Flowering plants are probably the most popular types of plants to care for because of the beauty and splash of colour they bring to the surroundings. Fortunately, Australia is never short of selections of bright and vibrant flora, especially Australian native flowers. Having native plants, as opposed to non-natives, is more advantageous and better for the environment, and most require less maintenance, saving you time and effort.
The following is an in-depth list of 30 of the best Australian native flowers that you can add to your garden.
Grevillea robusta or Silky Oak
The Silky Oak is probably one of the most popular Australian native flowering trees. In spring and summer, it displays a stunning bloom of golden flowers, making it a popular ornamental tree. Even though it can grow up to 25 metres, and sometimes even up to 40 metres, the Grevillea robusta could also be grown as an indoor plant with proper care.
- Position: 2 to 3 weeks in the shade after transplanting; can be planted to permanent positions after 6 to 8 months
- Soil: Well-drained, rich, moist; do not plant in heavy clays and limey soils
- Watering: Water regularly until established, then water occasionally
- Pruning: Prune after flowering; can be pruned heavily and repeated as needed
- Feeding: Feed when buds form, with slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Warm temperate to tropical
Banksia ericifolia x spinulosa or Banksia Giant Candles
The Banksia Giant Candles got its name from its huge orange-bronze flower spikes that can grow up to 40 cm long and bloom in autumn and winter. This Australian native is a large shrub that can be used as a hedge for its dense foliage.
- Position: Full sun for more flowers; light shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, saline, poor soil
- Watering: Low; drought-resistant
- Pruning: Prune to shape for formal uses
- Feeding: Low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertiliser in spring
- Ideal Climate: Sub-tropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean, cool, mild tropical, semi-arid, arid
Callistemon viminalis or Callistemon Little John Bottlebrush
The Little John Bottlebrush is an Australian native flower considered a true dwarf variety. It is truly compact, growing to only around 75 cm tall and wide, and its blue-green foliage makes a stark backdrop against its dark red flowers. If you plan to propagate this variety from seed, propagation trays give seedlings the best start before transplanting to the garden.
- Position: Full sun; light shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay, clay loam, poor soil
- Watering: Water regularly until established
- Pruning: To encourage dense growth, prune tips while young
- Feeding: Feed twice a year with a slow-release fertiliser in spring and autumn
- Ideal Climate: Sub-tropical, cool, cool temperate, warm temperate, Mediterranean
Boronia heterophylla or Boronia Lipstick
The Boronia Lipstick has aromatic foliage that adds a pleasant fragrance to the surroundings. In winter and spring, stunning purple-pink bell-shaped flowers bloom, making this colourful shrub a great complement to borders and mixed garden beds.
- Position: Full sun; light shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained, rich soil
- Watering: Water regularly during dry periods; requires little water once established
- Pruning: Keep compact by light pruning after flowering
- Feeding: Do not fertilise right after planting; a small amount of slow-release native fertiliser for maintenance and to support growth
- Ideal Climate: Arid, semi-arid, cool temperate, mild tropical
Grevillea 'Winter Delight'
This grevillea hybrid is a low-growing shrub with soft grey foliage that produces clusters of flowers in winter, making the burst of red and cream blooms truly a delight during the season. Winter Delight also makes for a beautiful display on decks when grown in containers.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Dry, well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Water deeply for the first 6 to 8 weeks until established; requires little water once established
- Pruning: Lightly prune in warmer months to maintain size and shape
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Cool, cool temperate, warm temperate, Mediterranean, arid, semi-arid, sub-tropical
Correa pulchella 'Remarkable Rocks' or Native Fuchsia
The Native Fuchsia is another Australian native flower that blooms in winter. Its salmon-coloured blooms attract nectar-feeding birds.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Moist; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, poor soil
- Watering: Water deeply until established; requires little water once established
- Pruning: Tip pruning in late spring, after the flowering period, to encourage development
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser in early autumn and spring
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, Mediterranean
Stylidium graminifolium 'Little Sapphire' or Trigger Grass
This dwarf tufting Australian native flowering plant produces deep pink flowers held above its blue foliage. It is called a trigger plant or trigger grass because of how its flowers are "triggered" and spring upwards when an insect lands on them, depositing pollen on the insect's head to aid dispersal.
- Position: Full sun; light shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Moderate water during active growth; dormant in dry periods
- Pruning: Remove dead leaves and flowers
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, sub-tropical, tropical, semi-arid, arid, Mediterranean
Crowea exalata dwarf low dome or Small Crowea, Low Crowea, Dwarf Crowea
This compact crowea is a great Australian native flower for pots, garden beds and rockeries. In late winter, its pink star-shaped blooms appear, perfectly complementing its dark green leaves.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Water regularly until established
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or after active flowering to encourage bushy growth and to avoid bare stems
- Feeding: A little liquid fertiliser monthly
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, arid, semi-arid, sub-tropical, mild tropical, tropical, Mediterranean
Eutaxia obovata or Bacon and Egg Plant
Some people see the Bacon and Egg Plant as a fun and bright addition, while others appreciate its gentle beauty. Regardless of perception, most agree that this Australian native flower is an interesting addition to the garden, showing off its bright yellow pea-shaped flowers with a touch of brown in the middle in spring.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, clay loam
- Watering: Water regularly until established
- Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a more bushy and compact habit
- Feeding: Slow-release, long-term fertiliser in spring
- Ideal Climate: Warm temperate, semi-arid, cool temperate, Mediterranean
Crowea saligna or Willow Leaf Crowea
The waxy, star-shaped pink flowers of the Willow Leaf Crowea are a bright addition to any garden. In addition to its lovely display of flower and foliage, this small shrub also attracts bees and butterflies.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune after flowering to encourage a bushy habit
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser in spring
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, semi-arid, arid, mild tropical
Grevillea 'Fireworks'
Grevillea 'Fireworks' is truly remarkable, especially in autumn when its bright red and yellow flowers appear in a form resembling a fireworks display. Even without its flowers, this plant's blue-green foliage is just as attractive.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Light pruning to encourage more dense growth
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser in early spring or late summer
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, semi-arid, arid, cool, mild tropical, sub-tropical, Mediterranean
Correa alba
The greyish-green oval leaves of this small shrub are a perfect backdrop for its white star-shaped flowers that bloom in autumn and winter. Its nectar-rich flowers attract many birds to the garden.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune after flowering; can be shaped for formal uses
- Feeding: A small amount of slow-release native fertiliser once a year in spring
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, arid, semi-arid, Mediterranean
Ficinia nodosa or Knobby Club Rush
The Knobby Club Rush is an Australian native that blooms in winter, growing spiky dried flower heads. This is a hardy and versatile addition to the garden, whether planted in dry or wet soil.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: All soil types; especially suited to coastal areas
- Watering: Requires little water once established; water up to twice a week if the weather is very hot and dry
- Pruning: Prune back to ground level when it loses its shape or becomes overgrown
- Feeding: Fertilise with slow-release native fertiliser after pruning
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, mild tropical, tropical, arid, semi-arid
Ozothamnus diosmifolius or White Rice Flower
This compact Australian native flowering bush has aromatic leaves. The Rice Flower blooms all year round, giving the garden a burst of clusters of white flowers, and makes an ideal low hedge.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, poor soil, potting mix
- Watering: Medium water needs; water well after fertilising
- Pruning: Lightly prune or deadhead after flowering to promote new flowering
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser in warmer months
- Ideal Climate: Cool, warm temperate, cool temperate, sub-tropical, Mediterranean
Pimelea ferruginea or Pink Rice Flower
Like the White Rice Flower, the Pimelea ferruginea also blooms in clusters that are ideal for cutting. The Pink Rice Flower splashes colour in various shades of pink from early spring through summer.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, potting mix
- Watering: Medium water needs
- Pruning: Lightly prune or deadhead after flowering to promote new flowering
- Feeding: A small amount of slow-release native fertiliser once a year
- Ideal Climate: Mild tropical, arid, semi-arid, cool temperate, warm temperate, Mediterranean
Corymbia ficifolia or Eucalyptus Mini Red
The Eucalyptus Mini Red has all the characteristics of a full-sized C. ficifolia, but in a smaller and more compact tree. Its foliage has a weeping habit, and from December to March, its fiery red flowers attract birds. When establishing young trees in open positions, tree guards offer protection while they get established.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune after flowering
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Mild tropical, cool temperate, semi-arid, arid
Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka
Manuka trees are very hardy. This Australian and New Zealand native shrub has needle-like leaves and striking flowers in shades of red, pink or white that are attractive to bees. The brewed foliage is also a good source of vitamin C.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; loam, chalk, sand
- Watering: Water 2 to 3 times per week until established; requires little water once established
- Pruning: Minimal pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage more flowers
- Feeding: Feed while growing in spring; established trees can be fertilised every 2 or 3 years
- Ideal Climate: Arid, semi-arid, cool temperate, mild tropical
Prostanthera sieberi or Prostanthera Minty
The mint bush is a highly aromatic dense shrub. In spring and summer, its pretty violet flowers overtake the whole shrub, attracting small birds and butterflies to the garden.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune for formal uses after flowering
- Feeding: Use native fertiliser and water immediately after application to avoid root or leaf burn
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, arid, semi-arid, mild tropical, Mediterranean
Corymbia ficifolia or Flowering Gum
The Flowering Gum is a good choice for a spectacular display of Australian native flowers. There is a whole range of colours to choose from: bright red, soft pink, white, or orange, with some varieties coming in two colours. Most natives, including the Flowering Gum, benefit from free-draining, low-phosphorus soil; a quality soil amendment can improve heavy soils before planting.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers; mature trees do not need pruning; fruit capsules may also be removed
- Feeding: Native fertiliser in early spring
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, cool, Mediterranean
Xerochrysum bracteatum or Golden Everlasting
The Golden Everlasting can be annual or perennial and has flowers with papery petals and a bright yellow centre. This Australian native flower also comes in a variety of colours, and when planted together they bring a wide array of colour to the flower bed or garden.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Light pruning annually; "legginess" may be remedied by severe pruning (use with caution)
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser annually
- Ideal Climate: Mild tropical, arid, semi-arid, cool temperate
Chrysocephalum apiculatum or Yellow Buttons
Yellow Buttons make an attractive groundcover. Their round, yellow flowers bloom from long stems and look like bright little buttons against the narrow silver foliage. This plant is also considered fire-retardant.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix, poor soil, saline
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Prune heavily to encourage denser growth
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, arid, semi-arid, Mediterranean
Correa glabra x decumbens or Correa Tucker Time Dinner Bells
The Correa Tucker Time Dinner Bells is a hybrid that produces red and yellow flowers with a cream tip from November to August. These nectar-rich blooms attract many birds.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Light pruning to maintain shape
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, arid, semi-arid, Mediterranean, cool
Callistemon Injune
The Callistemon Injune is a hybrid. This Australian native flower produces bottlebrush flowers in soft pink, adding a dainty touch of colour from spring to summer.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Requires little water once established; allow to dry between waterings; do not overwater
- Pruning: Light pruning to encourage growth
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser in spring and autumn after flowering
- Ideal Climate: Arid, semi-arid, cool temperate
Banksia ericifolia or Banksia Red Rover
The Banksia Red Rover produces long-lasting candle-like flowers in bronze to red. Its foliage is lime green and tightly knit, with an open growing habit.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam
- Watering: Requires little water once established
- Pruning: Light pruning to maintain and encourage growth
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser once a year
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, mild tropical, arid, semi-arid
Alyogyne huegelii or West Coast Gem
The Native Hibiscus is another Australian native flower that comes in a variety of colours: yellow, pink, purple, red, white, with some coming in a combination of gradients. The West Coast Gem, in particular, produces flowers in shades of purple from spring to autumn.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, clay loam
- Watering: Requires little water once established; allow to dry between waterings; do not overwater
- Pruning: Prune after spring bloom to encourage flowering
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser in spring
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, arid, semi-arid, sub-tropical, mild tropical, Mediterranean
Grevillea Hills Jubilee
This grevillea hybrid produces spider-like flowers in white and pink. Hills Jubilee is also attractive to birds.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, clay loam
- Watering: Requires little water once established; allow to dry between waterings; do not overwater
- Pruning: Prune after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain a compact habit
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser; more frequent fertilising may be needed in warmer climates
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, semi-arid, arid, mild tropical, tropical
Hardenbergia violacea or Hardenbergia Happy Wanderer
The Happy Wanderer probably got its name from its vigorous climbing habit, making it an ideal plant for covering fences and trellises, or as a gorgeous groundcover. Its glossy green leaves are a nice contrast to the violet-mauve flowers that bloom in winter to early spring.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam
- Watering: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry in between
- Pruning: Severe pruning in April after flowering to control spread and reinvigorate older plants
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser in spring or late summer
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, semi-arid, arid, mild tropical
Leptospermum scoparium or Wiri Susan, Tea Tree
In spring, this Australian native flower makes an attractive showpiece, whether in the garden or a pot. Its large white flowers attract birds and insects, and the dense foliage makes a good screen or hedge.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy loam, loamy, clay loam
- Watering: Requires little water once established; water thoroughly during dry periods
- Pruning: Prune after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain a compact habit
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, semi-arid, arid, mild tropical
Gossypium sturtianum or Sturt's Desert Rose
This large woody shrub produces lilac to mauve, hibiscus-like blooms in winter and practically all year round. Birds and insects also love this Australian native flower.
- Position: Full sun; part shade tolerated
- Soil: Well-drained; sandy, sandy loam, loamy, clay loam, poor soil
- Watering: Requires little water once established; water thoroughly during dry periods
- Pruning: Prune after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain a compact habit
- Feeding: Slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, semi-arid, arid, mild tropical
Acacia pycnantha or Golden Wattle
This list would not be complete without Australia's floral emblem, the Golden Wattle. From a young age, it produces clusters of bright yellow balls of flowers, giving the garden a burst of sunshine from early September, coinciding with National Wattle Day on 1 September. The petals are numerous but tiny, almost hidden by its long stamens, giving the flowers a fluffy, light appearance.
- Position: Hot sunny summers for maximum flowering
- Soil: Well-drained; dry and moist; sandy, stony, loam, clay loam, poor soil, potting mix; acid and neutral soils
- Watering: Little to no water once established
- Pruning: May need pruning during dry months; only trim dead growth
- Feeding: Orchid fertiliser in the first year of growth, every 3 to 4 weeks; when established, feed once a year with slow-release native fertiliser
- Ideal Climate: Cool temperate, warm temperate, Mediterranean
Ready to grow your own natives? Visit your local native nursery for seedlings, or start more species from seed using forestry tubes, which are perfect for raising native plants to a healthy transplant size.
