Top plants for long-lasting flowers
2026-08-12T09:02:27+10:00
Long-flowering plants are gardeners’ gold, adding months of colour and plentiful nectar for pollinators. Here, we profile some top long-bloomers.
Flowering plants are the joy-givers of the garden. While many bloom for a few happy weeks or months, there are some long-flowering species that keep on keeping on for most of the year. These power players typically bloom for at least six months, rewarding gardeners with an extended display of colour while providing a reliable source of nectar and pollen for wildlife. While some flower continuously over that period, others have a peak flowering season followed by intermittent blooms. Whether your garden is large, small or on a balcony, these easy-to-grow, versatile plants will keep the colour coming month after month. Here’s a few of our favourites:
Native long-flowering plants
CORREA SPP.
Native fuchsias begin blooming in autumn, continuing through winter and into spring. Like the cultivar ‘Canberra Bells’, most varieties have tubular flowers and neat, citrus-scented foliage. Enjoy their flowers from March until September. Plant in spring or autumn in a sunny or part-shade spot. They are suitable for subtropical, arid, warm temperate and cool temperate climate zones.
CUT-LEAF DAISY
(Brachyscome multifida)
Available in white, pink and mauve, this plant’s daisy flowers provide cheerful
colour year-round. Low-growing, it prefers
consistently moist soil and tolerates clay
soils. Numerous cultivars and hybrids
are available. Plant in spring or autumn in a sunny or part-shade spot. They are suitable for subtropical, arid, warm temperate and cool temperate climate zones.
‘MT TAMBORITHA’
(Grevillea lanigera)
Red, pink and cream spider flowers sit amid the mid-green leaves of this hardy groundcover, which copes with drought, frost and coastal conditions. Plant in spring or autumn in a sunny spot and enjoy its flowers from June to November. It’s suitable for warm and cool temperate climates.
Non-native long-lasting flowers
CALIBRACHOA SPP.
Resembling mini petunias, calibrachoas
smother themselves with single or semi
double flowers in a range of colours, some even striped. Full sun and a regular application of liquid fertiliser will keep the show going from September to May. Perennial in frost-free climates. Plant in a sunny spot in spring. They are suitable for subtropical, arid, warm and cool temperate climates.
ABUTILON SPP.
Producing bell-shaped, dangling blooms in many colours over a long period, Chinese lanterns are well-named. They are evergreen and come in a wide range of sizes. Enjoy their blooms from September to May. Plant in spring in a sunny or part-shade spot. They are suitable for all climates.
Header image: Support Centre Plants
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