Dave Blumer

Northern Sandplains Garden

This important collection showcases the extensive biodiversity of the northern Kwongan heathland flora, with a range of surprising and delightful plants.

Here you will discover plants from one of the most diverse ranges of WA flora, all originating from the northern sandplains - a region north of Perth extending from Gingin to north of Shark Bay and east to Dalwallinu. Also known as the northern Kwongan, the typical vegetation is low, heath-like shrubs with no canopy, highly adapted to very low rainfall and long hot summers. On first glance you may think some of these plants look unremarkable – but prepare to be impressed when they are transformed by flowers.

Look out for the majestic Eucalyptus macrocarpa, Jewel of the North, with the largest flowers of all eucalypts. Its red blossoms demand to be photographed, standing out like jewels against tough silver foliage. Wander through the garden, following the sandy pathways to discover smaller elegant floral delights like spider orchids and fringed lily (Thysanotus manglesianus) hidden inside the beds in early spring. In late spring/early summer return to see the stunning colours of the coppercups (Pileanthus sp.) flowers. And so much more.

A bunch of kangaroo Mangles Kangaroo Paw in bloom.

Plan your visit

Transport

Getting here

Roe Gardens Car Park is a short walk from this garden.

Best viewed

From winter, through spring and into early summer is when many of the plain and unassuming plants are transformed by bright colourful flowers.

Out in the wild

Many of these plants can be seen at Kalbarri National Park, Mt Lesueur, Shark Bay and in the Northern Wheatbelt.

Accessibility

Accessible via main paths. Some limestone paths.

Navigate in Kings Park

Look out for...

Mangles Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos manglesii

Western Australia’s striking floral emblem! This beautiful strappy leaved perennial produces multiple green and red, velvety flowers from late winter through spring.

Burdett's Banksia

Banksia burdettii

These two-toned orange and cream, cone-shaped flower spikes are spectacular against the blue summer sky!

Purple Flag

Patersonia occidentalis

Patersonia occidentalis is a strappy leaf, tufted perennial herb that grows to 80 cm high and up to 60 cm wide. Its striking three-petalled flowers in blue, violet or purple typically appear in late spring to early summer, but can appear at other times throughout the year.

Notes from the curator

Maddy Bradley

The Northern Sandplains beds are close to my heart after spending my childhood growing up in Geraldton. I love the delicate look of many of the species such as the Verticordia etheliana, juxtaposed with the toughness of the conditions they thrive in. This is a great area in the botanic garden for home garden inspiration with this collection of ornamental but drought tolerant species. It’s also a beautiful place to linger a while and admire the stunning view beyond the plants.