Gardening Matters || Yellow-flowered natives that survive and thrive

This time several yellow-flowered native plants are described. They will bring that spring feel to the garden at other times of the year. All the plants described survive and thrive in local gardens.

Bulbine vagans is a local native lily that is a perennial herb reaching a height between 20 to 60 centimetres. The grass-like leaves are fleshy and shiny.

Plants produce many flowering stalks and each stalk holds up to 45 bright yellow blooms. The flowering period extends from mid spring to late summer. Capsules follow the flowers and these contain small, black seeds.

Bulbine vagans light up the garden with its brilliant yellow flowers. This native lily could be grown as an edging plant in garden beds or in cottage gardens and rockeries.

Hibbertia vestita is a ground covering plant. Small leaves are dark green and slightly succulent. The bright yellow flowers are up to three centimetres across, profuse and well displayed. July to September is the main flowering period with sporadic flowering at other times.

This would be another native that could be grown as a foreground plant or in cottage gardens and rockeries.

Hibbertias are known as Guinea Flowers. The name refers to their resemblance to the ancient Golden Guinea coin.

The Guinea Flowers are common bush plants but unfortunately only a few varieties are available commercially.

Goodenia ovata is usually a small to medium shrub. The leaves are oval shaped, toothed and slightly sticky. The five-petalled flowers are bright yellow, two centimetres across, profuse and conspicuous. Plants are never without flowers and the colourful blooms light up the garden throughout the year. Tip pruning keeps plants dense and bushy.

There is an attractive ground covering form known as "Gold Cover"

Goodenia ovata was introduced into England in 1793.

Anigozanthus Bush Bonanza is one of a wide range of hybrid Kangaroo Paws that have been introduced into cultivation over the years. "Bush Bonanza" has typical strap-like leaves and flower spikes that are up to 60 centimetres long.

The spikes sit atop red stems. Flower spikes hold a number of bright yellow flowers that are carried for many months. Each plant carries many spikes. Honeyeaters are attracted to the blooms. Cut off each stem as the flowers fade to encourage new growth.

All Kangaroo Paws may be divided in the same way that lilies are divided. One large Kangaroo Paw, in our garden, yielded 14 new plants.

Eremophila Aurea is a small shrub that will reach a height of one metre. The leaves are shiny, succulent and faintly aromatic. The tubular flowers are about three centimetres long, bright yellow, abundant and striking.

The flowering period extends for many months. Blooms are rich in nectar and are constantly visited by honeyeaters. Light pruning after flowering is appreciated.

These are a few of the yellow-flowering native plants that will bring a cheerful feeling to gardens throughout the garden.