It can be a difficult garden style to reproduce in Australia but with the right Japanese garden plants, it is possible to achieve the desired look and style. As such gardens are all about details. We have some of the best-looking ornamental plants for Japanese gardens that will elevate the appearance of your space. 

The plants create a calming atmosphere and produce foliage in the spring season. You will love the gorgeous Japanese shrubs that create a naturalistic look, thus creating a neater and minimalistic garden space.  

Key Features 

• Water is an essential element – water features such as a pond with brightly coloured fish 
• Plants are usually arranged in odd numbers of 3, 5 or 7 
• Japanese Maples, soft grasses, Lotus, Bamboo, Cherry Blossoms and Camellia 
• Natural rock, sand, pebbles, blacks, reds and dark browns 
• Bamboo or brush fences, or even a small bridge over your water feature 
• Simple ornaments such as lanterns, statues or a gazebo amongst the foliage 

Maintenance 

Japanese garden plants require low to high maintenance depending on variety, your location and preparation of the soil. All plants for the Japanese garden are from a climate very different from Melbourne. In fact Japanese plants in Australia often need protection from the harsh summer sun and a rich, soft, well-draining soil – the opposite of Melbourne’s hard clay or, in some areas, sandy soils. These gardens are suited for small, sheltered backyards and can be achieved surprisingly well in small inner suburban blocks.