Birds are a beautiful part of Australian life. Their existence in our gardens makes us feel like we’re in the wilderness. SoTherefore, if you’re looking to add a little birdlife to your garden, then you’ll want to check out some of the best bird attracting plants for your garden.
From bright flowers that appeal to bees and butterflies, to tasty berries that attract hungry birds, there are plenty of plants to choose from that will make your garden a haven for feathered friends. So take a look at the top bird attracting plants and get started on creating your very own backyard bird paradise.
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Grevillea
With over 350 species, Grevilleas are one of the most popular bird attracting plants in Australia. Their nectar-rich flowers are a favourite among honeyeaters, while their seeds are enjoyed by small birds like finches.
These flowering Australian native shrubs are hardy plants that can grow in most conditions, making them a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners. They like full sunlight or partial shade, and they thrive in well-drained soils.
Banksia
Banksias are a genus of Australian bird attracting plants that are popular with birds for their nectar-rich flowers. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a versatile option for any garden design. The flower heads contain hundreds of individual blooms that are grouped together in twos.
The flowers are generally yellow or red in colour and blossom during the fall or winter. Banksias are also drought and salt tolerant, making them ideal for coastal gardens.
Water them right after planting, and once they’ve established themselves, you can let them dry out. Also, colourful Australian birds like the New Holland honeyeater and the Red Wattlebird are attracted to these flowers.
Bird of paradise
Popularly known as the crane flower, the bird of paradise is a stunning addition to any garden. The flowers are a favourite among nectar-loving birds like the Red-browed Finch and the Rainbow Lorikeet.
These bird attracting plants prefer full sunlight and well-drained soils, but they can also tolerate partial shade. Still, you should water it regularly, especially during the hotter months. All in all, these plants attract not only birds but also butterflies, adding immense beauty to your garden’s aesthetic.
Not only this sun-loving plant, but you can also consider planting shade loving plants like The Sweetbox. They are perennial with dark green, glossy leaves that will bloom in your garden from March to May.
Kangaroo paw
The attractive kangaroo paw is one of the most unique-looking Australian native plants. It gets its name from its furry flowers, which resemble the paws of a kangaroo.
The plant is also a favourite among birds like the wattlebirds, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Noisy Miners, Noisy Friar Birds, Brown Honeyeaters, Blue-faced Honeyeaters and Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters for its nectar-rich flowers.
Kangaroo paws prefer full sunlight and well-drained soils. You should water them regularly, especially during the hotter months. It is one of the best bird attracting plants for your garden.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
The flowers of the Callistemon species are known as bottlebrushes since they resemble a regular bottle brush. These plants have various colours that you can choose from, including bright red brushes, cream, yellow, and pink blooms as well.
Many bottlebrushes have extremely attractive new leaves. Its coloured leaves catch enough attention from the birds to attract them.
Bottlebrush thrives in areas that have regular summer water. It flourishes beside creeks, and in low-lying regions, so it requires regular watering.
However, mostly these plants can survive long periods of drought and little upkeep, but if grown in full sunshine, they will yield the best blooms.
Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
Waratahs are a great feature shrub for any garden. Waratah is one of the popular bird attracting plants that produce large, bright red flowers and deep green leaves to make it perfect for landscaping or as an accent at home.
Its versatility in colour and slight scent attracts many nectar loving birds like New Holland honeyeater, who love these beautiful blossoms. It’s no surprise that they have been for a long time one of Australia’s most admired flowers.
These Australian native plants should have a lovely, sunny nook in the garden away from the wind. Keep them moist but not too damp, and mulch well with organic materials like leaf litter to keep their roots protected from direct sunlight.
Without adequate drainage, they can rot, so avoid touching or moving the roots as much as possible. Consider following these precautions to let Waratah thrive well in your garden.
Little Evodia
Attracting the widest range of birdlife is easiest when you have plants that grow in height with the perfect addition of bird baths. Little Evodia (Melicope Rubra) is a small, vining plant with coloured flowers that can grow up to 5 metres high.
It’s very popular with birds and makes great ‘safe havens’ when danger approaches or annoying species like noisy miners come around in their large family groups. They are ideal for attracting medium to small birds like (lorikeets, feathertail gliders and honey-eaters) to the garden, where dense foliage welcomes them on hot summer days.
If given enough light and good soil, Little Evodia will bloom. It can tolerate some shade too. Keep an eye out for aphids on the plant’s new growth since they can detract from its appearance.
Consistent watering is a must for this plant on a regular basis. It may drop a number of leaves if the weather is dry for an extended period of time and is not frost-resistant.
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