The Cold Tolerance of Natives
Australia is a rather big country with many differing climates.
With 6 main climate groups that shape what grows where across the country there's a lot to consider.
Up at the very top, the equatorial tropical zone covers Cape York and the northern islands with heavy rain and hot weather all year round. We can't grow most of these natives in Perth, unless you have a greenhouse. Pink Satinash, Johnstone River Apple, and Cape Plum.
Right below that, the tropical zone stretches across northern Australia, packing wet monsoons, wild savannas, and lush Queensland rainforests full of unique growth. Fruit trees like Riberry, Burdekin Plum, Herbert River Cherry, Cedar Bay Cherry, Atherton Raspberry, Peanut Tree. Relatively easy to establish in shaded areas of Perth.
Further down, the subtropical zone runs through southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, bringing warm temperatures with changing rain through the seasons. Easy in Perth Metro, with a little shade when young, Finger Lime, Midyim Berry, Lemon Myrtle, NSW Davidson Plum, Cinnamon Myrtle, Bolwarra.
Moving inland, the massive desert zone covers the Red Centre with hot, bone-dry conditions and barely any rain. Supporting Red Quondong, Desert Lime and Silky Pear. At "home" in Perth.
Wrapped right around it is the grassland zone, acting as a dry semi-arid buffer between the red dirt interior and the coastal regions. Plants like Gumby Gumby and saltbush. Easy as.
Finally, the temperate zone covers the southern edges of the country, taking in places like Perth Metro, Tassie, and the eastern seaboard with mild summers, cooler winters, and reliable winter or uniform rainfall. With plants like Strawberry Gum, Native Cranberry, Mountain Pepper, Warrigal Greens, Sea Celery, Apple Berry. The easiest.
Examples of Cold Tolerance Levels:
Macadamia (Macadamia sp.) Cold tolerance: Down to -3°C once mature. Protect young trees from heavy frost.
Peanut Tree (Sterculia quadrifida) Cold tolerance: Down to 0°C to 2°C. Handles very light, brief frosts once established.
Cinnamon Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) Cold tolerance: Down to -2°C to -4°C. Good tolerance to light frost.
Ficus opposita (Sandpaper Fig) Cold tolerance: Down to 0°C to 1°C. Prefers frost-free areas or warm microclimates when young.
Fingerlime (Citrus australasica) Cold tolerance: Down to -2°C to 0°C. Tolerates light short frosts.
Bolwarra / Native Guava (Eupomatia laurina) Cold tolerance: Down to -2°C to 0°C. Thrives in sheltered spots or under light canopy.
Onion Cedar (Owenia cepiodora) Cold tolerance: Down to 0°C to 2°C. Sensitive to hard frosts.
Hard Quandong (Elaeocarpus obovatus) Cold tolerance: Down to -2°C to 0°C. Handles mild coastal cool snaps well.
Red Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) Cold tolerance: Down to -3°C to -5°C. Highly drought and cold hardy once established.
White Aspen (Acronychia oblongifolia) Cold tolerance: Down to -3°C. Tolerates light to moderate frosts.
Davidson Plum NSW (Davidsonia jerseyana) Cold tolerance: Down to 0°C to 2°C. Needs protection from frost when young.
Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus) Cold tolerance: Down to 1°C to 3°C. Tropical species sensitive to severe cold and frost.
White Cedar (Melia azedarach) Cold tolerance: Down to -10°C. Fully deciduous and highly cold hardy.
Fraser Island Apple (Acronychia imperforata) Cold tolerance: Down to -2°C to 0°C. Handles coastal winds and light frost.
Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium timorense) Cold tolerance: Down to -2°C to 0°C once established.
Bignay (Antidesma bunius) Cold tolerance: Down to 1°C to 3°C. Prefers warm, frost-free spots.
Gumby Gumby (Pittosporum angustifolium) Cold tolerance: Down to -7°C to -10°C. Extremely frost and drought hardy.
Cedar Bay Cherry (Eugenia reinwardtiana) Cold tolerance: Down to -2°C to 0°C. Handles light, short frosts.
Native Gardenia / Native Mangosteen (Atractocarpus fitzalanii) Cold tolerance: Down to 1°C to 3°C. Best protected from frost in sheltered microclimates.
Premna (Premna odorata / Premna serratifolia) Cold tolerance: Down to 2°C to 4°C. Sensitive to cold winds and frost.
