One of the most frequent questions we hear at Kuranga Native Nursery is: “Do I need to fertilise my native plants?” The answer might surprise you. While Australian natives have survived for millions of years without fertiliser in the wild, your garden presents entirely different conditions.
The Great Native Plant Fertiliser Myth
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception in Australian gardening: that native plants don’t need fertiliser. This simply isn’t true for garden conditions.
Your garden soil, watering regime, and growing conditions are vastly different from the Australian bush. To achieve those stunning displays you see in well-maintained native gardens, appropriate fertiliser application is essential.
Australia’s Ancient Soils: The Phosphorus Problem
Australia’s ancient continent has undergone millions of years of weathering, creating soils extraordinarily low in phosphorus. Our native plants evolved incredibly efficient mechanisms to extract every trace of this scarce nutrient.
The mistake that kills more native plants than any other: feeding them with phosphorus-containing fertilisers.
Most garden soils already contain sufficient phosphorus for native plant growth. Adding more through fertiliser causes toxicity that can kill your plants.
Hidden Sources of Phosphorus
Phosphorus lurks in almost every common garden fertiliser:
- Blood and bone
- Manures and manure-based fertilisers (Dynamic Lifter)
- Most soluble and liquid fertilisers
- Even some “native-friendly” products when over-applied
Ready to give your natives the nutrition they actually need?
Visit our nursery to see our phosphorus-free Two-In-One fertiliser in action, or book a consultation with our horticulturalists every Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kuranga’s Proven Solution: Two-In-One Fertiliser
After decades of growing over 3,500 different native plant lines, we’ve developed our own solution: a unique fertiliser blend that contains absolutely no phosphorus.
What Makes Two-In-One Different
- Nitrogen for healthy leaf growth and vibrant colour
- Potassium for strong root development and disease resistance
- Slow-release formula that feeds plants gradually
- Zero phosphorus – safe for even the most sensitive species
This is the same fertiliser we use throughout our nursery to maintain Australia’s largest collection of healthy native plants.
Recognising Nitrogen Deficiency
Even with proper care, natives can show nutrient deficiency signs:
- Yellowing leaves (older leaves first)
- Stunted growth or lack of new growth
- Poor flowering
Quick Treatment
Apply soluble nitrogen fertiliser (ammonium sulphate) at low doses for immediate results lasting 6-8 weeks. Be careful – overdosing can burn plants.
Struggling with yellowing natives or poor growth?
Our expert horticulturalists can diagnose the problem and recommend the perfect solution.
Book your plant consultation (fully redeemable on same-day purchases) and get your natives back to peak health.
How to Apply Two-In-One Correctly
Always apply to well-watered soils:
- Established plants: Apply around the drip line at recommended rates
- New plantings: Mix thoroughly with soil in planting hole
- Container plants: Top-dress and water in gently
- Frequency: Maximum once every six months
Special Soil Considerations
Former vegetable gardens likely contain accumulated phosphorus. Choose phosphorus-tolerant species and avoid sensitive plants like many banksias and grevilleas.
Fresh mulches (pine bark, sawdust) can temporarily tie up nitrogen. Apply nitrogen fertiliser when mulching to prevent deficiency.
The Kuranga Advantage
When you choose Kuranga’s phosphorus-free approach, you’re benefiting from decades of proven results. Our Two-In-One fertiliser works excellently on natives and exotic plants alike.
Want to see the difference proper nutrition makes? Visit us at 118 York Road, Mount Evelyn, to pick up your Two-In-One fertiliser and get personalised advice from our qualified staff. We’ve been helping Australian gardeners succeed with native plants since 1969.
Call (03) 9760 8100 or visit our website to book your consultation today. Your natives will thank you for it!
