Native Australian Flowers: Complete Guide

Table of Contents

If you love flowers, then you’ll definitely be interested in learning about the many different types of native Australian flowers. In this guide, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of some of the most popular and interesting Australian native flowers. We’ll discuss their appearance, growing habits, and ideal conditions for cultivation. By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on Australian native flowers!

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and learn all about Australian native flowers.

List of Native Australian Flowers

Aussie Box

If you’re looking for a tough and hardy native Australian flower, then look no further. Aussie box is an evergreen shrub that is well-suited to harsh, dry conditions. It’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. This tough little plant is also very drought-tolerant.

Aussie box has small, oval-shaped leaves that are bright green in colour. The flowers are small and white, and they appear in clusters. Aussie box blooms from spring to summer.

If you’re planting Aussie Box in your garden, make sure to give it plenty of room to grow. It can reach up to 2 meters in height and width. It’s also important to note that this plant is poisonous if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets.

Australian Honeysuckle

Australian honeysuckle is a beautiful native Australian flower that is perfect for adding a touch of colour to your garden. This climbing plant has dark green leaves and vibrant red flowers. It blooms from spring to summer.

Australian honeysuckle is a fast-growing plant, so it’s ideal for filling in bare spaces in your garden. It’s also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Just be sure to give it something to climb on, such as a trellis or fence.

Billy buttons

Billy buttons are a native Australian flower that is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. These bright yellow flowers resemble small balls, hence their name. Billy buttons bloom from spring to summer.

This cheerful plant is easy to grow and care for. It’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Just be sure to plant it in well-drained soil. Billy buttons can reach up to 1 meter in height.

Bottlebrushes

Bottlebrushes are native Australian flower that is well known for their vibrant red flowers. These showy flowers bloom from spring to summer.

Bottlebrushes are a fast-growing plant, so they’re perfect for filling in bare spaces in your garden. They’re also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Just be sure to give them plenty of room to grow, as they can reach up to 3 meters in height.

Canberra bells

Canberra bells add a touch of elegance to any garden. This native Australian flower has long, slender bell-shaped flowers that are a delicate white colour. Canberra bells bloom from spring to summer.

This elegant plant is easy to grow and care for. It’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Just be sure to give it plenty of room to grow, as it can reach up to 2 meters in height.

Chorizema

Chorizema cordata is easy to spot in the wild with its firey red and yellow flowers. It is a native Australian flower located in the west part of the country, growing in heathland, open woodlands and on the edges of swamps.

This tough little plant is perfect for low-maintenance gardens. It’s drought-tolerant and can even tolerate poor soil conditions. Just be sure to give it some room to spread, as it can reach up to 1 meter in width.

Desert flame

Desert flame is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its colourful leaves and showy flower heads. It is best suited to a sunny position in well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.

Desert flame commonly known as Goodenia ovata is a native Australian flower attractive, fast-growing native groundcover that originates from Australia. It’s a member of the Goodeniaceae family which includes about 150 species, most of which are found in Australia. The desert flame has hairy, oval-shaped leaves and produces yellow or orange flowers throughout spring and summer.

Egg and bacon

The egg and bacon plant is a native Australian flower plant that gets its common name from the shape and color of its flowers. The plant is a scrambling vine that can grow up to 6 meters in length. The leaves are linear to oval-shaped, and the flowers are borne in clusters of 3-10. The egg and bacon plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and frost.

Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer. The flowers are pollinated by birds. After pollination, the flowers turn into fleshy fruits that are eaten by birds.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus, making it one of the most diverse genera of plants. Most eucalyptus trees are evergreen, but there are also some deciduous species. The leaves of eucalyptus trees are often used in essential oils and have a distinctive aromatic smell.

The eucalyptus tree is a native Australian flower and it can vary greatly in size, from small shrubs to tall timber trees. They typically have smooth bark that can be white, grey, green, or red in colour. The flowers of eucalyptus trees are usually white, cream or yellow in colour and are borne in clusters.

Grevillea

Grevilleas are a large and varied genus of shrubs and trees native to Australia. They range in size from small shrubs to large trees, and their flowers can be white, cream, yellow, orange, red, or pink. Grevilleas are generally hardy plants that thrive in well-drained soil in full sun. However, some species will tolerate partial shade, and some even prefer it. When choosing a grevillea for your garden, it is important to select one that is suited to the conditions in your area.

If you’re looking for a plant with showy flowers that will bloom reliably throughout the year, then a grevillea is a good choice for your garden. These tough plants are relatively easy to care for, and they will add a splash of colour to your landscape.

Kangaroo paws

Kangaroo Paws are one of the native Australian flowers and are great for adding a splash of colour to your garden. There are 11 different species of kangaroo paw, all native to Australia. They have long, furry leaves and come in a variety of colours including red, yellow, green and black.

Kangaroo paws need full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively low maintenance and are resistant to pests and diseases. However, they do require regular watering during the dry season.

Lilly pilly

Lilly pilly is great in terms of both form and function. It’s one of the native Australian flower that can be used as a hedge, topiary, or ornamental plant in the garden.

Lilly pillies is a native Australian flower that prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during prolonged periods of dry weather. Lilly pillies are also relatively tolerant of frost and can be grown in most parts of Australia.

If you’re looking for a versatile plant that will add some interest to your garden, then Lilly pilly is definitely worth considering!

Little sapphire or trigger grass

Trigger grass and little sapphire thrive in well-drained soils. They are both drought and frost tolerant. Full sun is preferable, but they will also grow in partial shade. Trigger grass is a good choice for lawns and garden beds. Little sapphire is best suited to native gardens, meadows and naturalized areas.

Little sapphire (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) is a native Australian flower that is a low-growing shrub that reaches around 0.5 metres in height. It has dark green leaves and small white flowers that appear in spring and summer. The fruits are black berries that contain many tiny seeds.

Pink common heath

Pink common health has the benefit to be able to grow in a range of different soil types. It also can tolerate frost and extended dry periods. This plant grows well in full sun or partial shade.

Pink common health is quite stunning in native Australian flowers. The flowers are borne in dense clusters and are a deep pink colour with darker pink stripes. The plant itself is a low-growing shrub that reaches around 0.5 metres in height.

Pink rock lily

Pink rock lilies are quite small in size, but they make a big impact in the garden! They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pink rock lilies are also drought and frost tolerant.

The flowers are borne on slender stalks and are a deep pink colour with darker pink stripes. Pink rock lilies are a great choice for native Australian flower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas.

Silver spurflower

Silver spurflower has a silvery appearance and grows in dense clusters. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and frost. This flower is one of the native Australian flower and it is often used in landscaping and as a cut flower.

It has a variety of benefits including being a good source of nectar for birds and insects. The flowers are also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

Sturt’s desert pea

Sturt’s desert pea is quite fascinating to look at. The plant has beautiful, large red flowers with black centres. Each individual flower has 8 petals arranged in a circular shape. The plant is native to Australia and can be found in arid regions of the country.

The desert pea once grew in great numbers across the Nullarbor Plain, however due to changes in the environment and overgrazing by rabbits, the plant is now quite rare.

If you’re lucky enough to spot a desert pea in the wild, you’ll notice that the plant has long, thin stems which can grow up to 1 metre in length.

Waratah

Waratah is well known as Australia’s national floral emblem, the waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is a stunning native Australian flower that thrives in well-lit positions with plenty of space to grow. A member of the protea family, waratahs can reach up to 3m in height, with large leathery leaves and bright red, cone-shaped flowers.

While waratahs are native to the eastern coast of Australia, they can be successfully cultivated in other parts of the country with little care. They prefer well-drained soil and a position in full sun or partial shade. Waratahs require regular watering during the warmer months but should be allowed to dry out between watering to prevent root rot.

Wattle

Wattle comes from the acacia species, of which there are more than 1,000 species in Australia. Wattles range in size from small shrubs to large trees and can be found in a variety of habitats across the country.

Wattle flowers are usually yellow, but can also be white, cream, red or green. They are borne in clusters and appear in spring and early summer. The most well-known species of wattle is the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha), which is the floral emblem of Australia’s capital, Canberra.

Wattles are relatively easy to grow and make excellent garden plants. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are drought and frost tolerant.

Wax flower

The Wax flower’s interesting factor is that it can be found in a wide range of colours, from deep reds to soft pinks and whites. The wax flower blooms from early spring to late summer. They grow best in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. When planting, make sure to space them about 30cm apart so they have room to grow.

Wax flowers are one of the native Australian flowers that are low-maintenance and don’t require much water, making them perfect for gardens in dry areas.

Steps In Creating Your Own Australian native flower garden

It is important to know the basic steps in creating your own native Australian flower garden. This will help you determine what type of plants to choose and where to place them.

Plan And Prepare

Planning and preparing your garden is the first step. You need to decide on the size, shape, and location of your garden. You also need to choose the type of plants you want to grow.

List all the things you need to prepare your garden, including:

a spade
a rake
a hoe
gardening gloves
a watering can or hose
mulch
compost
plants

Lock In A Date

Planting a plant needs the right time and place which can help it to grow properly. The same rule applies to native Australian flowers. They have different flowering seasons, so you need to be careful about the timing of planting them. Spring is the best time to plant most of them. Also, make sure that the location you choose has well-drained soil and gets enough sunlight.

Plant Seedlings Properly

We should be very careful in taking care of the seedlings. They are very tender and can be easily damaged. So, it is important to handle them with great care. When you are transplanting them, make sure to do it gently and not to damage the roots.

Dig the right-sized hole: The size of the hole should be just big enough for the roots of the seedling. If it is too big, the roots will not have enough support and may dry out. If it is too small, the roots will not be able to spread out and the plant will not be able to grow properly.

Soak the soil around the root ball: After planting the seedlings, water them thoroughly. This will help them to adjust to their new environment and will also promote growth.

Carefully remove the plant from the container: Gently loosen the root ball and then place it in the hole. You can use your hands or a spade to do this. Be very careful not to damage the roots.

Add soil and pack firmly: Fill the hole with soil and then press down firmly. This will help to support the plant and will also prevent it from drying out.

Care For Your Plant Babies

Protect your seedlings from harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds and direct sunlight. You can do this by covering them with a sheet of cloth or placing them in a sheltered spot.

Deep watering for the win: Water your plants deeply and regularly. This will help them to develop strong roots and will also prevent them from drying out.

Add mulch: Mulching will help to retain moisture in the soil and will also protect the roots of your plants from the heat.

Other Important Tips

It requires patience to grow native Australian flower plants. They are slow-growing and may take a few years to reach their full potential.

Be patient and don’t give up! With proper care, your plants will eventually grow and bloom.

Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Native Flowers

What flowers are in Australian natives?

Australian natives include Waratah, Bottlebrush, Golden Wattle, Lilly Pilly, and Eucalyptus. Each flower has a unique shape and colour that ranges from deep reds, oranges and yellows to soft pinks and whites.
Many of these flowers are used in traditional ceremonies or given as gifts to loved ones. For example, the Waratah is the state flower of New South Wales and is often presented to visiting dignitaries. Bottlebrushes are popular Christmas decorations in Australia due to their bright red colour, while wattle flowers are used in traditional Aboriginal dances.

Which Australian native flowers bloom in summer?

Some Australian native flowers that bloom in summer are waratahs, bottlebrushes, Lillies, and Kangaroo Paws.
Many of these flowers have beautiful, brightly-coloured petals that can add a splash of colour to any garden. They also come in various shapes and sizes, so there’s sure to be a type that will fit well with your landscaping scheme.
If you’re looking for something special to add to your summer garden, why not try planting some Australian native flowers?

What season is best for Australian native flowers?

The best season for Australian native flowers depends on the type of flower. For example, some flowers bloom in winter while others bloom in summer. As a general rule, spring is the best time to see most Australian native flowers bloom.
Many people don’t realize Australia is home to many beautiful native flowers. There are more than 1,500 species of Australian wildflowers! Some of the most popular types include waratahs, bottlebrushes, and lilies-of-the-valley.
If you’re interested in seeing some beautiful Australian wildflowers up close, consider taking a trip to one of the many national parks.

How do you make a native Australian garden?

Native Australian flower gardens are designed to be low-maintenance and drought-resistant.
The first step is to choose the right plants for your climate and soil type. Many native Australian plants are available commercially, but it’s also possible to collect seeds from local plants or grow them from cuttings.
Once you have your plants, create a simple layout with wide pathways and plenty of open space. Avoid using too much lawn, as it requires regular watering and maintenance. Instead, use natural drainage systems like dunes or rockscapes to capture water and allow it to dry quickly. And finally, don’t forget the mulch! A layer of mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the need for frequent.

What is the best potting mix for Australian natives?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as every gardener has preferences, and what might work well in one area may not work well in another. However, a good potting mix for native Australian flowers should have a high percentage of organic matter, such as compost or humus, to help retain moisture and nutrients. It should also be pretty sandy so that the plants can drain quickly.
Some people also like adding mulch or shredded bark to the potting mix to help keep the soil cool and moist. If you’re using a container garden, it’s essential to use a potting mix specifically designed for containers, as regular garden soil can become waterlogged in a pot.

What is the best mulch for Australian natives?

A few mulches can be used for Australian natives, but it’s essential to consider the plants’ specific needs first. For example, some plants need acidic soil, while others prefer more alkaline soil.
One mulch that is often recommended for Australian natives is pea gravel. This type of gravel is available at most garden centres and can be easily spread over the soil. It helps retain moisture in the ground and provides insulation against extreme temperatures. Another benefit of pea gravel is that it doesn’t decompose like other mulches, so it doesn’t need to be replaced as often.

Are blood and bone good for Australian native plants?

Generally, blood and bone are not recommended for Australian native plants, as they can be harmful.
While blood and bone are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – all essential plant nutrients – they also contain high salts (sodium and chlorine). When used in excess, these salts can build up in the soil over time, eventually damaging or killing the plants.
That said if you only use a small amount of blood and bone (no more than 10% of the total soil mix), it shouldn’t cause any harm. Just be sure to water the plants well after applying it to help flush out any excess salts.

Is cow manure OK for Australian natives?

Yes, cow manure is perfectly safe for Australian natives. It’s a great source of organic matter and nitrogen, essential plant nutrients.
However, it would help if you were careful not to over-apply cow manure, as it can cause plants to become too wet and boggy. Applying cow manure sparingly and mixing it with the soil is best before planting your native plants.

Is Lavender a native Australian plant?

Lavender is not a native Australian plant, but it has been naturalized in Australia.
Lavender is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. It was introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s and has since naturalized in many parts of the country. Lavender grows best in sandy, well-drained soils and typically blooms throughout summer.

Is hydrangea native to Australia?

No, hydrangea is not native to Australia. However, it is naturalized in some parts of Australia. Hydrangea is a genus of about 70–75 species of flowering plants in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to warm and moist regions of the Northern Hemisphere.