What flowers are available in October?
October is a month of vibrant colours and lush blooms in the Australian floral landscape, in the Southern States spring is underway and here in Darwin we’re getting the first wet season downpours. Just like every month, the availability of flowers can vary depending on the region, market trends, and growing conditions. We've put together this guide to help you discover what flower varieties you can enjoy here in Darwin, whether you're planning an October event or simply looking to brighten up your space with fresh flowers.
Special October Flowers
Special flowers to enjoy right now, these flower types are not available all year round. Grab them while you can!
Leucospernum - Pin Cushion Protea these colourful blooms come in reds, oranges and yellows. They are a sturdy flower with woody stems. Leucospernum are native to South Africa and look great with Australian native flowers.
Lily of the Valley with its tiny, fragrant bell-shaped flowers, Lily of the Valley adds a sweet, romantic charm and a hint of royalty to any arrangement.
Waratah one of Australia’s most iconic native flowers, blooms brilliantly in October. Dark magenta or creamy off white these large blooms add a bold, sculptural element to any display.
Hellebores often called winter roses, Hellebores feature delicate, nodding blooms in shades ranging from creamy white to deep burgundy, they can be fleeting and prone to wilting.
Campanula also known as Canterbury Bells for its bell-shaped blooms and soft hues of blue, purple, and white, Campanula brings a delicate, whimsical touch and gentle height to floral designs.
Urn featuring campanula, roses, delphinium and stocks.
Garden Style Flowers
It’s spring in the Southern states of Australia, this is my favourite time of year on the floral calendar and means there are many beautiful flowers to choose from.
Sweet Peas these delicate, fragrant blooms add a touch of softness and scent to spring arrangements, with their pretty pastel hues and ruffled petals.
Rhododendron known for their vibrant clusters of flowers, Rhododendrons are a flowering shrub that makes a bold statement in October with shades ranging from white to deep magenta.
October Bouquet with Rhododendron, Lisianthus and Snapdragons
Stock brings a sweet fragrance and soft spikes of blooms in colours like white, pink, and purple, perfect for adding height and texture.
Ranunculus these lush, layered blooms come in bright and pastel shades, offering a full, romantic look that’s perfect for any spring arrangement.
White Ranunculas
Jonquils with their cheerful, fragrant yellow and white flowers, Jonquils are a classic springtime favourite, adding freshness and charm to bouquets.
Classic Roses are always in style and look stunning in November, we’re loving the classic varieties from Victorian flower farm Grandiflora.
Bunches of Garden Roses
Peonies we all love peonies! Our favourite at the moment is Coral Charm, with their vibrant colour which fades to cream as they open.
Florist with Coral Charm Peonies
Delphinium ideal for wherever you need something tall, vivid spikes of flowers in white, blue or purple tones.
White Delphiniums
Dahlias a spring favourite with a wide range of colours, from soft pastels to vivid reds and purples, these layered, petal packed flowers are not the longest lasting blooms but we love them!
Dahlia
Lisianthus delicate and romantic, available in soft shades of pink, purple white and champagne they have a graceful, ruffled look.
Hydrangeas are a lovely option for their fluffy, full blooms. They can be fickle and are prone to wilting, re-hydrate by submerging the heads in a bath of cool water.
Pink Hydrangea
Architectural October Flowers
Architectural October flowers add dimension and intrigue, with their unique shapes and striking forms. From the cascading strands of Amaranthus to the bold, spiky presence of Stillingia, these blooms bring a tactile quality adding depth and visual interest to create dynamic and unforgettable displays.
Fig Branches tall branches full of fresh green figs add a dramatic and architectural element to arrangements.
Amaranthus with its cascading strands of rich, velvety blooms, Amaranthus adds a dramatic, trailing element to arrangements, but handle with care - it will make you itch!
Green Amaranthus
Fresh Stillingia tall green spikes with masses of fluffy balls, nothing like it’s dried and tinted alter ego, this is the only time to use Stillingia!
Green Goddess Arum Lily striking white and lime green blooms offer a bold sculptural elegance.
October Flower Display with Green Goddess
Allium Spider large spider like heads with lilac tips, a kitchen garden flower alliums are from the onion family.
Molucella - Irish Bells tall lime green stalks with green bells all the way up the stem. These flowers add freshness to any display. The stems are hollow and there are little spikes hiding under each set of bells!
Bouquet with lime green molucella, anthuriums and orchids.
Woody Pear the Woody Pear’s distinctive seed pods and woody texture provide a rustic, architectural element, adding depth and a unique, natural touch to floral designs.
Textural October Flowers
October’s textural flowers bring a delightful mix of shapes and forms, perfect for adding depth and personality. From the fluffy green pom poms of Viburnum Snowball to the delicate blue heads of Australian-grown Eryngium, these blooms create a tactile experience. With options like the cascading andromeda and the whimsical spikes of Foxgloves, this collection is all about bringing dynamic movement and variety to your floral designs.
Viburnum Snowball woody stalks with masses of fluffy green pom poms.
Viburnum Snowball
Eryngium Sea Holly there’s a lovely Australian grown sea holly available at the moment, with lots of tiny heads in a lovely shade of blue. I much prefer this to the chunkier imported eryngiums that are available all year round from importers.
Australian Grown Sea Holly and Imported Sea Holly
Foxgloves towering spikes of bell-shaped blooms, Foxgloves bring height and a touch of whimsy to arrangements, available in soft shades like pink, white, and purple.
Andromeda featuring delicate clusters of tiny bell-shaped flowers, Andromeda adds a soft, cascading effect to arrangements.
Andromeda, not to be mistaken for the more delicate lily of the valley!
Sweet William from the dianthus family, these charming clusters of tiny blooms come in vibrant shades of pink, red, and white, adding a pop of colour and a classic touch.
Cute Sweet William Bunches
Locally Grown October Flowers
The dry season varieties are coming to an end, but the tropicals are enjoying the first rains.
Torch Gingers are plentiful right now in their peachy, red shades.
Torch Gingers
Heliconia vibrant lobster-claw flowers on tall stalks, they need a large and heavy based vase.
Heliconias
Sorghum Grass this is a textural grass, a bit like pampas grass but not as fluffy.
Psittacorum are back with the first rains, tall spikes in oranges and pinks, these tropical blooms are also great for their lush green leaves.
Native Flowers Available in October
Native flowers are the heart and soul of Australian floral design, offering a unique blend of texture, colour, and shape. From bold blooms like the Banksia Coccinea to the soft, golden clusters of Wattle, these flowers celebrate the natural beauty of the landscape.
October’s Native Flowers
Leucadendron Cones hardy, cone-shaped blooms offer a bold, sculptural element and earthy tones, perfect for adding texture.
Billy Buttons fresh, small yellow balls, perfect for adding a pop of colour.
Billy Button Buttonholes
Kangaroo Paw with its fuzzy, tubular blooms and vibrant shades of red, yellow, and green, Kangaroo Paw adds a dynamic, sculptural element in shades of rust, burgundy and mustard.
Yellow Kangaroo Paw
Strawflowers (Xerochrysum bracteatum) also known as Everlasting Daisies, these flowers are perfect for adding a pop of colour and long-lasting beauty to any bouquet.
Strawflower Buttonholes
Berzelia masses of spherical buds on textured stems, Berzelia adds a playful element to native florals with a natural, rustic touch.
King Protea known for its large, dramatic blooms and spiky petals, the King Protea serves as a stunning focal point, bringing bold texture and a striking, sculptural presence.
King Protea
Dryandra featuring spiky, cone-shaped blooms and rustic foliage, Dryandra is perfect for creating an Australiana vibe.
Wattle with its bright, fluffy yellow clusters and delicate, fern-like foliage, Wattle brings a cheerful burst of colour and a soft, airy texture.
Wattle
Banksia Coccinea bright red focal blooms that will pop in any native florals.
Red Banksia Coccinea and King Proteas feature in today’s flower display.
Foliage Available in October
October foliage brings a rich variety of textures and shapes to floral arrangements, enhancing their depth and character. From the sculptural lines of Twisted Willow to the silvery softness of Dusty Miller, these foliage options provide the perfect backdrop for spring blooms. Whether you’re after bold structure or a soft, cascading look, October’s foliage offers endless possibilities for creative design.
Smoke Bush wispy silver greys fronds.
Eucalyptus Blue Gum with its great quality and fragrance, eucalyptus blue gum provides a fresh and aromatic element to your florals.
Eucalyptus and Lily Bouquet
Dusty Miller with its soft, silvery-grey foliage, Dusty Miller adds a touch of texture and contrast.
Magnolia Foliage with its glossy green leaves.
Textural Bara Floral with Magnolia and Leucadendrons
Fuchsia Gum known for its pendulous pink buds and smooth, eucalyptus leaves, Fuchsia Gum adds a pop of colour and a distinctly Australian touch.
Peppercorn with its cascading clusters of tiny pink berries and feathery foliage, Peppercorn adds texture, movement, and a hint of colour.
Brides Bouquet with delicate draping pepper foliage.
Templetonia delicate and charming,Templetonia features slender stems with pink tipped greens.
Twisted Willow with its uniquely curled branches and natural, sculptural form, Twisted Willow adds height, texture, and a dramatic, organic element.
An October Bouquet with Berzelia, Leucodendren and Leucospernum
October brings a vibrant selection of blooms and foliage, perfect for celebrating spring in the southern states or the early wet season here in Darwin. Whether you're crafting a garden-inspired arrangement, a bold architectural display, or a textural native bouquet, the varieties available this month offer endless opportunities for creativity. We hope this guide inspires you to embrace the best of October’s floral offerings, capturing the season's beauty and freshness in your designs.
