In subtropical regions of Australia, a variety of native plants thrive and showcase their vibrant spring flowers. Although there are so many different varieties and species to pick from, we’ve selected just six ideal candidates that can be used throughout most gardens in Southeast Queensland. The selection and use of groundcover plants in landscaping can be both practical and visually appealing as each of these can add that little pop of colour and texture whilst increasing the biodiversity within the garden by providing food sources and habitat for native fauna. Here are the six native Australian spring flowers that we hope you’ll enjoy:
1. Dianella caerulea (Blue Flax Lily):
The Blue Flax Lily is an excellent grass species and comes in a variety of cultivars to suit any garden size. It features strap-like leaves and produces small blue-to-purple flowers that turn into small blue-purple berries that are edible to both humans and animals. It’s extremely hardy and can be planted in both shade and full sun positions. It works well as a border plant or mass planted adding lush evergreen foliage even when not in flower.
2. Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler’ (Grevillea):
This is a great low-growing groundcover Grevillea with deeply divided foliage that shows shades of bronze-red foliage with clusters of vibrant flowers in shades of deep red to purple. It is drought-tolerant and extremely hardy once established with a naturally dense and fast-growing habit that is great for suppressing weeds. It grows to approx. 50cm high but can spread up to 3 to 5 metres across. A highly attractive flowering plant for nectar-eating birds, as well as creating great habitat for frogs, lizards and small birds.
3. Viola banksii (Native Violet):
A ground-hugging plant with heart-shaped leaves and delicate purple and white flowers. It’s best planted in shady areas providing a lush carpet effect as it will spread far and wide in the right conditions. It grows via underground runners and can be easily transplanted and regrow from the roots. It can even be grown as a lawn substitute in low foot traffic areas, but grows best in moist organic soils.
4. Hardenbergia violacea (Native Sarsparilla)
This is a great plant as both groundcover and climber with purple sprays of pea-shaped flowers right through spring to summer. A hardy native that is suited to light clay to sandy soils, can even be grown as a potted specimen. It flowers best in full sun positions but can also be planted in part shade. It is a great nitrogen fixing plant (transferring nitrogen from the air into the soil) and has a dense growth habit which is suitable for smothering weeds.
5. Leptospermum hybrid ‘Pink Cascade’ (Tea Tree):
Pink Cascade is a low-growing variety of Tea Tree with cascading branches of fine scented foliage and profusions of small pastel pink flowers through spring. It’s a hardy shrub that is suitable to most conditions, but performs best in moist well-drained soil. Can be planted in both sun and part shade positions growing to approx. 60cm high with an arching outward spread of approx. 1.5m. It works well on banks and walls and is attractive to all manner of insects and pollinators.
6. Brachysome multifida (Cut-leaf Daisy):
A compact hardy ground cover, approx. 50cm in diameter, which produces flowers of either white, pink or pale to bright blue against bright green foliage. Best planted in sunny positions but can be planted in part shade. Brachysomes can produce floral displays all year round with typical ‘daisy’ shaped florets with yellow centers. This species is drought-tolerant and extremely hardy once established. Can be either planted on mass or as scatterings of colour throughout the garden, and can even be planted in pots.
Queensland’s subtropical climate provides the perfect canvas for a stunning display of native groundcover plants in spring. Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of your garden but they contribute to our unique local ecosystem. If you are looking for a stunning plant design for your garden, contact us today so we can help make your garden flourish with the colours and textures of our native flora.