Goodenia Ovata
Goodenia ovata Sm.
Goodenia ovata, the hop goodenia, is a cheerful, fast-growing Australian native shrub or groundcover bearing bright golden-yellow flowers for most of the year from spring through to autumn. Adaptable, low-maintenance, and excellent for wildlife, it is one of the easiest and most rewarding native plants for Australian gardens of all sizes.
Goodeniaceae
Spring through to autumn (October to March), most abundant; some flowers can appear at other times of the year in mild conditions; an unusually long-flowering season for a native shrub
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: centranthuss and lantanas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Goodenia ovata holds a quiet but distinguished place in Australian botanical history as the type species of the genus Goodenia, meaning it is the single specimen that defines the genus and against which all other Goodenia species are measured. The genus was named by the English botanist James Edward Smith, who first formally described Goodenia ovata in 1794 in the Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, in honour of Samuel Goodenough, an 18th-19th century English churchman and distinguished amateur botanist who served as Treasurer of the Linnean Society of London. The genus name Goodenia therefore immortalises Goodenough, while the species name ovata is simply descriptive, referring to the egg-shaped or oval leaves. An upright form of Goodenia ovata was introduced to England as early as 1793, making it one of the earlier Australian plants to be brought into cultivation in Britain. The Goodeniaceae is a predominantly Australian plant family comprising approximately 430 species, with Goodenia itself containing around 200-230 species depending on classification. Most Goodeniaceae share a fascinating and highly specialised pollen-presentation mechanism: a cup-like structure called an indusium collects pollen from the surrounding anthers before the flower fully opens, then presents that pollen to visiting insects as the flower matures. This two-phase system ensures cross-pollination and is one of the most elegant and distinctive floral mechanisms in the Australian flora.Shop Our Floral Collection
Transform your space with our curated selection of designer floral throw pillows
Visit Full StoreBotanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; flowers best in a sunny or lightly dappled position; tolerates more shade than many native shrubs
Water
Prefers a moist but free-draining soil; once established it is moderately drought-tolerant; water regularly until established; benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture; avoid waterlogging
Soil
Medium-nutrient clay, Clay loam, Loam, Sandy loam, Shale-derived, Adaptable to most well-drained to moderately moist soils
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in any well-drained to moderately moist soil in full sun to partial shade; one of the most broadly adaptable of all Australian native shrubs
Fast-growing; young plants establish quickly and fill garden spaces rapidly, which makes it an effective "filler" plant while slower-growing feature plants establish
Hard prune after the main flowering flush (late summer to autumn) to keep the plant dense, compact, and floriferous; upright forms can become straggly without regular pruning
One of the very easiest native plants to propagate from cuttings; semi-hardwood cuttings taken almost any time of the year root readily with minimal treatment
Tolerates moderate to good frosts and a range of humidity levels; among the most climate-adaptable of eastern Australian native shrubs
The cultivar "Gold Cover" is a low-growing, spreading form suitable for use as a groundcover and is especially useful for underplanting in shadier positions
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Fast-growing filler or background shrub in mixed native garden plantings
- Butterfly host and food plant for native butterflies and caterpillars
- Informal edging, border, or low informal hedge
- Groundcover for underplanting in native and cottage gardens
- Container growing for patios and courtyard gardens
- Habitat plant for native bees, native insects, and small wildlife
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Goodenia Ovata
What does goodenia ovata mean?
The genus name Goodenia honours Samuel Goodenough, an 18th-19th century English clergyman and amateur botanist who served as Treasurer of the Linnean Society of London. The species name ovata means "egg-shaped" in Latin, referring to the oval shape of the leaves. Goodenia ovata is also the type species of the genus, the reference specimen against which all other Goodenia species are classified.
Why is goodenia ovata called hop goodenia?
The common name hop goodenia most likely refers to the resemblance of the plant's somewhat sticky, glossy ovate leaves to the leaves of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) used in brewing. The leaves have a similar broadly oval shape, and both plants can have a slightly sprawling, mounding habit.
Is goodenia ovata easy to grow?
Yes, it is regarded as one of the very easiest of all Australian native plants to cultivate. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, sun exposures, and climates. It grows quickly, establishes readily, flowers prolifically for most of the year, and propagates effortlessly from cuttings. It is commonly recommended as a starting point for gardeners new to growing native plants.
How long does goodenia ovata flower?
Goodenia ovata has a very long flowering season, producing bright yellow flowers from spring through to autumn, roughly October to March in Australia. In mild conditions, some flowers can appear at other times of the year as well. This extended season, combined with its adaptability and easy care, makes it especially useful as a long-term colour plant in native and cottage gardens.
Does goodenia ovata attract butterflies?
Yes. Goodenia ovata is a known caterpillar food plant for several native butterfly species, making it valuable in wildlife gardens. The flowers also attract native bees, honeybees, and hoverflies, which are the primary pollinators. Planting it alongside other native flowering plants creates a rich, biodiverse micro-habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Share This Flower
Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Centranthus
Centranthus ruber
Centranthus, commonly called Red Valerian, is a resilient perennial with clusters of fragrant crimson, pink, or white flowers. It thrives in poor soils and attracts pollinators, symbolizing adaptability and perseverance.
Lantana
Lantana camara
Lantana produces clusters of small, colorful flowers that change color as they age. These heat-loving shrubs symbolize rigor and resilience.
Blue Star Creeper
Isotoma fluviatilis (syn. Laurentia fluviatilis)
Blue Star Creeper is an evergreen ground cover with delicate star-shaped blue flowers. It forms dense mats ideal for pathways, between stepping stones, and as a lawn alternative.