Every September our Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan transforms into a breathtaking sea of colour.
The iconic native paper daisy display can be found in the Connections Garden, near the Visitor Centre: the main display is made up of magnificent pink and white Rhodanthe chlorocephala, with a smaller display comprised of Rhodanthe manglesii (which can be identified by its rounded foliage) and Schoenia filifolia (vibrant yellow plants). Our displays have bloomed every spring for nearly three decades now, and work to prepare them begins all the way back in December!
Paper daises (also known as everlasting daisies) are native to Western Australia. The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is one of the few places where visitors can enjoy an exhibit of these flowers on this scale in the east coast.
It all started in 1996 when our horticulture team returned from a trip to Western Australia, inspired by the vibrant wildflower landscapes they had seen. Determined to bring that same magic to Sydney, they created the first paper daisy display, sowing the seeds of what would become a seasonal highlight for visitors and locals alike.
Today, it takes around a million seeds to create the full bloom. Surprisingly, this large amount of seeds weighs only a kilogram in total. Their light, fluffy texture makes them easy to spread via wind dispersal but also means that they are incredibly delicate to work with - just one of the many reasons the team takes such care in their planning every year.
Preparation begins as early as December, with months of careful cultivation leading up to the first week of September when the flowers burst into bloom. Our display features a stunning colour gradient that ranges from soft pinks to crisp whites, with a mix of hues that shifts subtly across the garden beds.
It’s not just the weather and soil that the team must consider. One unexpected challenge? Ducks! To protect the fragile flowers, nets are placed over the beds, keeping curious beaks away while allowing the flowers to thrive.
The result is a spectacular experience that celebrates the beauty of native Australian flora and the dedication of the our horticultural team.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time admirer, the annual paper daisy display is a reminder of how inspiration, planning, and a little bit of fluff can bloom into something truly unforgettable.
Experience this special display with an expert guide on a Connections Garden Tour. Tours run every Friday during spring and autumn from the visitor centre.
Want to grow your own display? Check out our tips for planting your own wildflower meadow here, or purchase the paper daisies in full bloom from Growing Friends Plant Sales at Mount Annan and enjoy a delicious meal and coffee from The Gardens Cafe while you’re there.
