Growing Flowers To Attract Native Wildlife

If you’re a big fan of our native wildlife and want to attract more of these visitors to your garden, then growing flowers specifically for them is a must.  

Opting to use natives in your garden creates a thriving, attractive and robust green space, while also conserving biodiversity by encouraging native wildlife such as insects, possums, bees, and of course, birds. 

However, it’s also worth noting that growing flowers that are native to your landscape can do more than attract and encourage these types of visitors to your garden. As these types of plants are already well accustomed to your local climate, they’re quite happy to do their own thing and need little fuss – so what are your options?

Five Types Of Flowers Beloved By Local Wildlife 

Although bees are known to follow their nose to find flowers, native Australian plants have evolved to have red flowers, specifically to attract birds. As they are known to be nature’s best pollinators, it should come as no surprise that these are often regarded as the hue of choice for gardeners looking to attract more birds to their backyards. 

Having said that, growing flowers to specifically attract local wildlife involves far more than colour preferences. While plants that are native to your region are much lower maintenance thanks to the fact that they already like the rainfall, soil and climate linked to your garden, flowering species are also essential to your local ecosystem – so what are your options?

Grevillea Pink Surprise – As an evergreen, medium sized shrub with fine, fern-like foliage, Grevillea Pink Surprise is a beloved native plant thanks to its large, pink, toothbrush-type flowers that usually appear in autumn. Ideal for hedging and screening, it’s also suitable for shrubberies and general garden plantings.

Banksias – Arguably one of the most iconic of the many Australian native trees and shrubs, banksias are a go-to for any gardener growing flowers for local wildlife.  Flowering in shades of white, yellow, orange and red, banksias do well in full sun with well drained, sandy soils. Once established, they’re regarded as low maintenance and are relatively a drought tolerant species. 

Baby Scarlet Flowering Gum – The spectacular red flowers of this unique native gum tree appear in summer and autumn, brightening the garden and attracting birds. This low-maintenance plant is ideal for smaller gardens, coastal areas and even on the street in a wide variety of soil types, and can grow as high as twelve metres when comfortable. 

Bottlebrush – The bottlebrush is another plant that produces high quantities of nectar, making it a favourite amongst native birds. Known for its distinct bushy red flowers and is often found growing in areas that are prone to flooding, bottlebrushes are a low allergen plant that thrive in full sun, and can tolerate both droughts and floods. 

Australian Daisy – Perfect as ground cover and also known as the Swan River Daisy, this native flower is not only sustainable, but is also visually attractive as a garden staple thanks to its delicate mauve, white and blue petals. Highly adaptable, Australian Daisies grow just about anywhere but prefer well-drained soil in either full sun or half-sun. 

Ultimately, the more you’re able to encourage a sustainable ecosystem in your garden by learning tips like how to attract birds, the happier your plants will be. However, sometimes your plants may need a little extra help in fending off unwanted invaders, but that doesn’t mean resorting to pesticides that may have negative consequences on the health of your soil, plants, and even local birdlife – so what’s the alternative?

Introducing A Safer Way To Spray

Bioweed is an organic, non selective weed killer that works fast on contact with the weed, in order to rapidly desiccate and burn even the most stubborn of plants. It can be used anywhere around the house including garden beds, veggie patches, paths and driveways, and is safe to use around children, animals and even native wildlife. 

The best part? Bioweed is the brainchild of well established agricultural leaders greenPRO, and is backed by over twenty years of research and development. Owned and manufactured in Australia, the primary ingredient of Bioweed is actually sustainably sourced pine oil, and is even approved by NASAA, ACO and APVMA for use around organic farms and food production. 

If you’re on the hunt for a weed killer that’s safe to use around pets or kids, or simply want to know more about eliminating weeds safely – check out other tips and tricks in our online advice forum, or contact us for any further queries.