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Plants for small Brisbane fenceline and only midday sun?

AmyLouise1

hello! I would love some ideas on what to plant in this narrow space along this part of the side fence please- it’s in between two houses, and only gets midday sun (we’re in Brisbane). Our neighbour has a creeping vine on her side (which she pulls over to her side constantly haha). I’m happy to keep it watered regularly. Something en masse. I tried native violet, but it burnt 🥵 Thank you

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JacobZ

Hi @AmyLouise1,

Being between two houses and only receiving midday sun makes this an interesting little spot. The fact that the native violet burnt suggests that the direct midday sun is fairly intense despite the relatively short period of exposure.

For something planted en masse, I'd be looking at hardy plants that tolerate part shade but can also cope with some direct sun. Liriope would be one of my first choices. It stays relatively compact, looks great planted repeatedly along a narrow garden bed and is quite tolerant of varying light conditions.

You could also consider Clivia, particularly if you wanted something with a little more height and seasonal flowers. They perform well in shaded and partially shaded areas, although I'd keep an eye on how intense that midday sun becomes through summer.

Another option would be Mondo grass if you're after something lower and more understated. Mass planting it would create a nice uniform strip without taking up too much room.

Whichever way you go, adding a good layer of mulch will help keep the roots cool and retain moisture, particularly with that burst of midday sun. As you're happy to water regularly, that also gives you a few more options than you would have in a dry, neglected side passage.

I'd probably lean towards Liriope for this particular spot. It's compact, hardy and should give you the mass-planted effect you're looking for without overwhelming such a narrow space.

Allow me to tag some helpful members to see if they have any recommendations for plants - @Noelle, @mich1972, @Dave-1, @TedBear.

Jacob

Noelle

Hi @AmyLouise1

You could also consider some of the Australian native grasses such as Lomandra Tanika, Pennisetum Purple Leaf and Poa Eskdale Blue or Kingsdale. They're hardy and tolerate dry conditions and direct sun.

Dave-1

Good Afternoon @AmyLouise1

How about putting Alyssum down the side, I find that its a very hard plant and chokes out grasses once its established. The seed packets work well and boom you have a covering, plus a shake of the flowers and you have the next seasons flowers sorted as well :)

You can get white or purple, white ones remind me of my Grandmas garden as I use to maintain it when I was a kid.

How to grow and care for alyssum plants

Dave

Mountainblue

I second Mondo grass. Have a similar space and it looks great once it thickens up. Spreads itself and blocks weeds.

EricL

Hello @Mountainblue

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

Thank you for sharing your vote in regard to the small space planting project.

Were keen to hear more about all your projects and plans around the house and garden. Please feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance or would like to share a project with the community.

Eric

EricL

Hello @AmyLouise1

I vote Mondo grass as well but the variegated species.

Eric

Screenshot_4-10-2026_151713_encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com.jpeg

EricL

Hello @AmyLouise1

I've rendered an image using AI to give you some inspiration in regard to your timber fence line. This is the Mondo grass variegated along with Star Jasmin on a diamond wire trellis.

Eric

Jason

Hi @AmyLouise1,

Great to see you getting plenty of helpful advice.

If you'd like to cover the fence like Eric's suggestion, I'd recommend you check out the popular project Training climbers to screen a fence.

Hope that helps.

Jason