Scotts Osmocote Native Gardens Controlled Release Fertiliser 500g – Low Phosphorus Plant Food for Natives

Scotts Osmocote Native: Set-and-Forget Feeding for Australian Natives

Scotts Osmocote Native Gardens is a controlled release fertiliser made for Australian natives and other phosphorus-sensitive plants. One application feeds for up to 6 months, supplying the nutrients plants need for healthy growth without the phosphorus levels that can harm grevilleas, banksias, hakeas and waratahs. It includes trace elements and a professional-grade wetting agent, so more water and nutrients reach the roots.

Why Natives Need a Low-Phosphorus Fertiliser

Many Australian plants evolved in old, nutrient-poor soils that are naturally low in phosphorus. Plants in the protea family, such as grevilleas, banksias, hakeas and waratahs, are especially sensitive, and a standard high-phosphorus fertiliser can cause yellowing leaves, dieback or even plant loss. Osmocote Native is specially formulated for these phosphorus-sensitive plants, so you can feed your native garden with confidence.

How Controlled Release Feeding Works

Each Osmocote prill (small bead) is coated so that nutrients seep out gradually as water passes through it. The release rate is linked to soil temperature: more nutrients flow when it's warm and plants are actively growing, and less when it's cool and growth slows. This means plants get fed in step with their needs, with less waste and run-off than quick-release fertilisers, and it won't burn soft new leaves or tender young roots.

Wetting Agent for Better Water Uptake

Native gardens are often on sandy or water-repellent soils where water runs off instead of soaking in. The added wetting agent helps water penetrate the soil or potting mix, which in turn helps plants take up more nutrients. Boosted trace elements keep foliage greener for longer and support strong, healthy growth.

Key Features & Benefits

• Specially formulated for Australian natives and phosphorus-sensitive plants
• Feeds continuously for up to 6 months from one application
• Temperature-controlled release: more when warm, less when cool
• Contains a professional-grade wetting agent for better water absorption
• Plus trace elements for greener, healthier foliage
• Safe on new plants, won't burn soft leaves or young roots
• Less waste and run-off than quick-release fertilisers
• Just two applications a year

Product Details

• Brand: Scotts Osmocote
• Product type: Controlled release fertiliser with trace elements and wetting agent
• Feeds for: Up to 6 months
• Pack size: 500g tub
• Suitable for: Grevilleas, banksias, hakeas, boronias, waratahs, staghorn and elkhorn ferns, South African proteas, leucadendrons and leucospermums, plus other trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and fruit trees

How to Use

Apply twice a year, in very early spring and again in late summer.

• Planting out: mix Osmocote into the backfill soil, fill around the roots and water thoroughly to settle the soil and start the nutrient release.
• Established plants: sprinkle in a band around the dripline (under the outer edge of the foliage), where the feeding roots are, rather than close to the trunk. Cover with mulch.
• Garden beds: broadcast at around 50 to 80g per square metre.
• Pots: sprinkle the recommended rate over the potting mix and cover lightly with mulch.

Always check the application table on the pack for rates by plant and pot size.

Tips for Feeding Your Native Garden

Apply after rain or a good watering so the soil is moist and the prills start releasing straight away. Covering the prills with mulch keeps them in place and protects them from washing away. Avoid spreading near paving, as wet prills can stain hard surfaces; sweep off any that land there straight away. Stick to low-phosphorus products across the whole native garden, since a single high-phosphorus feed can undo years of healthy growth in sensitive species.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does controlled release native fertiliser work?
Each prill releases nutrients slowly as moisture moves through its coating. Warmer temperatures speed up the release when plants are growing, and cooler weather slows it down, so feeding matches plant needs for up to 6 months.

Is Osmocote Native safe for grevilleas and banksias?
Yes. It is specially formulated for phosphorus-sensitive plants, including grevilleas, banksias, hakeas, boronias and waratahs.

How often should I apply Osmocote Native?
Twice a year, ideally in very early spring and again in late summer.

Can I use it on non-native plants?
Yes. It also suits other trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and fruit trees.

Can I use Osmocote Native in pots?
Yes. Sprinkle the recommended rate over the potting mix and cover lightly with mulch. Check the pack for rates by pot size.

Where can I buy Scotts Osmocote Native in Australia?
Scotts Osmocote Native 500g is available online from BPG Supplies, with delivery across Australia and local pickup from our Bonnyrigg, NSW store.