The Western Australia Department of Agriculture is continuing to expand its range of water hardy native daisies for domestic and international markets.

Department senior technical officer Max Crowhurst said the five new varieties available now as ready to plant punnet lines and flowering pot plants were selected for their low water requirements, resistance to heat and humidity and their long flowering times.

"With the continuing water shortage, people planning new gardens or replanting their garden this autumn - spring, should consider the use of native shrubs and annuals," Mr Crowhurst said.

"Native plants adapt well to different environments. Using local indigenous plants ensures success in growing and helps preserve local bio-diversity. By planting in harmony with the locale, gardeners will also face fewer pest problems," he said.

Western Australia has one of the largest and most diverse ranges of arid zone plants that have generally been employed overseas and throughout Australia as novelties. In partnership with participating wholesale nurseries, the Department floriculture division undertakes research and development to improve the quality of selections and enhance germination percentages of native species to commercial standards, through innovative seed treatments.

Mr Crowhurst said the suite of plants was low maintenance and long flowering, growing well into summer.

"They have minimal water requirements and are humidity resistant and have been registered under the Water Corporation’s "Waterwise One Drop" water zone category," he said.

"The plants should also be watered using micro-sprayers or drip-lines as heavy overhead watering will cause rapid bloom deterioration. Most of the species prefer full sun, but will tolerate semi shade."

"They are ideal for containers, courtyards, or mass garden display. The Hyalosperma and Brachyscome are well suited for border planting with the other selections used as centre bed displays, or they can be admired as straight potted colour additions."