10 Captivating Flowering Trees to Grow in Australia

Australia has incredibly diverse and breathtaking natural beauty. Composed of vast coastlines to mountain ranges and sandplains, it's no surprise the country ranks third globally for the most endemic species of flowers.

If you're planning to grow a flowering tree in your garden, there are various options ideal for different types of gardens and seasons. In this guide, we'll round up some of the best for your garden based on their favourable growth seasons.

Ready? Let's explore!

Flowering Trees for Spring

Spring comes with generous rainfall; it provides an ideal setting for planting trees destined to dazzle. Here are four native Australian flowering trees that create a spring spectacle.

1. Golden Chain Trees

The Golden Chain tree or Golden Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides) is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The ornamental tree is renowned for its stunning display of pendulous, bright yellow flowers that hang in long chains during the spring season. Its leaves are typically trifoliate, consisting of three leaflets, and have a vibrant green colour.

When properly cared for, the Laburnum anagyroides can thrive in well-drained soils and full sunlight. You may have to prune it to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. It's important to note that all parts of this tree, including its seeds, contain toxic compounds. Thus, exercise caution around pets and children. Likewise, we recommend handling the tree with gloves when conducting maintenance.

2. Crabapple Trees

Crabapple trees (Malus spp.) are characterised by their charming apple-like fruits and aesthetic appeal. Their captivating display of blossoms, which burst forth in vibrant colours during the spring season, is a unique characteristic of the plant. Their flowers can range from delicate white to shades of pink and even deep red, a scene that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Crabapples bear fruits that might resemble traditional apples, but they are often smaller and vary in taste from sweet to quite tart. The plant's fruits can be used for making preserves, jellies or adding a unique touch to culinary creations.

If you're considering growing crabapple trees, choose a suitable variety for your climate and soil conditions. Proper care, including regular pruning and maintenance, can help ensure the health and longevity of these trees. Also, note that they are usually planted in a potted nursery in the fall and transplanted as they mature.

3. Jacaranda Trees

The Jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is a striking flowering tree with vibrant purple-blue blossoms and delicate fern-like foliage. In regions with warm and subtropical climates, such as Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Northern New South Wales, the Jacaranda tree is a popular ornamental choice and is often planted along streets, in parks, and in private gardens for its stunning visual impact. Its beautiful flowers typically bloom in spring or early summer, covering the tree with a blanket of vivid colour.

Jacaranda trees can grow to be quite large, providing ample shade beneath their expansive canopy. The blooming season is typically in spring, and the exact timing can be influenced by factors like weather conditions and local climate variations. It is a fast-growing flowering tree that grows at the rate of 10 feet yearly. When fully mature, the jacaranda tree can grow to heights between 25 to 40 feet.

4. Cherry Blossom Trees

The Japanese Cherry Blossom tree (Prunus serrulata spp.) is a captivating ornamental tree with stunning and delicate pink or white blossoms that blanket the branches in spring. In Australia, they are a cherished addition to gardens, parks, and landscapes, particularly in areas with temperate climates. Their vibrant blooms, besides their elegance and cultural significance, evoke a sense of renewal and the fleeting beauty of life.

The Cherry Blossom tree thrives in temperate climates with distinct seasons. They require well-drained soil, full sunlight, and proper care to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. The tree is also a delightful reminder of the changing seasons and the beauty of nature's cycles. The blossoms typically last for only a short period, often a week or two, making the sight even more precious and fleeting.

Flowering Trees for Summer

Buckle up as we delve into flowering trees that will make your Australian summer garden a living, breathing masterpiece. Under the warm sun, these trees explode with vibrant colours and fill their landscapes with their beauty.

5. Crepe Myrtle Trees

Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a captivating and versatile flowering tree cherished for its striking beauty, adaptability, and array of desirable features. During the warmer months, typically from late spring to summer, the tree bursts into a profusion of exquisite flowers that cluster in showy panicles. The range of available hues is extensive, including shades of pink, lavender, purple, white, and even red.

Crepe Myrtles are well-suited to the Australian climate, particularly in regions with warm and sunny conditions. This includes Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. They also have a reputation for thriving in hot and humid environments. As they mature, the bark peels to reveal smooth patches underneath, further enhancing the tree's beauty.

6. Ivory Curl Trees

The Ivory Curl Tree (Buckinghamia celsissima) is a captivating and elegant native Australian tree with exquisite pendulous cream-coloured flowers. Endemic to the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales, the tree is a showstopper with cascading clusters of creamy and bell-shaped blossoms that hang gracefully from its branches during its flowering period, spring and summer. These flowers also emit a subtle fragrance.

As a native Australian species, Buckinghamia celsissima plays a role in supporting local ecosystems by providing habitat and nectar for native wildlife, including birds and insects. To thrive, the tree prefers well-drained soils and a position that receives partial to full sunlight. While it requires regular watering to establish itself, mature trees are often more drought-tolerant. You can also prune it to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.

Ivory Curl's growth habit tends to be moderate, making it suitable for various outdoor spaces, from smaller gardens to larger landscapes. They can reach a height of up to 30 metres in their natural habitat, but they are a lot smaller when cultivated.

7. Cape Chestnut Trees

The Cape chestnut tree (Calodendrum capense) produces large clusters of stunning, bell-shaped flowers during its flowering season in spring and summer. These blossoms can vary in colour, ranging from shades of pink and mauve to white. The tree also has glossy, dark green leaves that provide an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers. As the flowers fade, they often give way to large, woody capsules that contain seeds.

To grow Calodendrum capense, choose a well-drained location and provide adequate water during its establishment phase. The tree has a relatively moderate growth rate (it can reach up to 20 metres) and a rounded canopy, making it an ideal choice for gardens, parks, and larger outdoor spaces. Once established, it tends to be more drought-tolerant, requiring only regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.

Flowering Trees for Autumn

The autumn months, also known as falls, are when the leaves of trees turn yellow, orange, red, or brown. It's the season between summer and winter, and not many trees look decorative. Here are a few flowering tree breeds that retain their beauty during this period:

8. Evergreen Magnolia Trees

Evergreen Mongolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an iconic tree. Its most prominent feature is its striking blossoms, which can measure up to a foot in diameter. These creamy white flowers exude a sweet and captivating fragrance that permeates the air, making them a favorite among garden enthusiasts and admirers alike. In addition, Magnolia grandiflora boasts glossy, leathery dark green leaves with a distinctive waxy texture that remains on the tree throughout the year.

Magnolia grandiflora prefers well-drained soils and thrives in areas with ample sunlight. It's known for its resilience and ability to adapt to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for a range of growing conditions. The tree's natural growth habit tends to be pyramidal or conical, and it can attain significant heights (up to 27.5 metres) and widths.

Native Flowering Trees for Winter

Winter is a season of dormancy. But in the heart of Australia's cooler months, certain resilient trees spectacularly defy this notion. Let's delve into these hardy winter-flowering trees that not only withstand Australia's winter season but also add a unique aesthetic charm to the landscape.

9. Forsythia Trees

Forsythia (Forsythia spp.) is a genus of deciduous shrubs known for their vibrant and early spring blossoms, a profusion of bright yellow flowers that appear before the leaves emerge in early spring. The shrub is characterised by its arching branches, which give it an elegant and cascading appearance. The leaves are typically simple and ovate, offering a pleasant backdrop to the showy flowers.

Forsythia is relatively easy to grow and maintain. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight and are known for their hardiness and ability to tolerate a range of soil types. Likewise, they require proper pruning after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage healthy growth.

Forsythia shrubs are often used as hedging or border plants, providing a burst of colour along fences, pathways, and garden edges. The shrubs' early spring blooms make them a favourite for adding a cheerful touch to gardens as winter transitions into spring.

10. Golden Wattle Trees

Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha), with its vivid and radiant yellow flowers, holds a special place in the hearts of Australians and is recognised as the country's national floral emblem. The small to medium-sized evergreen tree (which can grow up to 8 metres) showcases its brilliance during the spring season when it bursts into a profusion of fluffy, ball-shaped flower clusters.

The Golden Wattle's leaves, which are typically feathery and dark green, provide an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers. Its bark is often rough and textured, adding to its natural charm. Due to its adaptability and resilience, the Golden Wattle can thrive in a range of Australian environments, from coastal regions to inland areas. It's often used in revegetation projects, providing habitat and sustenance for wildlife.

Acacia pycnantha is highly valued for its cultural and ecological significance. It has been used by Indigenous Australians for various purposes, including food and tools. The nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees and insects, contributing to local biodiversity.

Growing Flowering Trees in Your Australian Garden

Each tree species has specific care requirements, so it's essential to research and understand the needs of the particular flowering tree you're growing. But that aside, keep the following best practices in mind:

#1. Choose a Suitable Location

Choose a suitable location in your garden for planting the flowering tree. Consider the tree's mature size and ensure it won't obstruct buildings, utility lines, or other plants as it grows. Opt for a spot that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for the tree species you've chosen.

From here, prepare the planting area by improving soil drainage and structure. Test the soil's pH and nutrient levels and amend it with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to ensure proper root development and healthy growth.

#2. Planting Your Tree

Plant your flowering tree during the optimal time, typically in the cooler months (autumn or early spring), to allow the tree to establish its root system before facing harsher weather conditions. We recommend following the guidelines specific to the chosen tree species.

Where there are no specific guidelines, dig a hole that is wider and slightly shallower than the root ball. Gently remove the tree from its container, place it in the hole, and backfill it with soil. Ensure the tree is planted at the same depth it was in the container. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

#3. Caring for Your Tree

To take proper care of your flowing tree after growth, keep the following in mind regarding watering, mulching, pruning, and fertilisation:

• Watering Routine: Establish a regular watering routine during the tree's establishment phase. Then, gradually reduce watering as the tree becomes established.
• Mulching Benefits: Apply a layer of mulch around the tree's base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Pruning Guidelines: Follow proper pruning techniques to shape the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote healthy growth.
• Fertilisation: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during the growing season to provide essential nutrients.

#4. Pest and Disease Management

Regularly inspect the tree for signs of pests and diseases. Identify and address any issues promptly using integrated pest management techniques, which may include natural predators, organic sprays, or other environmentally friendly solutions.

#5. Patience and Care

Depending on the tree's growth habit, consider installing support structures like stakes or ties to help the tree grow upright and stable, especially during its early years. Growing a flowering tree is a long-term commitment. Be patient and provide consistent care, adjusting your routine based on the tree's progress and changing seasons.

#6. Enjoying the Blooms

Once your flowering tree begins to bloom, take time to appreciate the beauty it brings to your garden. Observe pollinators attracted to the blossoms and enjoy the sensory delight of colour, fragrance, and nature's vibrant display.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions on growing flowering trees in Australia.

The Ultimate Guide to Australian Native Flowers

Learn about different species, growing tips, and how to incorporate the diverse Australian native flowers into your home and garden.

ExpertEasyMark

Crafting Your Garden Masterpiece

Australia's flowering trees paint a beautiful picture of the country's diverse landscapes and ecosystems. These trees aren't just pretty with their colourful blooms; they also have strong shapes that showcase the country's natural beauty. These amazing plants are like living snapshots of Australia's wild side.

Bringing these native wonders into your garden or workspace isn't just about making things look better. It's like welcoming a piece of Australia's wilderness and enjoying the fresh air and sunlight it brings. Each tree promises to transform your space into a living masterpiece—a mix of colours, scents, and life.