Native Flower Arrangement Ideas & Inspiration

This article was first posted on 16.4.24 but we decided to refresh it slightly and published it again on 14.10.24.

Native Australian Flowers and foliage are becoming an increasingly popular choice for both professional and amateur flower designers due to their unique shapes and textures which lend beautifully to floral art. Banksias, gum nuts, bottlebrushes and waratahs are just some examples of Australia's diverse native flowers and plants that can be used to create stunning indoor and outdoor arrangements.

Lily's Florist Australia, your flower delivery experts, in this article provides inspiration and tips for making head-turning native flower displays. From rustic wedding centrepieces showcasing intricate banksia pods to vivid poolside arrangements bursting with crimson bottlebrush blooms, we cover arranging advice for many iconic Aussie flowers. We also stock a large range of native flowers for all occasions, view our range Australian Native Flowers range. Some can be seen below.

Complemented by lush palm fronds, eucalyptus leaves and sprigs of native grevillea, these floral compositions celebrate the bushland hues and textures that are unique to Australia. This style of naturalistic design has become popular for bringing organic, wild-grown beauty into the home, as well as decorating venues and events with a distinct Aussie style.

Beyond their use as décor statements, native flower arrangements also make meaningful and long-lasting gifts for all occasions, especially as patriotic symbols representing the Land Down Under. Their hardy nature gives them an average vase life of up to 14 days, much longer than traditional exotic blooms.

Bring the outdoors in and unlock the decorative potential of Australia's superb native botanicals with the arranging guidance below.

For far more detailed information on Natives, please read our recent blog post on Caring For Native Flowers.

1. Banksia Arrangements

Banksias are a hugely popular Australian native flower known for their unique conical pods and textured foliage. These iconic blooms come in a variety of forms - from silvery-green Banksia integrifolia to rich red Banksia coccinea and lime yellow Banksia baxteri.

Banksias bring strong architectural shapes and natural textures to arrangements. The dried seed pods make striking long lasting centrepieces and their bold leaves can provide volume and contrast.

Use banksias in rustic table displays, woodland-inspired wedding bouquets, entrance urns. Pair them with proteas, leucadendrons, eucalyptus, dried pampas grass for textural interest.

Arranging banksias:

• Showcase various banksia varieties and colours for visual dynamism
• Create height and drama by clustering pods towards the top of vases
• Intertwine pods with other stems instead of rigidly bunching
• Incorporate curving banksia foliage to offset the strong linear pods

Whether crafting organic Aussie-themed centrepieces or a vibrant bouquet for the ecologically-minded bride, banksias are a natural choice. Their earthy golden tones and intricately-formed seed pods reflect the unique beauty of Australia's native wilderness.

2. Bottlebrush Arrangements

Bottlebrushes are a vibrant Australian native known for their bright red, crimson, or orange cylindrical flowers that bloom prolifically off a central woody spike. Popular varieties used in arranging include the common Callistemon citrinus, Callistemon viminalis, and bushy Melaleuca thymifolia.

Use bottlebrush blooms in poolside arrangements, cheerful gift baskets, and boho-styled bouquets. Their vivid pompom-like flowers inject eye-catching colour. Blend with textured palms and blue hydrangeas for contrast.

When arranging bottlebrushes:

• Snip stems at various lengths for multi-layered, dynamic shapes
• Weave and intersperse stems rather than bundling tightly
• Allow supple stems to bend and arc for organic movement
• Mix flower colours within red and orange tones for depth

The vibrant, fluffy bottlebrush blossoms make a stunning addition to both everyday table arrangements and large-scale wedding installations. Their elastic branches also weave perfectly as cheerful garlands. Their fiery colours and wild flowing shapes celebrate the Australian bush.

3. Gumnut Arrangements

Gum nuts foraged from Australian eucalyptus trees make a fantastic focal point for native arrangements with their sculptural shapes and earthy textures. Large varieties like Manna Gum and Red Box Gum nuts work well.

Incorporate foraged gum nuts into organic table centrepieces, rustic wedding bouquets, textural wall hangings. Surround nuts with sprigs of native fern fronds, acacia, banksia foliage, eucalyptus leaves and woody seed pods.

When designing gum nut arrangements:

• Craft asymmetric, gravity-defying shapes using floral wire or oasis for nut stability
• Incorporate moss, lichen covered bark and river stones to embrace native textures
• Underplant the heavier gum nuts with lighter foliage around the edges for balance
• Allow ample negative space around the nuts to maximise visual impact

Gum nut floral designs embody the raw, natural beauty of Australia's bushland with their carefree forms and earthy aesthetic. As a distinctive alternative to conventional flowers, they lend organic texture and an eco-friendly character to both posies and installations.

Let Australia's iconic eucalypts inspire your next native botanical creation by incorporating foraged rainbow-hued nuts as the sculptural detail that steals the show.

4. Waratah Arrangements

With their unique vibrant red bracts and sculptural shapes, waratahs are one of Australia's most iconic native blooms. Used in arranging, they make bold, floral showstoppers.

The focal waratah head packs visual impact while spiky lateral foliage provides striking lines. Combine with fellow natives like banksias, kangaroo paw, eucalyptus, protea for an Aussie-themed arrangement.

Waratahs shine in:

• Dramatic centrepieces with height and volume
• Wedding bouquets and archway instalments
• Modern table settings and mantel designs
• When arranging waratahs:
• Use multiple heads of double-stemmed Telopea specimens
• Bend flexible stems for organic shapes
• Contrast the rounded waratah heads with spindly banksia pods

The deep red bracts and jagged foliage resemble the crinkled textures and rich earthy hues of the Australian bushland. As our national bloom, waratahs encapsulate the spirit of the Land Down Under.

With their sculptural presence and symbolic significance, waratah arrangements make striking gifts and dazzling displays suited to homegrown Aussie-themed events.

5. Kangaroo Paw Arrangements

Kangaroo paws are a unique Australian native flower with fuzzy, colourful blooms resembling a kangaroo's paw. Popular varieties include the red kangaroo paw Anigozanthos manglesii and bright green Anigozanthos viridis.

Use vibrant kangaroo paw stems in joyful posies, playful table arrangements, and celebratory wedding centrepieces. Combine with banksia, eucalyptus, and waratah for a bold Aussie look.

Arranging tips:

• Snip stems at varied heights to form a dynamic and multi-layered shape
• Allow the fuzzy kangaroo paw heads to gently arch over other blooms
• Use floral tape when binding to prevent crushing the delicate fur-like flowers
• Mix Anigozanthos varieties and colours for visual interest

The vibrant plumes of kangaroo paw mimic the natural movement and carefree energy of Australian wildlife, bringing a playful touch. As a symbol of our whimsical flora and boundless landscapes, they capture the free-spirited essence of the world's largest island.

Let the bouncing blooms of kangaroo paw spread their happy vibe through your native arrangements and exotic event décor!

6. Sturt's Desert Rose Arrangements

Sturt's desert rose is a beautiful Australian native plant known for its delicate pink and white flowers. Its wispy blooms and intricate leaf structure make Sturt's desert rose a wonderful addition to floral arrangements.

Incorporate sprays of Sturt's desert rose into dainty posies, airy table centrepieces, and feminine bridal bouquets. Contrast its frilly flowers with linear foliage like eucalyptus, rushes or grasses for texture.

When arranging Sturt’s desert rose:

• Use florist wire to bend and shape flexible stems
• Cluster small blooms towards the ends of stems for optimal visibility
• Mix in foliage like native olive and mint bush for fragrance
• Preserve arrangements with floral spray to protect delicate flowers

Named after 19th century explorer Charles Sturt, this distinctive Aussie bloom evokes the resilience of Australia’s arid regions. With its ephemeral quality, Sturt's desert rose brings a soft elegance and poetic romance to native flower arrangements.

Let these delicate blossoms be the finishing touch to your next floral masterpiece, bringing an air of the outback’s fleeting beauty to any setting.

7. Flowering Gum Arrangements

Flowering gums are iconic Australian native trees that produce beautiful blooms in a spectrum of colors. Popular varieties used in floral design include red flowering gum Corymbia ficifolia, pink flowering gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon, and yellow gum Eucalyptus leptopleba.

These showy gumtree blossoms can be used to craft ornamental arrangements with native charm. Display branches in rustic table centrepieces, entrance urn displays, and woodland-inspired wedding designs. The eye-catching flower heads pop against sprigs of eucalyptus, acacia and fern fronds.

When working with flowering gum:

• Strip stems of leaves and trim to desired length
• Use water tubes or florist foam inside vases to hold branches
• Preserve arrangements with floral spray for extended vase life

Flowering gum epitomises the effortless beauty of Australia's eucalypts. Paired with textural foliage and seed pods, these vibrant blossoms encapsulate vibrant Aussie botanicals. The sculptural branches also work beautifully as decorative accents in venues.

Let flowering gum become your floral muse - embrace their vibrant rainbow colours and distinct architectural shapes when crafting native arrangements that feel distinctly Australian

Flannel Flower Arrangements

Flannel flowers are a delicate Australian native blossom that make a beautiful floral design element. Popular species include Actinotus helianthi, Actinotus forsythii and Actinotus schwarzii, appreciated for their soft fuzzy flowers.

Incorporate dainty sprigs of flannel flower into feminine bouquets, decorative wreaths, and woodland-inspired centrepieces. Their texture and softness balances bold blooms like protea, banksia and waratah.

When working with delicate flannel flowers:

• Use sharp secateurs for clean cuts to maximise water uptake
• Gently wrap stems in tissue or newspaper to preserve in transit
• Display in fine, narrow-necked glassware to showcase details
• Prevent wilting by using chilled water and floral preservative

Evoking the gentle charm of Australia’s diverse native wilderness, arranging with flannel flowers celebrates natural, carefree beauty. As a unique alternative to conventional imported flowers, they bring elusive magic.