50 Amazing Australian Native Flowers and Plants

Australia is home to a variety of beautiful and unique flora and fauna. As such, some of Australia’s flowers and plants are now grown worldwide as ornamental plants. In this article, I’ll explore 50 of the most amazing Australian native flowers and plants.

Beautiful Native Australian Flowers

Australia’s Native Range & Growing Zones

Australia is situated in the Southern Hemisphere and is the smallest continent in the world. Australia contains several climates and habitats, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and the Outback.

Australia’s climate zones correspond to USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11. Most of the continent sits within Zones 9 to 11. As such, most of Australia’s native plants thrive in warm climates and struggle in cold temperatures.

How are Australia’s Native Flowers Defined?

Australia’s native flowers are defined as plants that grew on the continent before the arrival of European explorers. Many native plants were used as food or medicine by native Aboriginal peoples. However, many non-native species brought over by European settlers have since become naturalized or invasive in Australia.

50 Types of Native Australian Flowers and Plants:


1) Australian Bluebell

Australian Bluebell

Australian bluebells are beautiful herbaceous perennials from the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). These widespread wildflowers are found throughout Australia except for the Northern Territory. Australian bluebells typically grow in loose, well-draining soils along roadsides.

Australian bluebells grow in clumps of slender, grass-like leaves and narrow flower stems. Plus, the stems are topped with pale blue bell-shaped flowers with five petals in spring and summer.

Scientific Name:Wahlenbergia stricta
Growing Zones:9 to 10
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:1 to 2 feet

2) Australian Violet

Australian Violet

Australian violets are low-growing plants that are often overlooked in favor of other types of violets. These herbaceous perennials belong to the Violaceae family. Australian violets grow in parts of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.

These charming wildflowers have leathery dark green leaves similar to ivy leaves. Australian violets bloom from spring until fall, producing pale blue flowers with dark blue centers.

Scientific Name:Viola hederacea
Growing Zones:7 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to fall
Light Requirements:Full sun or partial shade
Mature Height:Up to 8 inches

3) Banksia

Banksia are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Banksia shrubs are a group of approximately 170 species from the Proteaceae family. These shrubs and trees thrive in arid shrublands and forests throughout Australia.

Banksia shrubs are highly variable between species. That said, all Banksia plants have serrated margins on their leaves. Banksia plants are known for their distinctive yellowish-green flower spikes. What’s more, each spike contains hundreds of flowers that can also be pink, orange, or red.

Scientific Name:Banksia spp.
Growing Zones:8 to 9
Flowering Season:Summer to spring
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Between 6.5 and 40 feet

4) Billy Buttons

Billy Buttons

Billy buttons flowers are some of my favorite native Australian flowers. These charming herbaceous annuals or perennials come from the aster or daisy family (Asteraceae).

Billy buttons flowers grow in clumps of grayish-green leaves that are covered in wooly hairs. These plants have yellow globe-like flower heads that look similar to golf balls. In addition, these colorful flowers can bloom throughout the year in warm areas.

Scientific Name:Pycnosorus spp.
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Throughout the year
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:2 to 3 feet

5) Blueberry Lily

Blueberry Lily are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Also known as blue flax-lilies, blueberry lilies are herbaceous perennials from the Asphodelaceae family. As such, they aren’t actually related to true lilies. Blueberry lilies grow throughout most of Australia, apart from the Northern Territory.

Blueberry lilies have grass-like leaves and short flower stems. From spring until summer, these stems bear blue or purple flowers with yellow stamens and black anthers.

Scientific Name:Dianella revoluta
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Up to 3 feet

6) Boronia

Boronia

Boronia shrubs are a group of approximately 160 shrubs that are native to Australia and New Caledonia. These plants come from the citrus or rue family (Rutaceae). Boronia shrubs are popular spring ornamentals in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

These Australian native shrubs have compound leaves consisting of approximately 19 leaflets. During the spring, Boronia shrubs produce maroon flowers with four sepals, four petals, and a central cluster of yellow stamens.

Scientific Name:Boronia spp.
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring
Light Requirements:Partial shade
Mature Height:2 to 4 feet

7) Bottlebrush

Bottlebrush

Bottlebrushes are vibrant shrubs that are native to temperate parts of Australia. These colorful shrubs come from the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Bottlebrushes work brilliantly as ornamental shrubs in warm climates.

When crushed, these Australian native flowers have grayish-green lance-shaped leaves that produce a citrus-like scent. Callistemon shrubs have colorful flower spikes that resemble bottlebrushes. The flowers come in shades of red, pink, orange, and white.

Scientific Name:Callistemon spp.
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Throughout the year
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Between 3 and 25 feet

8) Christmas Bells

Christmas Bells are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Christmas bells are colorful herbaceous perennials known for their vibrant flowers. These plants produce tubular red flowers with yellow tips in spring and summer. These plants also grow in clumps of stiff, grass-like leaves.

Christmas bells are native to parts of New South Wales in southeastern Australia. These plants thrive in swamps and prefer moist, sandy soils. 

Scientific Name:Blandfordia nobilis
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Approximately 2.5 feet

9) Cockies Tongue

Cockies Tongue

Also known as coral bushes, cockies tongue plants are evergreen shrubs from the legume or pea family (Fabaceae). These colorful shrubs are native to southern and southwestern parts of Australia. Cockies tongue shrubs thrive in coastal woodland habitats.

Cockies tongue shrubs have an upright growth habit and grayish-green oblong leaves. From late winter to spring, these shrubs produce bright red pea-like flowers.

Scientific Name:Templetonia retusa
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Late winter to spring
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:3 to 6.5 feet

10) Crowea

Crowea are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Also known as waxflowers, crowea plants are attractive evergreen shrubs from the citrus family. Although the Crowea genus only contains three species, several cultivars also exist. These plants are native throughout New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia.

These Australian native flowers have smooth, aromatic leaves that are used to produce essential oils. Crowea shrubs also produce pink star-shaped flowers with five petals and five sepals.

Scientific Name:Crowea spp.
Growing Zones:9 to 10
Flowering Season:Summer to fall
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:3 to 4 feet

11) Desert Rose

Desert Rose

Also known as Australian cotton or cotton rosebushes, these woody shrubs are mallow family members (Malvaceae). Desert rose shrubs are native throughout Australia and are the official floral symbols of the Northern Territory.

Desert rose shrubs have dark green leaves that are either ovate or rounded. These shrubs have pinkish-purple flowers with dark red centers. Interestingly, these shrubs can live for approximately ten years.

Scientific Name:Gossypium sturtianum
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Throughout the year
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:3 to 10 feet

12) Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus are beautiful types of Australian native plants

Eucalyptus trees are some of the most famous native Australian plants. These impressive trees produce eucalyptus oil, which has several uses. Eucalyptus trees come from the Myrtle family and are found throughout Australia.

Eucalyptus trees can have smooth or stringy bark that forms a new layer yearly. The old bark is then shed, creating an attractive appearance. Eucalyptus trees have lanceolate leaves and fluffy cream, white, or yellow flowers.

Scientific Name:Eucalyptus spp.
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Summer
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Up to 50 feet

13) Finger Lime

Finger Lime

Also known as caviar limes, finger limes are native Australian trees that can be grown for their fruits. Finger limes have elongated lime-like fruits that contain small spheres filled with juice.

These trees come from the citrus family and are native to Queensland and New South Wales. Finger lime trees have small, smooth leaves and white flowers in spring and summer.

Scientific Name:Citrus australasica
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 20 feet

14) Firewheel Tree

Firewheel Tree are beautiful types of Australian native plants

Firewheel trees are tropical trees from the Proteaceae family native to Queensland and New South Wales. Thanks to their colorful flowers, these vibrant trees are often used in ornamental landscaping.

Firewheel trees have attractive grayish-brown bark and simple or pinnate leaves with wavy margins. Each leaf can grow up to 8 inches long. During the summer, firewheel trees produce umbel-like clusters of vibrant red flowers.

Scientific Name:Stenocarpus sinuatus
Growing Zones:10 to 11
Flowering Season:Summer
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Up to 130 feet

15) Flannel Flower

Flannel Flower

Flannel flowers are herbaceous shrubs from the carrot or parsley family (Apiaceae). These Australian wildflowers are native to the shrubland habitats around Sydney in New South Wales.

These native Australian flowers have pale gray branches and lobed leaves. The leaves are covered in fine hairs that feel similar to flannel fabric. During the spring and summer, these plants produce white daisy-like flowers with lobed creamy-white bracts.

Scientific Name:Actinotus helianthi
Growing Zones:8 to 10
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Up to 5 feet

16) Geraldton Waxflower

Geraldton Waxflower are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Geraldton waxflowers are upright evergreen shrubs from the Myrtle family. These attractive shrubs are native to parts of Western Australia. It’s a popular ornamental plant in Australia and thrives in Zones 9 to 11.

These native Australian plants have upright stems covered in needle-like leaves that have hooked tips. These waxflowers also produce clusters of pink or white flowers. These flowers have a long blooming season.

Scientific Name:Chamelaucium uncinatum
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Up to 8 feet

17) Golden Wattle

Golden Wattle

Golden wattle trees have been the official floral emblem of Australia since 1988. These colorful trees grow throughout the southeastern parts of Australia. Golden wattle trees belong to the legume or pea family.

I love that these trees have smooth, grayish-brown bark and glossy, dark-green leaves. During the blooming season, these trees produce racemes bearing between 40 and 80 bright yellow globe-like flowers.

Scientific Name:Acacia pycnantha
Growing Zones:7 to 10
Flowering Season:Winter to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 25 feet

18) Grass Tree

Grass Tree

Grass trees are unusual perennials from the Asphodelaceae family. These fascinating plants are found throughout Australia but are more common in northeastern areas.

Grass trees produce large clumps of arching, grass-like leaves. The main stems grow within these tussocks but can take up to twenty years to become visible. These stems also produce tall flower spikes called scapes.

Scientific Name:Xanthorrhoea spp.
Growing Zones:9 to 10
Flowering Season:Fall to spring
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 16 feet

19) Grevillea

Grevillea are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Grevillea flowers are more commonly known as spider flowers. These evergreen shrubs or small trees belong to the Proteaceae family. Most grevillea species are native to Australia, although some also grow in New Caledonia and New Guinea.

These native Australian shrubs have compound or needle-like leaves. These attractive shrubs produce clusters of unique, spider-like flowers with arching stamens. These flowers come in shades of pink, orange, red, and yellow.

Scientific Name:Grevillea spp.
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to fall
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Approximately 60 feet

20) Hairpin Banksia

Hairpin Banksia

Hairpin banksias are a type of banksia that grows in eastern parts of Australia. These Australian plants come from the Proteaceae family. These woody shrubs are common understorey plants in dry woodland habitats.

Hairpin banksias have grayish-brown bark peppered with horizontal lenticels. These banksias also have narrow, strap-like leaves with serrated edges. What’s more, Hairpin banksias have large orange or yellow flower spikes that can contain thousands of tiny flowers.

Scientific Name:Banksia spinulosa
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Fall to spring
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Approximately 10 feet

21) Illawarra Flame Tree

Illawarra Flame Tree

Also known as lacebark trees, Illawarra flame trees are stunning trees from the mallow family. These deciduous trees are native to Australia’s eastern coast. Illawarra flame trees are popular ornamental trees thanks to their vibrant flowers.

Illawarra flame trees have smooth, grayish-green trunks and glossy green ovate leaves. In spring and summer, these trees erupt with large panicles of bright red bell-shaped flowers.

Scientific Name:Brachychiton acerifolius
Growing Zones:10 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Up to 115 feet

22) Kangaroo Paw

Kangaroo Paw are beautiful types of Australian native plants

Kangaroo paws are some of my favorite native Australian flowers. These fantastic perennials come from the bloodroot family (Haemodoraceae). Kangaroo paws thrive in arid, sandy soils across southwestern Australia.

Kangaroo paws produce basal rosettes of grayish-green grass-like leaves that may be hairy. These perennials also have long, leafless stems topped with racemes of tubular, hairy flowers.

Scientific Name:Anigozanthos spp.
Growing Zones:10 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to fall
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Approximately 6 to 10 feet

23) Macadamia

Macadamia

Also known as bush nut trees, macadamia trees come from the Proteaceae family. These medium-sized trees also produce edible nuts that may provide several health benefits. Macadamia trees are native to parts of Queensland and New South Wales.

Macadamia trees have glossy, oblong leaves with wavy margins and pink or white flowers. These flowers are followed by brown or green fruits containing macadamia nuts.

Scientific Name:Macadamia integrifolia
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Winter to spring
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:30 to 50 feet

24) Mountain Devil

Mountain Devil are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Mountain devil shrubs are members of the Proteaceae family known for their nectar-rich flowers. These flowers consist of several greenish-red bracts and reddish-pink florets. Mountain devil shrubs grow from swollen woody crowns known as lignotubers.

Mountain devil shrubs also have whorls of stiff, oblong leaves. These shrubs are native to parts of New South Wales and thrive in open woodlands or heathlands.

Scientific Name:Lambertia formosa
Growing Zones:9 to 10
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 5 to 7 feet

25) Native Frangipani

Native Frangipani

Also known as sweetshade trees, native frangipani trees are semi-deciduous members of the Pittosporaceae family. These trees are native to parts of New South Wales and Queensland.

Native frangipani trees have dark green, glossy, egg-shaped leaves. These trees have large, creamy-yellow tubular flowers in spring and summer. These flowers produce a spicy, sweet scent similar to true frangipani flowers.

Scientific Name:Hymenosporum flavum
Growing Zones:8 to 10
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Up to 80 feet

26) Native Fuchsia

Native Fuchsia are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Native fuchsia shrubs are highly variable plants from the citrus family (Rutaceae). These plants are native throughout Australia but also thrive in Zones 9 to 11. Native fuchsia shrubs can be low-growing prostrate plants or upright shrubs.

These native Australian shrubs have oval-shaped leaves that are covered with short hairs. The leaves also have distinctive oil glands. Native fuchsia shrubs also produce tubular pink or pale green flowers with yellowish-green tips.

Scientific Name:Correa reflexa
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Throughout the year
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Approximately 5 feet

27) Native Rosella

Native Rosella

Also known as toilet paper bushes, native rosella shrubs are native to parts of New South Wales and Queensland. Native rosella shrubs belong to the mallow family.

Native rosella shrubs have smooth stems covered with prickles. The leaves are either egg-shaped or oval-shaped. Native rosella shrubs also have large, colorful flowers with red centers. Plus, these flowers come in shades of pink, white, or yellow.

Scientific Name:Hibiscus heterophyllus
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Summer to fall
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 6 to 20 feet

28) Parrot Pea

Parrot Pea

Parrot pea flowers are colorful shrubs from the legume or pea family. These shrubs are native throughout much of Australia except for the Northern Territory. The Dillwynia genus contains approximately 20 species.

Parrot pea flowers have simple, slender, needle-like leaves. In spring, these shrubs produce red or yellow pea-like flowers with distinctive keels and wings.

Scientific Name:Dillwynia spp.
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring
Light Requirements:Partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 8 feet

29) Pink Mulla Mulla

Pink Mulla Mulla are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Pink mulla mulla flowers are herbaceous annuals or perennials from the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). These flowers are widespread throughout Australia, apart from arid parts of the southern regions.

These native Australian flowers grow in clumps of fleshy, grayish-green elliptical leaves. These plants also have silvery-gray flower spikes that gradually turn pink. The flowers have a long blooming season from winter to summer.

Scientific Name:Ptilotus exaltatus
Growing Zones:10 to 11
Flowering Season:Winter to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:1 to 2 feet

30) Purple Coral Pea

Purple Coral Pea

Purple coral pea plants are spreading or climbing sub-shrubs from the legume or pea family. In Australia, these plants are also known as false sarsaparilla. Purple coral pea plants are widespread in eastern and southern parts of Australia.

These colorful sub-shrubs have leathery egg-shaped or lance-shaped leaves. Purple coral pea plants also produce dense clusters of pinkish-purple bell-shaped flowers.

Scientific Name:Hardenbergia violacea
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 6.5 to 10 feet

31) Rock Orchid

Rock Orchid

Also known as cane orchids, rock orchids grow as epiphytes attached to trees or as lithophytes growing on rocks. Rock orchids are native to Australia’s eastern coast.

Rock orchids have several pseudobulbs that each produce thick, fleshy leaves. Each leaf can last up to 12 years. From late winter until spring, these orchids produce racemes of pink flowers with reddish-purple spots.

Scientific Name:Dendrobium speciosum
Growing Zones:10 to 11
Flowering Season:Winter to spring
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 1.5 to 2 feet

32) Silky Oak

Silky Oak

Silky oak trees are tall evergreen trees from the Proteaceae family. Despite their common name, these trees are unrelated to true oak trees. Silky oak trees are native to parts of New South Wales and Queensland.

These attractive Autralian trees have furrowed, dark gray bark and long, fern-like leaves. Silky oak trees also have yellow or orange flowers that develop into silky follicle-like fruits.

Scientific Name:Grevillea robusta
Growing Zones:10 to 12
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Approximately 70 feet

33) Slender Rice Flower

Slender Rice Flower are beautiful types of Australian native plants

Slender rice flowers are variable shrubs from the Thymelaeaceae family. These shrubs are native to wet woodlands and rainforests across eastern Australia.

Slender rice flowers grow as prostrate or upright shrubs with elliptical or egg-shaped leaves. During the spring, these shrubs produce terminal tubular white or pink flower clusters. Each cluster can contain up to 60 individual flowers.

Scientific Name:Pimelea linifolia
Growing Zones:8 to 10
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 5 feet

34) Snake Vine

Snake Vine are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Also known as climbing guinea flowers, snake vines are native to eastern parts of Australia. These climbing vines have egg-shaped or lance-shaped leaves with hairy undersides and bright yellow flowers.

These native Australian plants are members of the Dilleniaceae family that thrive in open forests and sand dunes near the coast. The flowers have an odd, unpleasant fragrance similar to animal urine.

Scientific Name:Hibbertia scandens
Growing Zones:10 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Up to 10 feet

35) Snow Daisy

Snow Daisy

I love snow daisies thanks to their colorful flowers and spreading habit. These herbaceous plants are frequently grown as annuals. As their name suggests, snow daisies belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae).

Snow daisies grow in clumps of lanceolate leaves and produce daisy-like flowers from summer to fall. What’s more, these flowers have yellow central florets and come in mauve, pink, and white shades.

Scientific Name:Brachyscome spp.
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Summer to fall
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:12 to 18 inches

36) Snowy River Wattle

Snowy River Wattle

Snowy River wattle shrubs are endemic to the area around the Snowy River in southeastern Australia. These elegant, colorful shrubs belong to the Fabaceae family.

Acacia boormanii shrubs have a rounded appearance with silvery-white branches and grayish-green leaves. These shrubs also have panicles of bright yellow globe-like flowers and bloom for four to six weeks in late winter to spring.

Scientific Name:Acacia boormanii
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Winter to spring
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 15 feet

37) Spinifex

Spinifex

Also known as porcupine grass, spinifex plants are members of the grass family (Poaceae). These grasses are found throughout Australia and were extensively used by native Aboriginal peoples. Spinifex plants thrive in arid or semi-arid habitats.

These native Australian plants form tussocks of grayish-green awl-shaped leaves with tapered points. As these grasses age, the roots in the center die out. As such, spinifex grasses produce ring-like formations.

Scientific Name:Triodia spp.
Growing Zones:4 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Approximately 8 feet

38) Strawflower

Strawflower are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

I love using strawflowers in my summer displays. These herbaceous perennials belong to the daisy family and are native throughout Australia. Strawflowers also thrive in Zones 8 to 11.

Strawflowers have rough, hairy stems and lanceolate or elliptical leaves covered in fine hairs. From summer until fall, strawflowers produce yellow flowers with stiff, papery bracts surrounding a central floret.

Scientific Name:Xerochrysum bracteatum
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Summer to fall
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 2 to 3 feet

39) Sturt’s Desert Pea

Sturt's Desert Pea

Sturt’s desert pea flowers are some of Australia’s most unusual native flowers. These wildflowers grow in clumps of grayish-green pinnate leaves. These plants have deep red flowers, vertical petals, and glossy black bosses in the center.

Sturt’s desert peas belong to the legume family and thrive in arid conditions. These wildflowers are native throughout most of Australia except for Victoria.

Scientific Name:Swainsona formosa
Growing Zones:10 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun
Mature Height:Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 feet

40) Sundew

Sundew

Sundews are a large group of carnivorous plants from the Droseraceae family. Australia is home to several species of sundews. However, these plants prefer moist, wetland habitats and are absent from arid regions.

Sundews are herbaceous perennials that can live for up to 50 years. Some form basal rosettes, while others have a climbing habit. Interestingly, Sundews trap insects using sticky tentacles on their leaves before slowly digesting their prey.

Scientific NameDrosera spp.
Growing Zones4 to 9
Flowering SeasonSummer
Light RequirementsFull sun to partial shade
Mature HeightUp to 3 feet

41) Swamp Lily

Swamp Lily

Also known as river lilies, swamp lilies are bulbous perennials from the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). As such, they aren’t related to true lilies. These plants are native to parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory.

These native Australian plants grow in clumps of dark green lance-shaped leaves. During the summer, swamp lilies produce dense umbels packed with up to 100 white flowers with long petals.

Scientific NameCrinum pedunculatum
Growing Zones7 to 11
Flowering SeasonSummer
Light RequirementsFull sun to partial shade
Mature HeightApproximately 6.5 to 10 feet

42) Tea Tree

Tea Tree are beautiful types of Australian native plants

Tea trees are probably some of Australia’s most famous native plants. The aromatic, spongy leaves produce tea tree oil, which can have several health benefits. Tea trees belong to the Myrtle family and are found throughout Australia.

Most tea trees have thin, papery bark that peels off in sheets. However, some species have thicker, rougher bark. Tea trees also produce flower spikes packed with small creamy-white, mauve, red, or yellow flowers.

Scientific NameMelaleuca spp.
Growing Zones9 to 11
Flowering SeasonSpring to summer
Light RequirementsFull sun
Mature HeightUp to 115 feet

43) Wallum Banksia

Wallum Banksia

Wallum banksias are attractive shrubs or small trees from the Proteaceae family. These banksias thrive in sandy, nutrient-poor soils. Wallum banksias are native to parts of Queensland and New South Wales.

Wallum banksias have gnarled or wrinkled orange-brown bark and glossy green egg-shaped leaves with serrated margins. During the fall, these banksias produce terminal spikes or yellowish-green flowers that gradually turn gray as they age.

Scientific NameBanksia aemula
Growing Zones8 to 11
Flowering SeasonFall to winter
Light RequirementsFull sun
Mature HeightApproximately 25 feet

44) Waratah

Waratah are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Waratah shrubs are the official floral symbol of New South Wales, where these shrubs are endemic. Waratah shrubs belong to the Proteaceae family and are popular as ornamental shrubs or cut flowers.

These native Australian shrubs emerge from swollen woody bases and have an upright habit. These shrubs have dark green leaves with toothed margins. During the spring, waratah shrubs produce domed flower heads packed with up to 250 red flowers.

Scientific NameTelopea speciosissima
Growing Zones8 to 11
Flowering SeasonSpring
Light RequirementsPartial shade
Mature HeightApproximately 10 to 13 feet

45) Wattle

Wattle

Commonly known as acacias, wattles are some of Australia’s most famous native trees. Acacias belong to the legume or pea family and form dense forests across Australia.

Wattle trees have deciduous or evergreen fern-like leaves that are divided into several oblong leaflets. From late winter until spring, wattle trees produce small yellow or white flower clusters. These flowers have a strong fragrance similar to honey or cloves.

Scientific NameAcacia spp.
Growing Zones9 to 11
Flowering SeasonWinter to spring
Light RequirementsFull sun
Mature HeightApproximately 20 feet

46) Waxflower

Waxflower

Philotheca flowers are another type of native Australian flower known as waxflowers. These shrubs come from the citrus family. Today, are found throughout most parts of Australia except for the Northern Territory.

These native Australian plants produce clusters of pink or white star-shaped flowers in late winter and spring with several inwardly curving stamens. Interestingly, Philotheca shrubs also have oblong leaves that may have fine hairs.

Scientific NamePhilotheca spp.
Growing Zones8 to 10
Flowering SeasonWinter to spring
Light RequirementsFull sun to partial shade
Mature HeightApproximately 6 feet

47) Wild Iris

Wild Iris are beautiful types of Australian native flowers

Also known as purple flag irises, wild irises are some of Australia’s most vibrant native flowers. These irises are native to coastal forests in the eastern parts of Australia.

Wild irises grow in clumps of lance-shaped grass-like leaves. Wild irises have gorgeous violet or purple flowers in spring and summer with three egg-shaped tepals. Interestingly,  each flower only lasts for one day.

Scientific Name:Patersonia sericea
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 2 feet

48) Wiry Bauera

Wiry Bauera

Also known as dog roses or river roses, wiry bauera shrubs come from the Cunoniaceae family. These scrambling shrubs are native to southeastern parts of Australia. Wiry bauera shrubs are also found in Tasmania.

Wiry bauera shrubs form tangled thickets of woody, wiry stems and branches. These shrubs have trifoliate leaves consisting of three elliptical leaflets. Plus, these shrubs also have white or pink flowers.

Scientific Name:Bauera rubioides
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring to summer
Light Requirements:Partial to full shade
Mature Height:Approximately 6 feet

49) Wooly Grevillea

Wooly Grevillea

Wooly grevillea shrubs are a species of grevillea native to southeastern regions of Australia. These attractive shrubs belong to the Proteaceae family and thrive in Zones 8 to 11.

Wooly grevilleas have a spreading or rounded habit. These shrubs have narrow oblong leaves with hairy undersides. From late winter until spring, wooly grevilleas produce clusters of creamy-white, pink, or red flowers.

Scientific Name:Grevillea lanigera
Growing Zones:8 to 11
Flowering Season:Winter to spring
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 7 feet

50) Yellow Bloodwood

Yellow Bloodwood

Yellow bloodwood trees are beautiful evergreen trees from the myrtle family. These trees are native to dry forests and sandstone plateaus in New South Wales. It is often used as a landscaping tree in Australia’s urban areas.

Yellow bloodwood trees have gnarled, mottled yellowish-brown bark that often flakes off. These trees also have thick, sickle-shaped leaves with prominent veins. During the spring, yellow bloodwood trees have panicles of creamy-yellow flowers

Scientific Name:Corymbia eximia
Growing Zones:9 to 11
Flowering Season:Spring
Light Requirements:Full sun to partial shade
Mature Height:Approximately 40 to 65 feet

Wrapping Up

Australia is teeming with beautiful and interesting native flowers and plants. Many of Australia’s native plants are now grown as ornamentals around the world. Some of the most famous native flowers include acacias, banksias, grevilleas, waxflowers. Other famous plants native to Australia include eucalyptus plants, macadamia trees, and tea tree plants.

Edward Hodsdon - Contributing Editor at Petal Republic
Contributing Editor | edd@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio

Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.

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