Drought-Tolerant Trees for Australia's Hot Summers

Five drought tolerant trees that handle Australian summers without constant watering. Native and Mediterranean picks.

BanksiaBrachychitonClimate ResilientDrought TolerantEucalyptusMediterranean TreesNative TreesOlea

A drought tolerant tree is one that survives the second and third dry summer, not just the first. The key is choosing species adapted to dry conditions, planting in autumn, and resisting the urge to keep watering once the tree is away.

What drought tolerant actually means

It means the tree can survive extended dry periods once the root system is established. In the first one to two years every tree needs deep regular watering. After that the right species copes on rainfall alone in most years.

Olea europaea Manzanillo

Silver foliage, edible fruit, one of the toughest drought trees we grow. Handles 40°C and above with the right preparation.

Brachychiton populneus, Kurrajong

Native bottle tree with a slightly swollen trunk that stores moisture. Survives where almost nothing else does.

Banksia integrifolia

Banksia integrifolia, Coastal Banksia

Salt, wind and drought tolerance in one tree. Reliable bird draw through the cool months.

Eucalyptus mannifera, Brittle Gum

Smooth white bark, light open canopy, drought tolerant. A feature tree that earns its space.

Bay Tree drought tolerant

Laurus nobilis, Bay Tree

Mediterranean evergreen wired for dry summers. Handles dry heat and inland frost.

Planting for drought tolerance

Plant in autumn so the roots get a head start before summer. Mulch deeply with coarse material. Water deeply once a week through the first summer then taper off. Stop fertilising once the tree is away.

FAQ

Do drought tolerant trees need any water? Yes, deep regular watering for the first one to two years. After that they can rely on rainfall in most seasons.

Can these handle 40°C and above? All five will. Olive and Kurrajong are the toughest at extreme heat.

Compare at a glance

Cultivar	Height	Width	Form	Foliage	Best if you…
Olea europaea Manzanillo Manzanillo Olive	4 to 6 metres	3 to 5 metres	Rounded crown	Silver grey green	Mediterranean gardens, drought sites, feature, harvest
Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong / Bottle Tree	10 to 15 metres	5 to 8 metres	Upright pyramidal crown	Glossy dark green poplar like leaves	Drought sites, paddock shade, feature tree
Banksia integrifolia Coastal Banksia	10 to 15 metres	6 to 10 metres	Upright spreading crown	Long dark green leaves with silver undersides	Coastal exposed sites, drought tolerant gardens, bird habitat
Eucalyptus mannifera Brittle Gum	10 to 15 metres	6 to 8 metres	Open upright crown	Lance shaped grey green	Drought sites, feature bark, light shade
Laurus nobilis Bay Tree	3 to 8 metres, can be pruned to desired height	1 to 3 metres	Upright dense	Aromatic dark green leathery	Mediterranean gardens, dry climate hedges, edible feature

1. Olea europaea Manzanillo (Manzanillo Olive)

Manzanillo Olive holds silver foliage, edible fruit and one of the toughest drought constitutions of any feature tree. Suits hot dry inland and coastal gardens alike.

Type: Evergreen drought tolerant fruit tree
Height: 4 to 6 metres
Width: 3 to 5 metres
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: Silver grey green
Form: Rounded crown
Conditions: Full sun, well drained soils, hot dry sites
Maintenance: Low, shape if you want a denser canopy
Best for: Mediterranean gardens, drought sites, feature, harvest

Why choose it

Heat, drought, salt and frost all tolerated once established.

Perfect pair

Pair with a Bay Tree hedge to anchor a Mediterranean planting.

Tips for planting

Plant into free draining ground. Avoid waterlogged soils. Mulch with coarse stone or gravel.

The benchmark drought tolerant feature tree.

Shop Olea europaea Manzanillo

2. Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong / Bottle Tree)

Kurrajong is one of the toughest natives in cultivation. The slightly swollen trunk stores moisture and the tree shrugs off drought, heat and poor soils.

Type: Evergreen Australian native shade tree
Height: 10 to 15 metres
Width: 5 to 8 metres
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: Glossy dark green poplar like leaves
Form: Upright pyramidal crown
Conditions: Full sun, well drained soils, very drought tolerant
Maintenance: Very low
Best for: Drought sites, paddock shade, feature tree