Australia is home to an incredible range of native flowers. When planted together the right combinations can complement each other beautifully and thrive in similar conditions. Whether you’re designing a wild native garden, a colourful border, or a feature spot, here’s a guide to some great native pairings for your garden beds.
1. Kangaroo Paw and Geraldton Wax
Kangaroo Paw’s tall, striking flowers in reds, yellows, and greens look amazing next to the fine, delicate flowers of Geraldton Wax. Kangaroo Paw adds height and structure, while Geraldton Wax softens the overall look and fills out the space.
Why it works: Both love well-draining soil, lots of sunlight, and minimal water once established.
2. Banksia and Waratah
These two Aussie icons are perfect for a bold and dramatic garden bed. Banksias come in earthy tones like orange, yellow, and red, while the Waratah’s crimson flowers provide a strong contrast. Both plants have striking textures and odd shaped flowers that work together.
Why it works: Both thrive in sunny spots with well-draining soil and can handle drier conditions.
3. Flannel Flower and Native Mint Bush
If you’re after a softer look, Flannel Flowers with their white flowers pair perfectly with the purple flowers of Native Mint Bush. This combo works beautifully in borders or as ground cover under taller plants.
Why it works: Both prefer light, sandy soil and a bit of shade, making them perfect for cooler garden spots.
4. Grevillea and Eucalyptus
Grevilleas come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, making them a great pick for pairing with the silvery foliage of Eucalyptus. Smaller Grevilleas can be used as ground cover, while larger varieties work well as feature plants alongside a tall Eucalyptus tree.
Why it works: Both are tough, drought-tolerant plants that thrive in Australian conditions.
5. Bottlebrush and Paper Daisy
Bottlebrush plants bring bold splashes of red or pink to the garden, and they look fantastic when paired with the bright, cheerful hues of Paper Daisies. Use Bottlebrush as a medium-height shrub and let the Paper Daisies fill in around the base for a colorful, layered look.
Why it works: Both love full sun and are super hardy, making them low-maintenance garden choices.
6. Billy Buttons and Everlasting Strawflowers
For a cottage-style garden vibe, pair Billy Buttons with their bright yellow globe-like flowers with Everlasting Strawflowers. They work beautifully in rock gardens, borders, or naturalised wildflower areas.
Why it works: Both thrive in dry, well-draining soils and love sunny spots.
7. Wattle and Black Coral Pea
Wattle’s golden flowers pair beautifully with the weird flowers of the Black Coral Pea. The bright yellow and black create a stunning contrast, and Black Coral Pea can climb or trail beneath the cheerful wattle flowers for added dimension.
Why it works: Both do well in sunny or partially shaded spots and are great for adding color in late winter and spring.
Tips for Pairing Native Flowers in Your Garden
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Match Their Growing Needs: Group plants with similar sun, water, and soil requirements so they thrive together.
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Think About Layers: Use taller plants like Banksias or Kangaroo Paw as features, medium shrubs like Bottlebrush, and smaller plants like daisies or mint bush for ground cover.
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Go for Contrast: Pair bold, sculptural flowers with softer foliage or delicate flowers for a balanced look.
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Seasonal Interest: Choose plants with staggered flowering seasons to keep your garden colourful year-round.
With so many stunning Aussie natives to choose from, you can mix and match to create a garden that’s not only beautiful but also hardy and low-maintenance. Whether you’re into bold colours, soft textures, or something in between, there’s a perfect pairing for every garden style. Happy planting!
