There’s no better way to add a burst of colour to your garden than by growing some of the many incredible, endemic flowering species. Perfectly adapted to grow in our climate and soils, Australian native flowers are incredibly advantageous, not to mention gorgeous.
If you’re considering turning your garden into a native paradise or looking for a native feature plant, then this guide is for you.
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Australia is filled with some of the most unique flora and fauna on the globe. So, if you’re looking for Australian flowers to grow in your garden, you’re certainly not short on options.
There are an incredible array of endemic species that can add a burst of colour and life to your garden year-round.
30 Best Australian Native Flowers to Grow
Choosing native flowers in Australia is a great choice for local growers. Not only is it sustainable and supports local ecosystems, but these plants are perfectly suited to local conditions, which means they’re not only adapted to survive but thrive in our climate.
Here is a list of the 30 best Australian Native flowers to grow:
1. Desert Flame (Chrysocephalum apiculatum)
The Desert flame, or Chrysocephalum apiculatum, is an incredible perennial shrub that produces a bright blaze of flowers that are guaranteed to be a spectacle in your garden.
The desert flame has gorgeous golden flowers, which are contrasted by subtle grey-green foliage. These plants are perfect for large spaces, suited to most kinds of soil and full-sun spots.
Reaching around 20 to 30 cm in height, they’re perfectly suited to be grown as a hardy ground cover.
2. NSW Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum)
The NSW Christmas Bush is a curious plant with interesting and bright “flowers” which appear throughout the summer. Thriving in warm, moist and humid environments, these plants produce showy brackets from which small white flowers appear in the spring.
Here is our comprehensive guide on how to grow NSW Christmas bush.
3. Australian Honeysuckle (Banksia)
Banksias, or Australian Honeysuckle, are another incredible flowering plant with over 70 different varieties. Part of the Proteaceae family, these versatile plants produce a range of cylindrical spikey flowers, which range in colour from cream, yellow, orange, to green.
Banksias thrive in local soils and can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. Pick banksias as a feature plant, filler plant or ground cover.
Take a look at our list of Banksia growing guides to find the perfect Banksia to grow.
4. Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
Bearing an incredible similarity to banksias, callistemons or bottlebrushes are a popular summer bloomer guaranteed to bring an eye-catching element to your garden.
Callistemon includes a range of vibrant trees and shrubs with cylindrical flower spikes. These plants are incredibly hardy and are considered extremely low-maintenance. Some varieties are adaptable, overly wet soils and salt-laden soils.
Take a look at our bottlebrush (Callistemon) growing guides for everything you need to know about this incredible species.
5. Eucalyptus
The beautiful blooms of the eucalyptus are a popular choice for a range of floral arrangements. Producing flower clusters with long, vibrant stamens, eucalyptus plants are a common choice for residential areas.
They are suited to container growing or in a sunny spot in your garden. Eucalyptus plants don’t need much to establish themselves, and once they are, they thrive without much effort.
Check out these fantastic options.
6. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)
The floral emblem of Western Australia, Kangaroo Paw, or Anigozanthos, is quirky and exciting. With furry, tubular flowers, these plants are the perfect choice if you’re looking for an ornamental garden plant.
Kangaroo paw thrives in full sun and acidic soil. They’re definitely an Australian native plant that offers high impact for very little maintenance.
Take a look at our Kangaroo Paw plant guide for more.
7. Lilly Pilly (Syzygium smithii)
Known as the Australian Cherry, the Lilly Pilly is usually grown for its famed, edible fruit. However, the Lilly pilly also produces some remarkable blooms which resemble a dandelion.
These evergreen, tropical plants are perfect for hedging and screening. However, it does have a slightly invasive root system, so it will need sufficient space to grow.
Follow our Lilly Pilly guide for everything you need to know.
8. Wattle (Acacia)
Acacias or wattles are incredibly common in Aussie gardens. These larger shrubs and trees are accustomed to thriving in harsh conditions and produce spectacular blooms, which are the national flower.
These plants grow incredibly fast and begin blooming even from a young age. They’re not fussy and happy in both heat and cold.
If you’re planning on growing acacias, take a look at our growing guides below:
9. Salmon Correa (Correa pulchella)
Native Fuchsia, or Correa pulchella, is a winter bloomer with wonderfully nectar-rich, salmon coloured blooms. They love warm, tropical and coastal climates and have a long flowering period.
These plants enjoy moist, loam soils (learn about loam soils here) and can thrive in full sun and partial shade. Plus, once they’re established, they’ll require very little extra attention.
Cultivar: Correa puchella ‘Dusky Bells’
10. Woolly Tea Tree (Leptospermum lanigerum)
Leptospermum lanigerum or woolly tea tree is a tall-growing tree with fantastic white blooms and deep green leaves. Blooming throughout the summer season, the woolly tea tree can be found naturally across Victoria and Tasmania.
They thrive in full sun and enjoy rich, moist soils. Once planted, your Leptospermum will almost care for itself, only needing some occasional pruning to control shape.
Explore our main guide for Leptospermum species for more information.
11. Sturt’s Desert Pea (Swainsona formosa)
More of a creeping vine, Sturt’s Desert Pea is an eye-catching and curious native flowering plant. Sturt’s Desert Pea or Swainsona formosa is an elongated vine that produces flower stalks with deep red flowers and kidney-shaped seeds.
Grow your Desert Pea as part of a rockery, in a hanging basket or in a tall-standing terra cotta pot. Take a look at our Sturt’s Desert Pea guide.
12. Hibiscus
Of the Hibiscus species, 35 varieties are native to Australia. They can most often be found growing vividly across the East Coast. The most commonly grown are perennial and tropical hibiscus, which each have slightly different growth requirements.
These fantastic native flowers in Australia are the perfect way to add a touch of tropical to your garden and home. Read our full growing guide on Australian Native Hibuscus to learn more.
13. White Correa (Correa alba)
Another winter bloomer is the Correa alba. It has fantastic grey-green ovate leaves and white star-shaped flowers, which are incredibly nectar-rich. They’re a great choice for warm, tropical environments as well as arid regions.
The Correa alba can grow in a range of local soils and is suitable for both full sun and part shade.
14. Egg and Bacon Plant (Eutaxia obovata)
While the name may put you off, the egg and bacon plant, or Eutaxia obovata, is a gorgeous native flower with a gentle, delicate beauty. It has green foliage and a long flowering stem with bright yellow pea-shaped flowers.
Suited for full sun and partial shade, these plants need nothing more than well-draining soil and occasional watering.
15. Australian Daisy (Brachyscome)
Brachyscome, or commonly known as the Australian Daisy, is perfect if you’re looking for a flowering ground cover. This highly adaptable plant produces a wealth of delicate mauve, white and blue flowers. Grow yours in the sun-dappled spot with well-draining soil.
Discover more about Brachyscome and its popular varieties here.
16. Heart-leaf Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum)
Another gorgeous evergreen plant, the flame pea or Chorizema, is a spectacular plant with orange and red pea-shaped flowers. Although they don’t love overly wet conditions, they love a good summer shower.
17. Fan Flowers (Scaevola aemula)
Fan flowers or Scaevola aemula is a popular shrub that’s perfectly suited to growing in pots outdoors. They’re an incredibly attractive plant that produces unique fan-shaped flowers in blue, purple and white.
They do require full sun and well-draining soil but thrive in most environments.
18. Hakea
Hakeas are popular Australian natives that include a wide range of cultivars with surprisingly unique flowering habits. Nectar rich bloomers, these plants will attract a range of nectar-feeding birds to your garden.
The Hakea ‘Burrendong Beauty’, Hakea myrtoides, and Hakea laurina are such varieties with intricate pin-cushion blooms. The Hakea bucculenta is an upright growing variety with bottlebrush-like flowers.
19. Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)
Not only a popular kitchen ingredient, but lemon myrtle is also a fantastic native shrub with beautiful white blooms. Great for landscaping, the lemon myrtle is suited to a range of environments and has fantastically fragrant foliage.
Lemon myrtle needs rich soil with plenty of nutrients to grow. However, the effort will be well worth it. Follow our Lemon Myrtle Australian growing and care guide for everything you need to know.
20. Trigger Grass (Stylidium graminifolium)
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Unlike the name suggests, trigger grass or little sapphire is, in fact, a flowering plant with deep blue foliage and pink flowers. They are complex plants with around 130 different varieties.
21. Pink Rock Lily (Dendrobium kingianum)
The pink lily is part of the orchid family with gorgeous flower spikes which often reach up to 25mm. It is one of the most sought after native flowering plants and makes a fantastic ornamental plant.
Luckily, it’s not an incredibly fussy plant and blooms for a long time. If you are into orchids then you would not want to miss our Orchid Cymbidium growing guide.
22. Silver Spurflower (Plectranthus argentatus)
Source: en.wikipedia.org
One of the rarest Australian native flowers, the silver spurflower belongs to the mind family with stunning, striking foliage and pale blue and white petals. It’s fragrant and attractive, and suited to a range of local conditions.
23. Rice Flower (Pimelea)
Pimeleas include a wonderful variety of uniquely blooming plants which range from pink to white to a combination of both. The flowers of this plant often grow in a round globe, which creates an eye-catching spectacle.
Don't miss our list of Pimelea growing guides here:
24. The Royal Bluebell (Wahlenbergia gloriosa)
If something striking is what you’re after, then you should definitely consider the Royal Bluebell or Wahlenbergia gloriosa. The Royal Bluebell is a wildflower perfect as a ground cover, rock gardens and hanging baskets.
Take a look at our Royal Bluebell guide for everything you need to know about this incredible plant.
25. Boronias
Boronias are popular Australian plants grown for their fragrance and full flowering habit, with a range of cultivars blooming in every shade of pink.
You will love our list of Boronia growing and care guides below:
26. Swamp Bottlebrush (Beaufortia)
Beaufortias are best known for their interesting and unique flowers and evergreen foliage. Similar to many of the bottlebrushes, they thrive in full sun and loose soils.
Here is our collection of Beaufortia guides:
27. Paperbarks (Melaleuca)
Another variety with bottlebrush-like blooms is the Melaleuca species, which is another popular choice for Australian gardens. Endemic to tropical regions across Northern and Eastern Australia, they’re a guaranteed statement piece.
Explore our Melaleuca growing guides below:
28. Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
Arguably one of the most beautiful wildflowers Australia has to offer, the Waratah or Telopea speciosissima is Native to New South Wales thrives in well-draining, richly composted soils.
Refer to our in-depth guide on how to grow New South Wales Waratah for more details.
29. Red Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia)
The red flowering gum or Corymbia ficifolia is perfect for growing across Australia, with breathtaking blooms. Ideal for large and small gardens, these plants include a diverse range of cultivars ranging in colour from orange to white, pink and reds.
30. Spider Flowers (Grevillea)
Grevilleas are grown all over Australia and are prized for their profuse flowering throughout the whole year. Also called Spider Flowers, grevilleas include over 350 different species of plants, which produce exciting spiked flowers ranging in colour from white, pink, orange, red and lilac.
Depending on which variety you choose, they can be grown as ground covers, shrubs or taller screening plants. These plants love the sun and thrive in most local soils. Plus, they’ll attract plenty of local birds and butterflies.
Take a look at our list of gardeners' guide to grow Grevilleas to find the perfect fit for you.
- Grevillea baileyana
- Grevillea banksii
- Grevillea crithmifolia
- Grevillea excelsior
- Grevillea juniperina
- Grevillea lanigera
- Grevillea magnifica
- Grevillea nudiflora
- Grevillea olivacea
- Grevillea petrophiloides
- Grevillea preissii
- Grevillea rhyolitica
- Grevillea robusta
- Grevilea rosmarinifolia
- Grevillea sericea
- Grevillea thelemanniana
- Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler’
- Grevillea ‘Coconut Ice’
- Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon
- Grevillea ‘Honey Gem’
- Grevillea ‘Ivanhoe’
- Grevillea ‘John Evans’
- Grevillea ‘Loopy Lou’
- Grevillea ‘Moonlight’
- Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’
- Grevillea ‘Orange Marmalade’
- Grevillea ‘Peaches and Cream’
- Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’
- Grevillea ‘Royal Mantle’
- Grevillea ‘Seaspray’
- Grevillea ‘Superb’
Australian Native Flowers Frequently Asked Questions
What is Australia’s most popular flower?
The Acacia genus consists of some of our most popular native species found all around Australia. The Golden Wattle variety is also our national flower.
What Australian natives flower in summer?
Very popular choices for summer flowering natives include banksias, bottlebrushes and kangaroo paws.
What flowers bloom all year in Australia?
Native violets sport beautiful purple and white blooms all year round.
What are the most popular native plants in Australia?
The five most popular Australian native plants are banksia, waratah, wattle, bottlebrush and eucalyptus.
What Australian native flower blooms in spring?
Pink heaths are very popular choices for spring flowering natives that will bloom throughout spring and continue into the winter.
What Australian flowers bloom in winter?
Banksias are excellent winter flowering blooms for gardens. Reliable winter flowering options include the hairpin banksia (B. spinulosa) and the heath-leaved banksia (B. ericifolia).
How long do Australian native flowers last?
Many natives produce blooms that can last up to 6 weeks without water and a lot longer with proper care. This is because they are very well adapted to our climates and conditions.
How often should you water Australian native plants and flowers?
As a general rule of thumb, many of our native trees and shrubs should be watered well about once every 2 to 3 weeks in summer and every 3 to 4 weeks in winter. This can vary depending on rainfall. Some natives may not even need much water once established.
Quick Trivia: Did you know that Flannel flower is Australia’s symbol for mental health awareness? Find out more about this Australian native here.
Start Growing Australian Native Flowers Today!
No matter which Australian native flowers you choose to grow, you’re guaranteed to have a hassle-free blooming spectacle in your garden.
Published on January 6, 2023 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on April 18, 2024
