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Australian Natives That Attract Birds and Bees

Australian Natives That Attract Birds and Bees

Ten of the strongest Australian native trees and shrubs for attracting birds, bees, and pollinators across every season. Each pick includes flowering window, growing conditions, and pairing notes to help you plan a layered, low maintenance wildlife garden.

Australian NativeBirds and BeesDrought TolerantFlowering GumsPollinatorsWildlife Garden

Australian native plants are the foundation of a wildlife-friendly garden. Natives feed birds, bees, and butterflies, handle Australian conditions reliably, and need less water and less fuss than most exotic alternatives. Once established, they support pollinators and small birds year round with minimal input.

Flowering gums, bottlebrushes, Grevilleas, Banksias, and Hakeas come in shapes and colours that suit every garden style, from coastal blocks to compact courtyards. Below are ten of the strongest Australian natives for attracting birds and bees, with the growing conditions, flower season, and pairing notes that matter most.

How to plan a bird and bee garden

Year round flowering: Rotate species so something is in flower in every season. Banksia integrifolia and Hakea bucculenta cover autumn and winter, Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire' fills summer, and Grevillea 'Moonlight' flowers almost continuously.

Plant in groups: Pollinators do better when food sources are clustered. Plant three to five of each species rather than single specimens.

Provide shelter: Dense foliage like Leptospermum laevigatum gives small birds nesting habitat. Layer tall trees with mid-storey shrubs and ground covers.

Skip the sprays: Broad-spectrum pesticides knock out the bees you are trying to attract. Use targeted treatments only when essential.

Add water: A shallow dish or bird bath at ground level finishes the habitat. Refresh weekly.

Final thoughts

Australian natives like Corymbia 'Wildfire', Banksia integrifolia, Grevillea 'Moonlight', and Callistemon viminalis are the strongest picks for a garden that supports birds, bees, and pollinators across the year. Combine flowering species across seasons, plant in groups, and provide shelter and water to turn the garden into a working habitat.

Browse our full Australian native tree collection, or take our Tree Finder Quiz for a shortlist matched to your conditions.

Compare at a glance

CultivarHeightWidthFormFoliageBest if you…
Eucalyptus spathulata
Swamp Mallet 		4 to 8m3 to 5mSmall multi-trunked tree with rounded foliageNarrow green leaves with silver highlightsWindbreaks, native gardens, bird and pollinator habitat, dry inland sites, soil stabilisation.
Grevillea 'Moonlight'
Moonlight Grevillea 		3 to 4m2 to 3mUpright, bushy shrubFine, mid-greenBird and pollinator habitat, informal hedging, flowering screens, dry climate gardens.
Leptospermum laevigatum
Coastal Tea Tree 		3 to 6m3 to 5mSpreading shrub to small tree, multi-stemmedSmall, grey-greenCoastal gardens, windbreaks, native gardens, erosion control, bird nesting habitat.
Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire'
Flowering Gum 'Wildfire' 		5 to 8m3 to 5mCompact, rounded treeGlossy greenSuburban gardens, urban streetscapes, summer flowering feature, bird and pollinator habitat, courtyards.
Corymbia citriodora
Lemon Scented Gum 		10 to 20m5 to 10mTall, upright, single trunk with a rounded crownLemon-scented, greenLarge gardens, rural blocks, parks, shade, pollinator habitat, lemon-scented foliage.
Banksia integrifolia
Coast Banksia 		5 to 15m3 to 6mUpright, often single-trunked treeDark green above, silver underneathCoastal gardens, windbreaks, bird and pollinator habitat, larger gardens, autumn to winter flowering.
Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess'
Silver Princess Gum 		5 to 8m3 to 5mWeeping, sculptural, multi-trunkedBlue-grey, silver stemsSmall gardens, courtyards, feature planting, winter to spring nectar, bird habitat.
Callistemon viminalis
Weeping Bottlebrush 		4 to 6m3 to 5mWeeping, multi-stemmed shrub to small treeMid-green, softBird and pollinator habitat, informal hedging, screening, erosion control, year round structure.
Eucalyptus leucoxylon rosea
Pink Flowering Yellow Gum 		6 to 10m4 to 6mUpright tree with a rounded crownGrey-greenMedium gardens, shade trees, bird and pollinator habitat, late summer to autumn flowering, street trees.
Hakea bucculenta
Red Pokers 		3 to 6m2 to 4mUpright shrubNarrow, grey-greenLow-water gardens, native gardens, bird and pollinator habitat, winter flowering, feature shrubs.
Eucalyptus spathulata

1. Eucalyptus spathulata (Swamp Mallet)

Eucalyptus spathulata, or Swamp Mallet, is a small, hardy tree from south-west Western Australia. Smooth coppery bark, narrow silver-green foliage, and cream to pink flowers from autumn to spring make it a strong choice for native gardens. The flowers feed honeyeaters and native bees, and the tree handles drought, frost, and windbreak duties without fuss.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
4 to 8m
Width
3 to 5m
Growth rate
Moderate
Foliage
Narrow green leaves with silver highlights
Flowers
Cream to pink, autumn to spring
Form
Small multi-trunked tree with rounded foliage
Conditions
Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought and frost tolerant once established.
Maintenance
Low. Light pruning to shape.
Best for
Windbreaks, native gardens, bird and pollinator habitat, dry inland sites, soil stabilisation.

Why choose it

A reliable nectar producer that draws honeyeaters and native bees through the cooler months. The coppery bark adds year round interest, and it handles windbreak roles on rural blocks better than most small gums.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Grevillea 'Moonlight' planted in front, layering long-flowering ground-level nectar with the Swamp Mallet's seasonal blooms.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water through the first 12 months while roots settle. Drought tolerant and low maintenance once established.

A low maintenance native that supports birds and bees and handles tough dry conditions.

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Grevillea 'Moonlight'

2. Grevillea 'Moonlight' (Moonlight Grevillea)

Grevillea 'Moonlight' is a large bushy native shrub with fine green foliage and creamy white flower spikes for most of the year. It draws honeyeaters, native bees, and butterflies in continuously. Drought tolerant and low maintenance, it works as a flowering screen, an informal hedge, or a stand-alone feature.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
3 to 4m
Width
2 to 3m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Fine, mid-green
Flowers
Cream-white, most of the year
Form
Upright, bushy shrub
Conditions
Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Frost tolerant.
Maintenance
Low. Light prune after each flush to keep dense and encourage repeat flowering.
Best for
Bird and pollinator habitat, informal hedging, flowering screens, dry climate gardens.

Why choose it

One of the most reliable nectar producers in the Grevillea family, with flowers almost year round. Doubles as a fast-growing informal hedge or screen.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Leptospermum laevigatum behind it to layer textures and create a dense bird-friendly boundary.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun. Light prune after each flush to encourage repeat flowering and dense growth.

A long-flowering native shrub that doubles as a bird-friendly informal hedge.

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Leptospermum laevigatum

3. Leptospermum laevigatum (Coastal Tea Tree)

Leptospermum laevigatum, or Coastal Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub or small tree from southern Australia. It tolerates salt, wind, and sandy soils, which makes it one of the strongest choices for coastal gardens. Dense foliage gives small birds nesting cover, and white spring flowers feed native bees, wasps, and butterflies.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
3 to 6m
Width
3 to 5m
Growth rate
Moderate
Foliage
Small, grey-green
Flowers
White, spring
Form
Spreading shrub to small tree, multi-stemmed
Conditions
Full sun, sandy or poor soils. Salt and wind tolerant.
Maintenance
Low. Light pruning to shape.
Best for
Coastal gardens, windbreaks, native gardens, erosion control, bird nesting habitat.

Why choose it

One of the most reliable coastal natives for tough sites. Dense foliage protects small birds, and spring flowers feed native bees and butterflies.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Grevillea 'Moonlight' planted in front, layering varied flower textures and continuous nectar at different heights.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun. Tolerates sandy soil and salt-laden wind. Best in coastal or open sites.

A coastal native that creates shelter for small birds and steady pollinator nectar in tough sites.

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Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire'

4. Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire' (Flowering Gum 'Wildfire')

Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire' is a compact native flowering gum with vivid red summer flowers. Suited to suburban and urban gardens, it draws lorikeets, honeyeaters, and bees in numbers when in bloom. Compact size and a shallow root system suit it well near paving and structures.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
5 to 8m
Width
3 to 5m
Growth rate
Moderate
Foliage
Glossy green
Flowers
Red, summer
Form
Compact, rounded tree
Conditions
Full sun, well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Heat and drought tolerant.
Maintenance
Low. Shape young trees to encourage a strong single trunk.
Best for
Suburban gardens, urban streetscapes, summer flowering feature, bird and pollinator habitat, courtyards.

Why choose it

Vivid red summer flowers are nectar-rich and draw lorikeets and honeyeaters in numbers. Compact form suits suburban and courtyard scales where larger Eucalypts will not fit.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Banksia integrifolia behind it, extending the nectar season into autumn and winter and adding strong vertical structure.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Shape young trees to encourage a strong single trunk. Drought tolerant once established.

A compact flowering gum that brings vivid summer colour and feeds urban birds and bees.

Shop Corymbia ficifolia 'Wildfire'
Corymbia citriodora

5. Corymbia citriodora (Lemon Scented Gum)

Corymbia citriodora, or Lemon Scented Gum, is a tall native tree for parks, large gardens, and rural blocks. Smooth pale bark and lemon-scented foliage give it year round presence. Cream summer flowers feed native bees and insects, and the scented foliage helps deter common pests.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
10 to 20m
Width
5 to 10m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Lemon-scented, green
Flowers
Cream, summer
Form
Tall, upright, single trunk with a rounded crown
Conditions
Full sun, deep well-drained soil. Drought and frost tolerant once established.
Maintenance
Low. Allow space for mature size.
Best for
Large gardens, rural blocks, parks, shade, pollinator habitat, lemon-scented foliage.

Why choose it

Tall growth and long life make this one of Australia's strongest native carbon-storage species, and its summer flowers support native bees while the lemon-scented foliage helps deter pests.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Hakea bucculenta planted at understory level, extending the nectar season and adding bold orange-red flower spikes at eye level.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun with deep soil and room for the mature canopy. Not suited to small suburban blocks. Drought tolerant once established.

A tall native gum for big blocks that delivers shade, scent, and reliable summer nectar.

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Banksia integrifolia

6. Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia)

Banksia integrifolia, or Coast Banksia, is a tough native tree that handles salt, wind, drought, and sandy soils. Pale yellow cylindrical flower spikes from autumn to winter feed honeyeaters, lorikeets, native bees, and small mammals when little else is flowering. One of the most reliable coastal natives, it also works as a windbreak on rural blocks.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
5 to 15m
Width
3 to 6m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Dark green above, silver underneath
Flowers
Yellow spikes, autumn to winter
Form
Upright, often single-trunked tree
Conditions
Full sun. Tolerates poor sandy soils, salt, and strong wind.
Maintenance
Low. Light pruning to shape young trees.
Best for
Coastal gardens, windbreaks, bird and pollinator habitat, larger gardens, autumn to winter flowering.

Why choose it

Pale yellow autumn-to-winter flower spikes feed honeyeaters and lorikeets through the leaner months when most native flowering has finished. One of the strongest coastal natives for windy sites and sandy soils.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Callistemon viminalis as an informal mid-storey, layering year round flowering and dense screening below the Banksia foliage.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun. Handles salt-laden coastal exposure. Light pruning to shape young trees.

A reliable coastal native that feeds birds through autumn and winter and handles tough sites.

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Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess'

7. Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess' (Silver Princess Gum)

Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess' is a small native gum from Western Australia with weeping branches, blue-grey foliage, and rose-pink winter to spring flowers. The pendulous form, ribbon bark, and silver dusting on stems make it a strong feature tree for smaller gardens. Honeyeaters and native bees work the flowers heavily through the cooler months.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
5 to 8m
Width
3 to 5m
Growth rate
Moderate
Foliage
Blue-grey, silver stems
Flowers
Rose-pink, winter to spring
Form
Weeping, sculptural, multi-trunked
Conditions
Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Maintenance
Low. Stake young trunks while establishing.
Best for
Small gardens, courtyards, feature planting, winter to spring nectar, bird habitat.

Why choose it

The weeping form and silver-dusted stems make it one of the most sculptural feature gums available. Rose-pink winter flowers feed honeyeaters when few other species are flowering.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Eucalyptus leucoxylon rosea to extend the winter to spring nectar season across both species.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Stake young trunks. Drought tolerant once established.

A sculptural small native gum with winter flowers that feed birds and bees through the cooler months.

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Callistemon viminalis

8. Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush)

Callistemon viminalis, or Weeping Bottlebrush, is a tough native tree or large shrub from eastern Australia with drooping branches and bright red bottlebrush flowers from spring through autumn. The long flowering window draws honeyeaters, lorikeets, and native bees consistently. Handles drought, frost, and a wide range of soils, which makes it one of the easiest natives to establish.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
4 to 6m
Width
3 to 5m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Mid-green, soft
Flowers
Red bottlebrush, spring to autumn
Form
Weeping, multi-stemmed shrub to small tree
Conditions
Full sun. Tolerates most soils, frost, and drought.
Maintenance
Low. Prune after each flowering flush for repeat blooms.
Best for
Bird and pollinator habitat, informal hedging, screening, erosion control, year round structure.

Why choose it

A nectar-rich long-flowering native that draws birds reliably from spring to autumn. Tolerates poor soils and frost better than most Callistemon, which makes it a forgiving choice.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Banksia integrifolia behind it, layering strong vertical structure with the bottlebrush's flowering weeping form.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun. Prune after each flowering flush to keep dense and encourage repeat flowering.

A nectar-rich native bottlebrush that draws birds reliably from spring to autumn.

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Eucalyptus leucoxylon rosea

9. Eucalyptus leucoxylon rosea (Pink Flowering Yellow Gum)

Eucalyptus leucoxylon rosea, or Pink Flowering Yellow Gum, is a medium native tree from south-east Australia. Smooth pale bark, grey-green foliage, and pink flowers from late summer through autumn make it a quietly striking feature. The flowers feed honeyeaters, native bees, and butterflies through periods when few other natives are blooming.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
6 to 10m
Width
4 to 6m
Growth rate
Moderate
Foliage
Grey-green
Flowers
Pale to mid-pink
Form
Upright tree with a rounded crown
Conditions
Full sun. Tolerates clay and loam. Drought tolerant once established.
Maintenance
Low.
Best for
Medium gardens, shade trees, bird and pollinator habitat, late summer to autumn flowering, street trees.

Why choose it

Pink late-summer to autumn flowers feed nectar feeders during a quiet period in the native flowering calendar. The smooth bark and tidy habit make it landscape-friendly in front gardens and street settings.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Grevillea 'Moonlight' planted at understory level, layering continuous nectar across multiple heights.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun. Tolerates clay and loam. Drought tolerant once established.

A medium native gum with pink late-summer flowers that fill a gap in the native flowering year.

Shop Eucalyptus leucoxylon rosea
Hakea bucculenta

10. Hakea bucculenta (Red Pokers)

Hakea bucculenta, or Red Pokers, is a hardy native shrub from Western Australia with vivid orange-red flower spikes from winter through spring. The flowers are heavy with nectar and draw honeyeaters and native bees when few other natives are in bloom. Narrow grey-green foliage and an upright form give small birds shelter.

Type
Evergreen native
Height
3 to 6m
Width
2 to 4m
Growth rate
Moderate
Foliage
Narrow, grey-green
Flowers
Orange-red spikes, winter to spring
Form
Upright shrub
Conditions
Full sun. Well-drained sandy or gravelly soil. Drought tolerant.
Maintenance
Low. Light pruning after flowering.
Best for
Low-water gardens, native gardens, bird and pollinator habitat, winter flowering, feature shrubs.

Why choose it

Produces some of the boldest winter flowers of any native species, drawing honeyeaters and bees through a typically quiet season.

Perfect pair

Pairs perfectly with Corymbia 'Wildfire' for a warm-toned colour pairing and overlapping nectar across winter and summer.

Tips for planting

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay. Water until established, then drought tolerant.

A bold winter-flowering native shrub for low-water gardens and bird habitat.

Shop Hakea bucculenta

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