Australia is very rich in its flora and fauna. The country’s native flowers are big, bold, and colorful, displaying stunning blooms and textured leaves; Australian native plants are an amazing option for both the garden and the vase. In this article, we will unveil some of Australia’s most beautiful flowering plants, Native plants, striking flowers, and the burst of native flowers in early spring.
Flowering plants are probably the most popular; who doesn’t love a burst of colour in their garden or pot? Whether for wedding bouquets, home decor, or as a welcoming gift, native flowers are a great option. Australia also has other types of plants, shrubs, and trees alongside flowering plants. Below is a list of the 19 popular Australian native flowers.
1. Wattle
Holding wattle flowers is like having a ray of sunshine in your hands. Acacia pycnantha is the scientific name of the golden wattle. It is also known as mimosa, a thorn tree. The golden wattle is Australia’s floral emblem and Australia’s national flower.
The wattle grows in South Australia and South Wales and across most of Victoria. Many species of wattles are also used for fuel, medicinal purposes, woodcraft, and food.
From a very young age, Wattles produces many bright yellow flowers. The 1st of September every year is National Wattle Day; the golden wattle was officially announced as Australia’s national floral emblem on 1st September 1988,
The blooming of the wattle in spring is a sign of the arrival of whales on the coast and the appearance of eels in the river. Native birds and insects love to sit on the golden wattle. Wattle can also flourish in cold climates, making it the perfect option to grow in your garden during late winter.
2. Waratah
The beautiful waratah displays blood-red flower heads, which are a cluster of closely packed small red flowers that are sitting atop a red base. Waratah also grows in pink, orange, bicolor, and white shades. In New South Wales, Waratah is the state flower.
Florists love adding waratah to wedding bouquets or cut flower arrangements because of their shape and striking color.
Waratah grows best in part-sun as only a few waratahs can tolerate full sun. They thrive in late Spring and display a striking red color. They are also a great option for your garden.
3. Kangaroo Paws
Stunning, blooming, evergreen, the popular native flower kangaroo paw is the state flower of Western Australia. Its scientific name is Anigozanthos.
All the species of kangaroo paws have sharp leaves and tubular flowers. They are found in many colors, single or bi-colored, and sometimes in tri-colored forms, in red, orange, pink, green, yellow, and near-white.
Kangaroo paws would grow better in slightly acidic soils with good drainage and full sun exposure. Make sure to remove old flowers once they have faded. The Kangaroo paw is a high nectar and energy source for native birds, mammals, and insects.
4. BottleBrush
A very popular native plant, the bottlebrush gets its name from the red, vibrant flower it produces, which closely resembles bottle cleaning brushes. Bottlebrushes are hardy and low-maintenance plants that can thrive even in damp conditions. Its scientific name is Callistemon.
Bottlebrush blooms in early spring and is also a rich option for birds as it supplies nectar. The bottlebrush is an Australian native flower; the C. Siebert is a rare species of bottlebrush that bears a light shade of yellow flowers.
5. Australian Honeysuckles Banksia
Australian native flower Banksia got its name from its huge bronze-orange flower spikes. Australian honeysuckles grow in light shade but produce more flowers if placed in a sunny location.
They come in various forms and sizes, from medium-sized shrubs to spreading ground covers that are great for wedding, party, and funeral arrangements.
They are also known as giant candles because of their 4m tall shrub and large flower spikes. Their dwarf species, Cherry Candles, are a popular option for pots or in-ground. Plant it under full sun and in well-draining soil.
6. Wax Flowers
Wax flowers are flowering shrubs that usually bloom from late winter to spring. They are long-lasting shrubs that come in a variety of colors, such as pink, lilac, and fuchsia color, and are a beautiful option for a bouquet.
They can make a bouquet stand out and are often a great choice for a wedding bouquet, as it is believed to symbolize everlasting love and patience. It is also a popular option for rustic-themed weddings.
Wax flowers are a favorite for insects, bees, and birds because of their sweet fragrance and high nectar content.
7. Sturt’s Desert Pea
Sturt’s Desert Pea is a red Australian native flower known for its vivid and bright color. It is famous for its blood-red, eye-catching petals with a black pea-like center.
Sturt’s desert pea is the floral emblem of South Australia and is used for many prints. You will find its print on the state’s coat of arms and in many stationery, posters, tattoos, and bookmarks. Full sun and good drainage are necessary to grow this flower; hence, growing it at home may be difficult.
8. Little Sapphire
Little Sapphire or Trigger Grass is an Australian Native flowering plant displaying deep pink flowers above its blue foliage. It can grow in a full sun position in moist soils.
Little Sapphire is named Trigger Grass because of its trigger actions. Whenever any insect lands on it, the flowers are triggered and spring upwards with pollen on the insect’s head so that the plant can disperse its pollen. Once the tip pruning is done, remove dead leaves and flowers.
9. Silver Spurflower
Silver spurflower, or Plectranthus argentatus, is an Australian native flower. It comes from the mint family plant and can be easily identified by its pale blue and white petals with beautiful silvery gray leaves that spread.
This flowering plant is a great option for an ornamental plant or a cut flower for kitchen décor. The silver sunflower is a great option for a kitchen centerpiece.
When in the garden, it creates a beautiful shimmery sparkle and can be easily grown in part shade.
10. Grevilleas
Grevilleas, also called spider flowers, are shaped like a pink coil. Grevilleas are small shrubs with a vast diversity ranging from tall trees to small ground covers.
They are hardy plants and are easier to grow all year round. It’s famous amongst honeyeater insects and birds. Grevilleas are lightly pruned in the hot season to maintain their shape and size. It is the perfect choice to replace a rose on your coffee table.
11. Aussie Box
Aussie Box, also known as Westringia, is a popular Australian native shrub displaying clusters of lilac flowers that bloom throughout spring and summer. These delicate-looking flowers are hardy and can survive drought.
Aussie Box produces tiny mauve flowers all year round and is a popular choice in coastal and seaside homes. It grows in full sun on most soil types and can withstand frost and drought. It is a good option for garden beds.
12. Pink Rock Lily
The pink rock lily, also called the pink rock orchid, originates from the orchid family and blooms from August to November. It has flower spikes, each containing one to twelve scented blooms spaced evenly along with the spike. It is a famous choice in spas.
The pink rock lily is not a fussy plant and is a popular choice to keep at home. You can also save the cut flowers of the rock lily; you need to hydrate and then position them away from direct heat or sunlight.
13. Billy Buttons
The Billy buttons produce yellow flower heads and are a member of the daisy family, although it is hard to imagine them coming from the daisy family.
They look fun and playful, making them a great option for good-cut flowers. Billy buttons are also a great choice for bouquets, boutonnieres, and floral decorations.
14. Pink Common Heath
The pink common heath is among the most famous Australian native purple flowers. It is known as the floral emblem of Victoria and has a pink-bell-shaped structure and a slender stem. These plants grow well in sandy soil and full sun or part shade.
15. Lilly Pilly
Lilly Pilly, also known as the Australian cherry, is an evergreen tree famous for having purplish-red edible fruit that closely resembles a berry.
Lilly pilly has glossy leaves and produces fragrant white flowers in summer. Before the plant bears fruit, you will see the Lilly Pillies blooming. Lilly pilly bear feathery flower instead of petals with thread-like strands resembling a dandelion.
16. Canberra Bells
Canberra bells and Australian native fuchsia flowers are known for their bell-shaped form and two-toned cream-and-red color.
This flower produces a lot of nectar for birds, butterflies, insects, and bees. Canberra bells bloom from late summer through winter. They are well-known in coastal areas and are an excellent option to add to the garden.
17. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, or Spinning Gum, is an evergreen tree. The leaves and stems of Eucalyptus are often used in wedding décor and for floral arrangements.
Instead of growing a petal, the flower has pink clusters of stamens that give the flower a graceful appearance. The Eucalyptus caesia species is the perfect choice for succeeding in your backyard or garden. The plant displays colorful blossoms during winter.
18. Desert Flame
Desert flame displays a yellow floral cluster. It looks like a small fuzzy button and is a pleasure to the eyes.
It grows well in large spaces and will make an excellent and attractive ground cover in your garden. Desert flame grows best in part shade or full sun position. You can also use its flowers to make bouquets.
19. New Christmas Bush
New Christmas Bush is a small tree or shrub that can vary from species to species. The New Christmas bush makes a great screening plant, and the flowers appear throughout the summer after the small white flowers disappear in spring.
They grow best in full sun or part shade with regular watering and in organically enriched soil. It has a green color under the flower, which looks equally beautiful. The plant makes thicker and bushier stems and is a great choice for gift bouquets.
Flowers and Beauty
Australia is a large, ancient continent with diverse islands. It is home to beautiful and interesting native plants and flowers. Some native Australian flowers are grown internationally as ornamental plants, from the magnificent Waratah to Billy Button and kangaroo paws and more. From the tropical rainforest to the deserts of Australia and wherever you turn, you will find vibrant splashes of color to explore and enjoy.
Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Arnab
