Natives not thriving? Brunnings’ plant food might be what they’re missing

April 24, 2025

Better Blooms for Your Backyard: How Brunnings Native Plant Food Supports Sensitive Natives

You’ve cleared the patch, added a few sensational native plants—and yet something’s just not right. The leaves aren’t as green, the flowers are meh, and honestly, your garden’s looking a bit under the weather. If your natives aren’t doing as well as you hoped, don’t panic. You might just be feeding them the wrong stuff. And yes, natives are a picky bunch... especially when it comes to phosphorus.

Let me tell you about my grevilleas. I adore their colourful, spider-like flowers and how they attract native birds. But last autumn, a few left me wondering if I’d done something terribly wrong. Their once peppy foliage started to yellow, flower production flatlined, and I found myself scrolling through forums late at night, looking for magic solutions. That’s when I learned this one golden rule—many Aussie natives don’t like phosphate-rich fertilisers. They. Just. Don’t.

That moment was a break-through—and where Brunnings Native Plant Food 2.5kg saved the day.

What's Different About Native Plants?

Giving natives a regular feed with regular fertiliser is like serving a plate of spicy vindaloo to someone who only eats plain buttered noodles. Sure, fertiliser is good... but too much of the wrong kind can burn delicate native roots, even stunt growth entirely. Natives like banksias, grevilleas, gums, and waratahs evolved in low-nutrient Australian soils, and too much phosphorus throws them off balance.

Our soil knows this, and nature adapts. It’s our job to support—not surprise—our local plants.

Say G’day to Brunnings Native Plant Food

This plant food isn’t just another scoop-in-your-glove fertiliser. The magic lies in its gentle blend specifically made for Aussie natives. A low-phosphorus mix means it’s safe for sensitive plants, while its organic richness gives your garden a steady supply of goodness. It helps with healthy root development, better foliage colour and encourages better blooms—without the burn 💥.

Low phosphorus: Just what natives prefer
Organic enriched: A natural boost for healthy soil
Made for natives: Grevilleas, waratahs, gums, banksias—yes please!

But Will It Make a Difference?

I’ll keep this short: yes. I made the switch a year ago, and it's been like cheering on your favourite footy team and watching them score goal after goal. Within weeks, the leaves perked up. The grevilleas pushed out new flower spikes, and even the fussy waratah decided to throw me a floral surprise!

Even my neighbour Lorna—queen of the casual compliments—asked if I’d swapped gardens with someone off Better Homes & Gardens. And let me just say, compliments from Lorna are rare.

Best Way to Use It?

Sprinkle it around your plants' drip lines, scratch it into the topsoil with your fingers or a small trowel—whatever you’ve got—and water it in. Do this during the growing season every six to eight weeks and you're sorted. Just remember to avoid mid-summer feeds if it’s scorcher weather.

Your Backyard's Silent Superheroes

Native plants are the quiet achievers of the garden. They're water-wise, pollinator-friendly, and stunning when they’re happy. But throwing a handful of just-any fertiliser at them is a bit like feeding your dog fancy chocolate—risk, not reward.

Whether you're caring for a young gum tree, a soft-spoken hakea, or a hedgerow of flowering grevilleas, Brunnings Native Plant Food helps you do it right, right from the start. Garden success isn’t about luck—it’s about using what works… and sometimes that starts with reading the label.

Starting Out? You're Not Alone.

If you're still trying to figure out what half the plants in your yard are, or wondering why your wattles look tired even after a decent rain—don’t be embarrassed. Every gardener starts somewhere, and the good news is, you’ve already made one smart step just by reading this.

Come chat to us at Strathalbyn H Hardware's Garden Centre. I promise we’ll never make you feel silly for asking questions. Grab your bag of Brunnings Native Plant Food, ask for me—Candeece—and let’s plant the seeds of success (and better blossoms 🧡).

Stay blooming-bright,

Candeece