Spring Australian native planting list: 13 stunning plants to grow
Gardens wake up in spring and few plants capture that transformation better than Australian natives. Adaptable, resilient and strikingly beautiful, these plants thrive in conditions that would challenge many exotic species — from coastal sands to inland heat.
This spring planting list celebrates iconic species like kangaroo paw and dwarf flowering gum alongside lesser-known gems such as golden tip, roundleaf pomaderris and red eremophila. Whether you are creating a wildlife-friendly garden, a low-water landscape or simply want vibrant spring colour that is a little different, this guide has you covered.
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1. Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens)
What it is
A hardy groundcover with fleshy leaves and dazzling pink-purple daisy-like flowers in spring and summer. Its fruits are edible and were traditionally enjoyed by First Nations Australians, and the leaves can be used as a natural soothing remedy for stings and bites.
Climate and growing
Well suited to coastal and temperate regions across eastern Australia. Tolerates mild frost but performs best in frost-free gardens and excels in exposed coastal conditions. Plant in sandy, well-drained soil in full sun — ideal for coastal gardens and erosion control.
Why it works for beginners
Extremely drought-tolerant, self-spreading and low maintenance once established. Propagates readily from a cutting pressed directly into soil.
2. Geraldton waxflower (Chamelaucium uncinatum)
What it is
A Western Australian native shrub with masses of star-shaped flowers in pink, purple or white. The foliage has a citrus-like fragrance when crushed and the flowers are prized globally as cut blooms.
Climate and growing
Originates from the semi-arid regions of WA and thrives in warm, dry climates with dry summers and mild winters. Not well suited to high-humidity coastal regions or areas with heavy summer rainfall. Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot and trim after flowering to encourage bushy regrowth.
Why it works for beginners
Hardy, water-wise and reliably attractive to pollinators.
3. Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
What it is
Iconic velvety flowers in vivid reds, yellows and greens that bloom on tall stems in spring. The flower's unique shape is adapted for nectar-feeding birds — honeyeaters brush against the pollen as they reach into the tube to feed.
Climate and growing
Native to south-west WA, kangaroo paw performs best in warm temperate to semi-arid climates with dry summers. Hybrid varieties have broadened its range, though humidity and poor drainage remain the main causes of failure in subtropical regions. Needs full sun and free-draining soil. Cut back spent flowers and foliage to refresh growth.
Why it works for beginners
Low fuss, bird-attracting and dramatic in both pots and garden beds.
4. Eggs and bacon plant (Dillwynia spp.)
What it is
A cheerful shrub with yellow and rusty-red pea flowers that light up bushland in spring. The common name comes from the two-tone flower colour, which resembles a classic plate of eggs and bacon.
Climate and growing
Found naturally across south-eastern Australia. Suited to cool to warm temperate climates and tolerates moderate frost. Grows in poor soils in sun to partial shade — a reliable choice for southern gardeners looking for something beyond the usual palette.
Why it works for beginners
Hardy, low-maintenance and supportive of native insects while delivering strong visual impact.
5. Dwarf flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia dwarf varieties)
What it is
A compact tree that bursts into brilliant clusters of red, orange or pink blossoms in spring and summer. The original species grows into a large tree, but decades of breeding have produced grafted compact forms well suited to suburban gardens without sacrificing the spectacular flower display.
Climate and growing
Originally from coastal WA, grafted dwarf varieties are now widely grown across southern and eastern Australia. Best suited to temperate and Mediterranean climates. Struggles in tropical or high-humidity conditions, and cold, wet winters can cause root issues if drainage is poor. Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot and water occasionally during dry spells.
Why it works for beginners
Show-stopping flowers, manageable size and excellent at attracting native birds.
Spring flowering
For many Australian natives, the flowering trigger is a combination of day length, soil moisture and the drop in overnight temperatures that precedes spring — rather than the rise in daytime heat. This is one reason why natives often flower at slightly different times in different regions, and why a plant that blooms reliably in Melbourne in September may not flower until October further south or as early as August in a warmer coastal garden further north.
6. Golden tip (Goodia lotifolia)
What it is
A graceful shrub that produces masses of golden-yellow pea flowers in spring, often tinged with orange-red at the base. Common in the wild but rarely seen in home gardens, making it an easy way to add something genuinely different to a native planting.
Climate and growing
Naturally widespread across south-eastern Australia. Suited to temperate and subtropical climates, handles both dry periods and moderate frost, and is one of the more adaptable natives on this list. Plant in sunny to lightly shaded areas with good drainage — works well as a feature shrub or planted in groups for seasonal impact.
Why it works for beginners
Striking seasonal colour with minimal care needs.
7. Roundleaf pomaderris (Pomaderris rotundifolia)
What it is
A small, dense shrub with rounded leaves and clusters of soft yellow flowers. Several species in the Pomaderris genus are considered threatened or endangered in the wild — growing them in home gardens contributes in a genuine way to their broader survival.
Climate and growing
Native to south-eastern Australia, particularly Victoria and southern NSW. Best suited to cool to warm temperate climates and tolerates light frosts. A strong choice for tablelands and elevated areas that experience cold winters. Plant in sunny to partly shaded spots with free-draining soil.
Why it works for beginners
A resilient and underused shrub well suited to hedging and garden borders.
8. Rhodanthe daisy (Rhodanthe chlorocephala)
What it is
A Western Australian wildflower with papery pink, white and yellow blooms that create carpets of colour in spring. Also called everlastings, these flowers retain their colour long after cutting. They close at night and in overcast conditions — a natural adaptation that protects the reproductive parts of the flower from moisture and night-time insects.
Climate and growing
Best suited to regions with dry summers and mild winters. Grows as an annual in most Australian climates, making it more broadly adaptable than many other WA natives. Not well suited to tropical or high-rainfall summer climates. Sow seed directly in sunny, well-drained soil for a mass spring display.
Why it works for beginners
Quick-growing, spectacular and completely fuss-free.
9. Golden everlasting / strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum)
What it is
A native daisy with brilliant golden blooms from spring to summer, excellent both fresh and dried. The straw-like petals are actually modified leaves called bracts, which is why they retain their colour and structure so well when dried.
Climate and growing
One of the most widely distributed natives on this list. Adapts well to temperate, subtropical and semi-arid climates. Struggles in areas with prolonged wet and humid summers but is otherwise one of the least climate-fussy natives available. Thrives in sunny, well-drained beds and borders — deadhead spent flowers to prolong the flowering period.
Why it works for beginners
Hardy, long-flowering and reliable across a wide range of conditions.
10. Rock wattle (Acacia acinacea)
What it is
A compact and distinctive shrub smothered in golden ball-shaped flowers each spring. Rock wattle's blossoms are rich in pollen and draw in insects, which in turn attract insectivorous birds like wrens and thornbills — a small plant that quietly supports a large food web.
Climate and growing
Native to south-eastern Australia. Handles frost reliably and suits cool to warm temperate climates. Grows in most soils and thrives in full sun — a good option for gardeners in colder inland regions who want a wattle that stays compact and manageable.
Why it works for beginners
Tough, adaptable and excellent for wildlife-friendly gardens.
11. Common boobialla (Myoporum insulare)
What it is
A coastal shrub or small tree with glossy leaves, white star-shaped flowers and purple berries. The berries are an important food source for native birds, making this one of the more ecologically valuable plants on this list for wildlife gardeners.
Climate and growing
Native to southern Australia and particularly well adapted to coastal conditions, including salt-laden winds and sandy soils. Handles moderate frost. One of the best options for exposed coastal gardens anywhere along the southern half of Australia. Works effectively as a screen or windbreak.
Why it works for beginners
Exceptionally hardy, even in salty and exposed conditions.
12. Red eremophila (Eremophila glabra)
What it is
A hardy shrub or groundcover with tubular red flowers that bloom from spring through summer. The nectar-rich blooms are particularly valued by honeyeaters in dry inland regions where flowering plants are scarce through the warmer months.
Climate and growing
One of the most drought-tolerant plants on this list. Handles heat and frost reasonably well but is not suited to humid coastal climates or gardens with summer-wet soils. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil — very little water required once established.
Why it works for beginners
Colourful, bird-attracting and genuinely low maintenance.
13. Billy buttons (Craspedia globosa)
What it is
A striking perennial with tall, slender stems topped by perfectly round golden-yellow flower heads. Billy buttons hold their shape and colour well after cutting and drying, making them a favourite in native flower arrangements — their spherical blooms are sometimes called drumsticks for obvious reasons.
Climate and growing
Found naturally in grasslands and grassy woodlands across south-eastern Australia. Tolerates frost well and actually benefits from cold winters, which help trigger flowering. Less reliable in subtropical or tropical regions. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil — they work beautifully in mass plantings or scattered among other perennials for a naturalistic, meadow-like effect.
Why it works for beginners
Hardy, drought-tolerant and eye-catching with minimal care required.
Spring planting tip: When planting natives from tubestock in spring, resist the urge to plant on the hottest days of the season. Aim for a mild stretch of weather, ideally with some overcast days forecast, and water the plant in deeply at the time of planting. The first two to three weeks after going into the ground are when tubestock is most vulnerable. Once the roots have extended beyond the original root ball, the plant's resilience increases significantly.
This spring, looking beyond the standard grevilleas and bottlebrushes is well worth the effort. The lesser-known natives on this list are adaptable, resilient and capable of spectacular seasonal displays while actively supporting Australia's unique biodiversity. They reward with colour, wildlife and long-term low maintenance in equal measure.
Ready to give the garden a seasonal overhaul? Grab your tools, gloves, hat, apron and belt, pick your favourites from this list and get planting.
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A Guide to Australian Native Gardening
How to plan, plant and care for a thriving native garden, whatever your experience level.
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