laevigatum of course, but did you know that, not only is there a dinky small shrub version of this small tree - that's the one snuggled with friends in the picture - but Kuranga propagates, in small numbers, a groundcover version. In a tall container, it cascades beautifully by itself and quickly develops a stunning bonsai-like appearance without any need of pruning or shaping. It really is beautiful in a container and is perfectly happy facing salt-laden winds.

Then there's the typical form of Coast Correa but Kuranga grows a large range of Correa alba variants, with a range of heights, leaf and flower size. Some have pink flowers and some have particularly lovely leaves and new growth. For those of you who love the 'crazy paving' look of variegated foliage, there's a Correa alba variegated form for you.

We could go on but suffice to say, there are an amazing range of yummy options for planting in containers on tough balcony sites. Come and have a look at the plants pictured that are displayed in and around the nursery and feel free to ask our learned and very chirpy staff for other of the many possibilities. Are you already growing Australian plants in containers on a balcony? Tell us what you grow!

25/06/2026

Whatever your mood - we have the toastie for that!
Reuben, Chicken and Pesto, or roast Pumpkin served with bush Tomato fries.

25/06/2026

For those interested in Australian plants who live in the city, this will be a great event to get along to 🪴

24/06/2026

So this is an image of Gum Vine in flower. Not spectacular but pretty enough and the foliage is lovely, the leaves are a glossy green and its habit if vigorous.
It's a rainforest climber but does well in the southern states and will grow in a shady or a sunny position.
Great critter habitat, it will climb up a fence or trellis quickly and will then progressively drop its foliage down to ground level.
One note: There will in time be the odd stem or two that mooches out along the ground. Cut those back unless you are happy for it to make roots on these curious little stems to spread and climb shrubs.

23/06/2026

Gardening on a balcony? You can create a beautiful container garden on a balcony but before you come and visit Kuranga for advice on suitable plants, we like to ask some important questions including, does the balcony get morning sun, afternoon sun, sun all day or no sun at all? Also come armed with the size of your pot(s) if you already have them. How will you provide water - tap or watering can, is it windy, are there weight issues you need to check. These, plus a few other easy questions, allow us to give you great advice for your particular balcony garden so it will thrive and bring joy throughout the year.
When you come in for some advice, take some photographs before-hand if possible, so we can really get a feel for your space.
Oh, and today's balcony garden suggestion is a great little shrub, Grevillea alpina 'Warby Range'. With soft arching foliage, it is long-flowering and it doesn't like to be over-watered. That's a plus!

23/06/2026

INTRODUCING OUR WINTER BREAKFAST SPECIAL!
English muffin with bacon, egg, relish & a small coffee - $12
Take it for a stroll around the nursery or take it for a drive — either way, it's takeaway only!

23/06/2026

22/06/2026

Not all 'syns' are bad, but they can sure be confusing when it comes to plant names.
For those of you who are puzzled when you see a plant name, for example, Pomaderris aurea syn. Pomaderris species (Holey Plains) Pomaderris humilis, the syn. means 'synonymous' and refers to a name that the plant has previously been known by.
Plant name changes happen for a range of reasons and each change has its own story. While it's frustrating keeping up with these changes, classification and naming is a complex, often contentious but an important part of the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of plants.

Pomaderris aurea isn't alone of course and this process is on-going.
Hibbertia empetrifolia has been known as Hibbertia billardieri as well as Hibbertia astrotriche. (It gets worse for this lovely plant because, not only has it had name changes, Kuranga keeps it both in our Groundcover Section as well as our Climbers section and yes it could be forgiven for suffering an identity crisis. It's climbs or scrambles, is tough and lovely).

Another example of confusing 'syn'.
Most Australian Plectranthus species occur in Qld and NSW and these are now part of the genus Coleus. Both Qld and NSW's Herbariums have accepted the reclassification of Australian Plectranthus species however, in Victoria, where our Herbarium remains unconvinced of the need for change at this stage, our one Plectranthus australis syn. parviflorus remains Plectranthus australis.
SA, WA, NT has one species and appears to be sticking with Plectranthus but we digress again.

So...regardless of its current or past monika, Pomaderris aurea is worth planting. It is an adaptable plant in the garden, has small, green, velvety leaves, clusters of decorative buds and the flowers open to become part of a dense pyramid of rich golden yellow. Full to filtered sun is fine, it makes a wonderful, continuous, clipped hedge and is even happy when planted under established trees if given the occasional deep watering while it is little. Let free, it grows to around 1 - 1.5 metres high and 1.5 to 2 metres wide.
After the flowers fade Rosella's and King Parrots come to eat the immature, green seed capsules.
( In truth synonyms don’t have to be included, we just thought it would be interesting to try to explain some of this).

Are you tired yet?

22/06/2026

Tune in to 'Plant Chat with Charlie' for his hot take on some great winter flowering shrubs in the nursery right now.

21/06/2026

Winter specials made for wandering 🪴
Pop by our café and pick up a little treat while you explore all that Kuranga has to offer.

19/06/2026

Don't just want to fall into this soft foliage?
This gorgeous selection grows as a bushy screening shrub of around 1.5 - 2 metres high and wide, retains its foliage to the ground and the under-canopy becomes a cozy 'cubby' for kids. As the leaves drop, they create a soft carpet that is a little-kid heaven.
It is also a brilliant bird-nesting habit.
Now a few things about Callistemon salignus 'Great Balls of Fire' - hereafter referred to as GBoF.
First, it doesn't flower but it doesn't need to. Well... once in a while it might produce the odd lemon flower but they aren't the reason it is grown. It's the lush habit and the new growth; a rolling display of changing colour that makes it such a desirable plant.
So, first it becomes smothered in soft, deep pink new growth and then, the deep pink new growth slowly ages to pale pink. Then .... the pale pink ages to a gentle lime-green and then the foliage darkens to dark green, but it's not long before that almost exhaustingly beautiful process begins again.
If by chance, you happen to be in the nursery and the foliage of the pot plant looks a little ordinary, DO NOT be put off. It is a very temporary lull before the whole process begins again.
What else.
It is generally quite easy-going, is happily in clay, clay loam or sandy soils and while it appreciates an occasional deep soak while it is establishing, it is quite drought-tolerant. It is NOT one for a frosty area but it will grow in second line coastal sites.
We almost forgot. It can be pruned and made into a fabulous low hedge.
Best in full sun but filtered sun is fine also.

19/06/2026

🌿 Join the Kuranga Team 🌿
With our exciting new Warrandyte site set to open in August, we’re growing our team and looking for passionate, friendly people who share our love of plants, people, and creating beautiful experiences.
Whether you’re an experienced horticulturalist, a coffee lover, a hospitality professional, or someone who enjoys helping customers find the perfect gift, we’d love to hear from you.
At Kuranga, we believe in fostering connection to nature, to community, and to each other. If you’re looking for a workplace that values teamwork, learning, and genuine customer care, this could be the opportunity for you.

Applications now open. Please send your resume and a brief introduction to [email protected]