The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Must-see plants

Our volunteer guides share their top picks on what plants to see and which Garden areas to visit right now.

Tropical orange flowers hanging elegantly from lush green tree

Each month our volunteers put together a seasonal list of the exotic and native plants that are currently looking their best at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Our friendly team of volunteer guides share the Gardens' remarkable history, botany, and wildlife with visitors every day. See just a few of their most recent top picks below.

 

  • News-Alloxylon-flammeum-web-1024x676.PNG
    The Tree Waratah, Alloxylon flammeum, delights in summer at the Garden.
  • Tree with purple flowers along a sunny garden pathway
    The Spring Walk showcases Wisterias, Rhododendrons and other spring flowering perennials.
  • Yellow fan-shaped leaves of Gingko biloba
    Gingko biloba is a fantastic seasonal standout at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
  • Camellia tree in bloom
    Winter means the camellias are looking their best.

April's Plant of the Month: Silk Floss Tree

Scientific name: Ceiba speciosa

Silk Floss Tree has become a popular ornamental tree in warmer climates. It is in the same family as Hibiscus and Boab trees, sharing the showy flowers of the former and curious trunk, especially when young, of the latter.

Learn more about the Plant of the Month

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March's Plant of the Month: Blue Ginger

Scientific name: Dichorisandra thyrsiflora

Native to southeastern Brazil, Blue Ginger illuminates a shady spot with its vivid blue flowers. However, it is not a true ginger but a member of the Spiderwort family.

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February's Plant of the Month: Pink Euodia

Scientific name: Melicope elleryana

This rainforest tree is native to New Guinea, parts of eastern Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and northern Australia. In summer, masses of pink flowers are arranged in panicles along the branches producing a spectacular effect.

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News-Melicope-elleryana-flower-detail-1024x676.jpg

January's Plant of the Month: Native Pomegranate

Scientific name:Capparis arborea (F.Muell.) Maiden

Located along the East Coast of Australia, the Native Pomegranate offers a striking white flower and when ripe a delicious fruit.  

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Capparis arborea plant

December: Red Tower Ginger

Scientific name:Costus comosus var. bakeri (K.Schum.) Maas

In the Americas, where this plant grows naturally, hummingbirds often visit the Red Tower Ginger's nectar-rich flowers. While these birds don’t occur here in the Garden, you may see Noisy or Indian Miners visiting the flowers.

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Two ruby-hued beauties are in flower at this time of year

November: Norfolk Island Hibiscus

As we head into summer, the Norfolk Island Hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia) is a coastal beauty in its element. It's graceful yet tough... Perhaps a little how you're feeling as we approach the end of the year?

October: Tree Waratah

Alloxylon flammeum is a spectacular member of the Proteaceae family and in the wild, it is only found growing in Queensland’s Atherton Tableland.

See more seasonal picks

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Syzgium moorei flowering

Garden Explorer

Trying to find a particular plant or want to follow the must see self-guided trail?
Find it on Garden Explorer

Take a tour

See the best of the Garden in every season.

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Behind the Scenes Glasshouse Tour

Discover a world of tropical plants and those rarely seen by the public.
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Daily guided walks

Join a guided walk led by our knowledgeable volunteer guides.
People enjoying a walk in a tropical garden on a sunny day
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Private buggy tours

Explore our spectacular harbourside garden with an expert guide, perfect for small groups or limited mobility.