Kings Park Wildflower Wonderland

For any visitor to Western Australia, a trip to Kings Park is a must-see.

But what makes it so special? Is it the spectacular views perched high above the Swan River, down to the city of Perth and surrounding suburbs, or the world class Western Australian Botanic Garden?

 

 

Just take the elevated walkway along the top of the limestone cliff, view the impressive state memorials, iconic boabs, or the magnificent tree lined avenues and natural bushland setting, and make up your own mind. You can even check out the time on the wildflower floral clock.

The unique flora of Western Australian is recognized worldwide for its diversity and is known as the ‘Wildflower State’ for good reason. WA is home to over half of Australia’s 25,000 distinct plant species, with many of these found growing nowhere else in the world. Kings Park and the Western Australian Botanic Garden is a constantly evolving research centre, that is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Western Australian flora. Through their research, breeding and development many of the states diverse flora is now displayed throughout the park and is now available to the public to grow in their own gardens.

Some of my favourite, unique flowering and foliage plants from WA include:

Mottlecah (Eucalyptus macrocarpa)

[pic: mottlecah]

This mallee tree has a serious ‘wow’ factor. The flowers are the largest of all the eucalyptus species, spanning up to 10cm in diameter in gorgeous red or red-pink tones. They appear in spring and summer, and are followed by large, powdery grey gum nuts. When not putting on a seasonal show, the glorious silver-grey foliage provides year-round interest. The tree grows between 2-4 metres tall and up to 3 metres wide. Grow it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and keep it on the dry side in warm temperate, semi-arid and Mediterranean areas of Australia.

Scarlet banksia (Banksia coccinea)

The scarlet banksia has exquisite red flower spikes that are adored by wildlife, gardeners and the cut flower industry. Flowers are prolific and cover shrubs from June to January. The shubs grow 3-4 metres high with a narrow spread of around 1 metre, so they’re suitable for planting in smaller gardens. Plant in a free-draining acidic sandy soil or in a pot with native planting mix with some added coarse sand or gravel. Due to its sensitivity to phosphorous, only use a controlled release fertiliser for natives.

Pink rice flower (Pimelea ferruginea)

Masses of magenta pink flowers cover this low-growing compact shrub from August to December. The pom-pom style heads are held above attractive glossy green leaves, but because they flower so profusely, it’s easy to miss the foliage. Easy to grow in temperate to sub-tropical climates, particularly on coastal free-draining soils. Grow along borders, in garden beds, rockeries or plant in pots combined with silver foliage plants like olearia, leucophyta, conostylis or westringea.

 

 

 

Royal hakea (Hakea victoria)

I am always captivated by the sight of the remarkable foliage of the royal hakea, looking like an iridescent ornamental kale plant on steroids. It grows up to 3 metres tall, but only a metre wide, with vibrant leathery serrated leaves that are coloured dark green, red, orange, cream and yellow. A dramatic foliage plant suitable for growing in most temperate climates with low humidity. Will grow in both sunny and exposed windy situations.

 

Red and green kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii)

No trip to WA would be complete without seeing the iconic floral emblem of our wildflower state. The handsome strappy green leaves, velvety red flower stems and gently curved green ‘paws’ look amazing when they’re in flower from later winter until spring. The flowers can reach up to 1.2 metres tall – a real statement piece for the garden. Position in a full sun and plant in a free-draining sandy soil or pot with native planting mix.

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Come with us

Join me on a wildflower extravaganza from the 9^th to 23^rd September 2020, taking in the best of the South West WA coast and world biodiversity hotspots. Contact us on 1300 233 200 to find out more.