Ozbreed press release for HMA– May 2025 (for winter release)
For Immediate Release
NEW Ozbreed high-performance Australian native plants bred for the toughest conditions.
A range of new tough Australian natives have been released by Ozbreed that have excelled throughout testing in harsh conditions, including flooding, drought, frost, heat, humidity, and more. Some have been trialed in beds rife with diseases like root-rot, Phytophthora and myrtle rust.
Year-Round Foliage
Poa spp. ‘POL11’ PBR Trade Name Rustic™
Bring the outback to your backyard with this native grass with foliage that turns from green-blue to copper much more quickly than other varieties. It adds the illusion of maturity to new garden designs within a single year; by autumn the plant is truly living up to its trade name: Rustic™. Simply chop and drop foliage as mulch in late winter with a hedge trimmer or whipper snipper. 45cm high x 45cm wide.
Poa spp. ‘POL12’ PBR Trade Name Eskdale Blue™
This attractive blue-toned native grass is an alternative to Rustic™ Poa that won’t turn bronze as quickly. It has attractive, arching foliage and feathery plumes and establishes very quickly, with a mature plant within a year after planting tubestock. 45cm high x 45cm wide.
Dianella spp ‘DIAN04’ PBR Intended Trade Name Summer Rev™
Finally, a blue-toned native flax suitable for humidity! This compact strappy plant with upright foliage handles heavier wet soils much better than most Dianella spp. Perfect for colour contrast, borders, containers and biodiversity support. 50-60cm high x 50-60cm wide.
Rhagodia spinescens ‘SAB02’ PBR Intended Trade Name Aussie Hedge Bush™
A high-performing saltbush that is incredibly hard to kill unless you drown it. This could be one of Australia’s best dryland and coastal drought-tolerant mid-size hedge options ever. Prune once in spring and once again in autumn for a manicured appearance, or embrace its natural shrubby shape. 1-1.6m high x 1-1.6m wide.
Rhagodia spinescens ‘SAB01’ PBR Trade Name Aussie Flat Bush™
With similar silver-blue foliage to Aussie Hedge Bush™ Rhagodia, this salt bush has a more prostrate habit, perfect for groundcover and low hedging. Like its closely related shrubby counterpart, this low grower shares similar frost, humidity, drought and salt tolerance. 30-50cm high x 1m wide.
Westringia fruticosa ‘WES09’ PBR Trade Name White Mundi™
Another rare westringia for wet feet. Variegated green/grey and white foliage creates a sophisticated, understated appearance ideal for native modern garden designs. Ideal for positions that lack proper drainage and irrigation, this coastal rosemary is ideal for low hedging and groundcover. 40cm high x 1m wide.
Westringia fruticosa ‘WES11’ PBR Trade Name Goldie Box™
A rare westringia capable of tolerating flooding and root rot diseases like Phytopthora. Grey and gold foliage draws attention, making it perfect for contrast and feature planting. Use it for low hedging, topiary balls, and a native alternative to English box. 45cm high x 45cm wide (can grow larger in nutrient-dense soils).
About Ozbreed
Ozbreed is Australia’s leading plant breeder that focuses on high performing plants for functional Australian landscapes. We test our plants by putting them through extreme trials at our farm in Richmond, NSW. During testing, our plants receive just about everything the Australian climate can throw at us, including heat, frost, humidity, drought, flooding and all sorts of pests and diseases. Only the most impressive plants are selected and worthy of becoming part of the Ozbreed collection. Add an Ozbreed plant to your collection today!
For media interviews and high-res images contact Dan Fuller at horticulture@ozbreed.com.au
View all of Ozbreed’s newly-released plants here: https://www.ozbreed.com.au/new-plants/
