We’re very lucky to have some exceptionally beautiful native Australian flowers in this country. Here at Amico, our garden maintenance experts are surrounded by them every day and are proud to be responsible for ensuring they flourish in so many of our client’s gardens!
Our unique flora and fauna are unique, offering plenty of sunshine and wild colour to ensure our outdoor areas look their best. We’ve listed the best Australian native flowers below to provide you with some inspiration when you decide what to add to your garden next.
Find out which are the top 7 native Australian flowers
From the national flower to a range of native plants, there are many gorgeous Australian options for your garden. The team at Amico have compiled the best of the best as a starting point for you here:
1. Golden Wattle
We’ll start with our country’s floral emblem, the Golden Wattle, which features bright yellow balls of flowers that begin their colourful run in early September, just in time for National Wattle Day on September 1st. The long stamens house the small, fluffy petals creating a unique and colourful look.
- Where in the garden: For maximum flowering, keep them in the sunny spots
- Condition of the soil: Dry and moist neutral soil with good drainage, sand loam and stone are all fine
- Watering: Minimal once established
- Pruning: Trim only the dead growth in dry months
- Fertiliser: We recommend orchid fertiliser every 3 to 4 weeks until established, then once a year using a slow-release native fertiliser
- Climate: Mediterranean climate, but cool or warm is fine for this robust plant
2. Silky Oak
The Silky Oak is a very popular native flowering tree, especially in spring and summer when it offers a beautiful bloom of golden flowers that will look great in every garden. Just be wary as this plant can grow up to 40 metres; however, it can also be a smaller indoor plant with the right training and care.
- Where in the garden: Keep in a moveable pot for 2 to 3 weeks in the shade, then move to a permanent semi-shady position after 6 to 8 months
- Condition of the soil: Avoid heavy clays or lime soils and keep things moist but well-drained
- Watering: Regular until established, then sporadically when needed
- Pruning: Prune heavily after flowering, then repeat when needed
- Fertiliser: Use a slow-release native fertiliser when buds begin to form
- Climate: Tropical and warm temps
3. Pink Rice Flower
The Pink Rice Flower blooms stunning clusters of pink flowers that you can cut and use to decorate your home in a vase. The pink arrives in various shades in early spring through summer and is a perfect tinge of colour to add to your garden.
- Where in the garden: A very sunny spot with a bit of shade if possible
- Condition of the soil: Loamy potting mix that has good drainage
- Watering: Regular but medium watering
- Pruning: Prune or deadhead after flowering
- Fertiliser: Slow-release native fertiliser once a year
- Climate: Mild tropical, semi-arid, cool to warm temperatures
4. Banksia Giant Candles
If you live or have spent time in Australia, you will have seen the trees with large orange-bronze flower spikes everywhere. These are called Banksia Giant Candles, and they can grow up to 40 cm long in autumn and winter when in full bloom. Great for use as a hedge, this Australian native offers dense and robust foliage.
- Where in the garden: Full sun for a big bloom
- Condition of the soil: Well-drained with sandy or clay loam
- Watering: Minimal as this is a drought-resistant plant
- Pruning: Only for shaping
- Fertiliser: Low phosphorous, slow-release in spring
- Climate: Warm or cool temperates
5. Bottlebrushes
The Bottlebrush is considered a dwarf variety as it only grows around 75 cm tall. The colours it creates are stunning as it offers blue-green foliage mixed with dark red flowers.
- Where in the garden: Full sun, light shade
- Condition of the soil: Well-drained with any loam variation
- Watering: Watered regularly until established
- Pruning: Prune tips to establish dense growth
- Fertiliser: Twice a year in spring and autumn with a slow-release fertiliser
- Climate: Cool or warm temperate
6. Crowea
The Crowea family, which includes Small Crowea, Low Crowea, and Dwarf Crowea, is a compact Australian native flower perfect for pots, garden beds and rockeries. It begins to thrive in late winter, offering pink star-shaped blooms sets beautifully against dark green leaves.
- Where in the garden: Full sun, part shade
- Condition of the soil: Well-drained with loamy, clay loam, potting mix
- Watering: Regularly until established
- Pruning: Late winter or after active flowering to avoid the development of bare stems
- Fertiliser: A small amount of liquid fertiliser monthly
- Climate: Cool or warm temperate, sub to mild tropical, tropical
7. Bacon and Egg Plant
Officially known as the Eutaxia obovate, the Bacon and Egg Plant is an interesting addition to the garden, offering bright yellow pea-shaped flowers that have a little bit of brown in the middle during Spring.
- Where in the garden: Full sun, part shade
- Condition of the soil: Well-drained; clay loam
- Watering: Regularly until established
- Pruning: Light prune after flowering
- Fertiliser: Slow-release in Spring
- Climate: Warm, semi-arid, Mediterranean
The benefits of having native flowers in your garden
In Australia, gardens face hot and dry summers with water restrictions and an unpredictable climate as well. Ensuring your garden looks great while coping with our challenging climate is as easy as choosing native plants.
Growing native plants in your garden benefits you, local wildlife, and the environment. They will also save you time and money because:
- Native plants are drought-tolerant, requiring less water than other exotic species
- They are not expensive to buy
- Easy to grow.
- Low maintenance.
They also help the environment by providing food and shelter for local wildlife.
Amico can assist with adding the best native flowers to your garden
The best way to grow a national flower is to leave it with the experts. The Amico team love to help the community grow Australian native plants and can make other suggestions for your garden outside of the top seven, like the Pink Rock Lily or Kangaroo Paw!
Chat with us today on 1300 – GARDEN (1300 427 336) or fill out our online form to find out how affordable professional help from Amico can be!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have some more questions about Australian native plants? Our helpful FAQ section can help.
What is the most popular native plant in Australia?
The most popular (or common) of all Australian native plants is the Proteaceae family, which includes a range of flowering plants such as banksias, grevilleas and waratahs. You’ll know something is from the Proteaceae family because the flower heads are made up of many tiny flowers.
What is the most popular flower in Australia?
The most popular….The Eucalyptus flower is an iconic Australian native plant that is perfect for just about any home garden. They have a unique look and are stunning in flower bouquets, making them a very popular option.
What is Australia’s floral emblem flower?
The golden wattle is an Australian native flower and the country’s floral emblem. You’ll find this flower everywhere throughout Canberra, southern New South Wales, the Adelaide Hills and Victoria. It flowers in spring and summer, and Wattle Day is celebrated on September 1st.
What flowers grow well in Australia?
Some low maintenance flowers and plants that grow year-round in Australia, providing colour for your garden, include:
- Bird of Paradise
- Oleander
- Kangaroo Paw
- Japanese sacred bamboo
- Camellias
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