Banksias
Banksia victoriae flower head on a plant growing in a pot
We love banksias, not only for their distinguished foliage, colourful cones and variety of form, but particularly because they bloom in winter. In Canberra our banksias flower all through the winter providing nectar for the birds and a feast for our eyes. From the very earliest bud through to the shaggy end of flowering, banksias are a joy in the garden. They change slowly, which gives us a chance to really appreciate each stage of flowering.
Banksia ericifolia ‘Red Rover’ is a large (2m X 2m) shrub with an open habit displaying the cones
We have tried growing 90 different species and cultivars of banksia in our garden over the last 17 years with mixed success. We have planted 248, (as of May, 2020), different banksia plants and about three quarters of them are no longer with us. Some have died quickly, others after many years of growth, and some have inevitably been removed for failure to thrive, outgrowing their space or during reorganization of the garden. We have 38 different banksias growing in our garden at the present (August 2022) and 17 species in pots. I only grow those banksias in pots which do not like our soils or our frosty winter conditions. Most of the banksias in pots are from Western Australia. They do not like our clay soils and need to be moved under the eaves in winter. I would be very reluctant to forego their beauty just because they do not appreciate our conditions. We have had spectacular flowering from B. attenuata, B. brownii, B. grandis, B. lindleyana, B. menziesii, B. oreophila, B. ornata, B. pilostylis and B. victoriae. In fact B. brownii and B. grandis have grown very large in their pots and seem quite happy there. Both these plants have been planted in pots for over seven years and are still thriving.
Banksia ornata growing in a pot
The soil mix in our pots is one third washed coarse river sand and two thirds native planting mix. I fertilise lightly once a year, as I do not want lots of foliage growth and no development of cones. You have to be patient. Some of my pots are seven years old and still have not bloomed – not too many of those, I am happy to report. Many of the West Australian banksias are fussy in the east. Some appear perfectly content then die overnight. Those of you who came to the ANPSA Conference in November 2015 would have seen a pot in our garden of Banksia attenuata in full lime-green spendour. That magnificent plant died in the heat before last Xmas and will need to be replaced. On the other hand several of our banksias in pots have been flowering prolifically for seven years and show no signs of slowing down.
I also had two Banksia brownii in the garden. These were grafted plants from Phil Trickett (thank you Phil) and they were doing well until the last La Nina year. Frosts do not appear to bother them, but our clay soil does – hence the grafting. I had a magnificent Banksia verticillata which outgrew its pot. I planted it in the garden and it leapt up only to succumb to the frosts a few months later. I am happy to say that Phil Trickett took cuttings from that plant, so it lives on. I also have B. occidentalis and B. pulchella, which are grafted, both growing well in the garden.
Banksia menziesii dwarf growing in a large pot.
Two of our desert banksias, B. ornata and B. lindleyana, are incredibly popular with both birds and insects. B. ornata is the only reason that New Holland Honeyeaters come to our garden in the winter. Both these plants were grown from seed by Mark Clements. Ben has also tried growing banksias from seed from The Banksia Farm, near Albany, WA with mixed success. Many of these banksias, such as Banksia sphaerocarpa var. latifolia, are incredibly slow growing, while others, like Banksia seminuda, shoot out of the ground. We have yet to have continuing success with the coveted Banksia audax, Banksia cuneata and Banksia nutans,
Banksia robur
Our local B. marginata is in flower at present and is full of Eastern Spinebills, Grey Fantails, Silvereyes, Leaden Flycatchers and Superb Fairy Wrens, all attracted either to the nectar or to the insects buzzing around the nectar. Spinebills are particularly bold birds and come to feed on banksias in pots right near the house. They are not bothered by our presence at all.
Banksia praemorsa, which used to reach its highest magnificence on Kangaroo Island, at the Stokes Bay Bush Gardens, according to me, (sadly no more after the fires), is somewhat of a conundrum for us in Canberra. The tree is growing well each year, with plenty of new foliage, but the cones develop to about 2-3cm long then fail to develop any further. Is it our frosts? At Stokes Bay Bush Gardens these banksias developed into large trees covered in both red and gold cones. What a magnificent sight they were with the birds fighting each other for ownership of those prolific sources of nectar.
Banksia integrifolia prostrate
The best performing banksias for us in the garden are Banksia ‘Bird Song’, Banksia ‘Bulli Baby’, Banksia ‘Golden Girl’, Banksia marginata, Banksia paludosa, Banksia ‘Red Rover’, Banksia seminuda, Banksia spinulosa ‘Honey Pots’ and Banksia ‘Yellow Wing’. In pots we have had success with Banksia brownii, Banksia grandis, Banksia lindleyana, Banksia menziesii, Banksia ornata, Banksia telematiaea and Banksia victoriae.
I encourage you to try some different banksias in pots if they do not appreciate your garden conditions. They can be very rewarding.
Banksia aculeata – Prickly Banksia
We planted this compact shrub, 1-2 m high and wide, with creamy pink flowers which hang downwards, in a pot in September 2023. This plant is native to the Stirling Ranges, WA and is tolerant of light frosts and drought resistant. Best grown in sun or part shade in free draining soils. Died February 2024, browned off in too much rain?
Banksia ‘Bird Song’ (Photo below left)
We planted two of this hybrid Banksia spinulosa ‘dwarf’ x ericifolia ‘Golden Girl’, height 1.5m x 1.5m wide, a hardy banksia with shiny green foliage and large orange cones, in 2013. We then planted another in 2017, another in 2021 and three more in 2024. These plants perform well. Honeyeaters love this plant.
Banksia blechnifolia
We have planted eight of these hardy adaptable groundcovers which can spread to 2 m, with blue-green foliage and new growth in a subdued red shade, from 2004-10. These plants will grow well in a variety of soils and climates so long as the soil is well drained. Plant in full sun or dappled shade and protect from salty winds in coastal sites. Tolerates drought and light to medium frosts. Bird attacting and native to southern WA. Only one remains in 2023.
Banksia cunninghamii – Hairpin Banksia (Photo above right)
We planted four of these banksias, up to 6m high, similar to B. spinulosa, but with broader sparsely toothed or entire leaves. This plant is native from southeastern Queensland to Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria. Flower spikes are yellow or orange in colour with black hooked styles. We have removed three of these shrubs, but one remains.
Banksia dryandroides
We planted this spreading shrub, usually less than 1m high and wide, with narrow saw toothed leaves and yellow globular flower spikes, in March 2007. This plant is native to the south coast of WA, but is hardy enough to be grown successfully in eastern states in well drained sandy soil in full sun. One disadvantage of this plant is that the blooms are on the inside of the shrub.
Banksia ‘Bulli Baby’
B. ericifolia nana. We planted this dwarf banksia, which originated in the Bulli area and grows to only 1-2m high, with fine linear bright green leaves and spectacular orange/red spikes during autumn and winter, in April 2009. The flower spikes can be up to 20cm long and abundant. Prefers a sunny to partly shaded position in well drained soil.
Banksia burdettii – Burdett’s Banksia
We have planted three of these rounded bushy shrubs to 4m high without a lignotuber, but with large soft orange flowers which persist, in a pot, in 2013, 2014 and 2024. Native to the sandy plains north or Perth, annual rainfall 550-600mm. Needs sandy well drained soil, best in cool temperate areas in full sun or part shade. Does not like humidity. Rusty new foliage and showy black and red patterned buds. The first two died, but the third is growing well.
Banksia cunninghamii – Hairpin Banksia
We have planted four of these shrubs, similar to B. spinulosa, but with broader sparsely toothed or entire leaves, in 2008-10. Native to open forest from southeastern Queensland to Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria. Not at risk in the wild. Taller plant than B. spinulosa up to 6m high in ideal conditions. Lacks a lignotuber. Flower spikes are yellow or orange in colour, with black hooked styles. Three of these have died but one persists.
Banksia ericifolia ‘Little Eric’
We have planted five of this compact form of classic Australian native, which was one of the first plants to be domesticated and has been grown in the UK since late 18C, from 2019-2021. This cultivar, 2m high x 1.8m wide, has cylindrical red/orange flowers and fine green heath-like foliage
Banksia ericifolia ‘Red Rover’ (Photos above)
We planted this shrub, supposedly 1.8m high x 1.2m wide, with bright red flower spikes, in November 2006. ‘ Red Rover’ has grown to 3m high and 5m wide for us and blooms reliably each year.
Banksia ‘Giant Candles’
This banksia is a cross between B. ericifolia and B. spinulosa with many huge orange spikes borne over a long period. Very popular with birds, fast growing and fits well into smaller gardens, 3-5m high x 2m wide. We ended up removing all of these, for although they flowered well, they had persistent yellow foliage in our garden.
Banksia ‘Golden Girl’
We planted this cultivar, supposedly 1.8m high by 1.2m, with large golden flowers in July 2004. ‘Golden Girl’ has grown to 3m high and 5m wide for us.
Banksia grandis – Bull Banksia
We planted this spreading shrub, 1.5m high and 3m wide, with dark green toothed leaves and large yellow flower spikes, in March 2009. This species is native to southwestern WA. The seed that our plant was grown from was collected from Albany, WA near Mt. Clarence. We transplanted our specimen into a larger pot in April 2009 and this plant flowered every year until it suddenly died in the extreme heat of February 2020. We planted another specimen in January 2021, but it also died at eh end of 2021.
Banksia integrifolia prostrate
We planted this low growing shrub, to 0.5 m high and 5 m wide, with silver foliage and yellow spike flowers in April 2004. Most soils and aspects are suitable and the shrub is bird attracting. Native to the coastal sandy and inland areas of NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Banksia lindleyana (Photo below left)
We planted this shrub, to 3m high, with grey fissured bark, yellow flowers with a red base, and hard fruiting cones, in May 2009. This plant is native to the area around Shark Bay, WA. where it grows in deep yellow sand on plains and in tall open shrubland. Flowers January to March. This plant is very popular with both birds and insects when in flower and was devastated by a cockatoo attack in 2022. We have moved the pot away from the back door to allow the plant to recover. The plant has grown well, but has not flowered yet.
Banksia marginata (Photo above right)
We planted six specimens of our local banksia, Banksia marginata or Silver Banksia in 2003. These grew well and produced attractive yellow flowers with plenty of nectar for the birds. In fact, Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos quietly attacked a couple of trees and damaged them extensively. The silver-backed foliage when it moves in the wind has been a valued asset. All but one have now been removed. The remaining Silver Banksia droops over our lily pond and remains a favourite tree for small birds. This tree died overnight in March 2024.
Banksia marginata miniature (Photo below left)
We planted this shrub with masses of small yellow flowers, and dark green leaves with silver undersides, very frost hardy, in June 2007.
Banksia media ‘Copper Candles’
We planted this cultivar, 1.5m high x 1.5m wide, with golden yellow flowers and glossy green leaves, in September 2019. First flowers January 2022.
Banksia menziesii (dwarf) (Photo above right)
We planted this banksia, with toothed leaves and pink-mauve flowers in winter, in a pot in March 2010. This plant grows to height 2m, width 2m, and is native to the central west coast of WA. After 13 years of reliable flower this plant died in 2023.
Banksia occidentalis ‘Red Beacon’
We planted this vigorous upright shrub, 2-4m high x 1.5-2.5m wide, with narrow dark green foliage, white underneath, and terminal red cylindrical flowers, in February 2022. This plant needs a sunny to partly shaded position, free draining soil and is moderately frost tolerant. Beautiful young green cones developing into red flowers in 2024.
Banksia ‘Orange Glow’
We planted four of this form of B. ericifolia, a low growing shrub, 1.5m high and wide, with bright orange candles, in August 2013. This shrub attracts native birds and needs well drained soil in full sun to part shade. Hardy to moderate frosts. Three died but one persists.
Banksia ornata – Desert Banksia (Dukes Highway)
We planted this bushy shrub, 1-2m high x 1-2m wide, with small yellow flowers in October 2011. This plant is native to SA. We had great bloom each year from this plant and it attracted the New Holland Honeyeater to our garden. This plant died in the heat of February 2017. We have planted another one in February 2021.
Banksia paludosa compact
We planted this banksia, 20-30cm x 3m wide, with attractive green foliage in whorls with silvery undersides, and cylindrical yellow banksia flowers over a long period, in May 2008. The new ginger-coloured cones are a delightful feature of this plant, which is native to central and southeastern NSW.
Banksia plagiocarpa ‘Hinchinbrook’ (above)
Banksia plagiocarpa ‘Hinchinbrook’ – Blue Banksia
We planted this shrub to 5m high with a short trunk and spreading crown in a pot in August 2019. The flowers are pale blue grey to mauve in bud, then dull yellow when open. This banksia is native to Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland where it grows in sandy loam on rocky slopes. The red, velvety new foliage changes to rusty fawn, then green. Our original plant died in 2023 and was replaced.
Banksia polycephala
We have planted two of these evergreen shrubs with striking lemon yellow flowers in profusion in late winter to spring, the first in October 2011. This species needs well drained soil, tolerates dryness and is usually frost resistant. Our first plant died suddenly in February 2013. We have planted another in a pot in February 2023.
Banksia praemorsa ‘Red Dawn’
We planted this bushy shrub in a pot in February 2020, 2-4m high x 2-3m wide, with burgundy flowers with green, yellow and pink as the flower develops. Banksia praemorsa is native to Albany WA.
Banksia pulchella (grafted) (Photo below left)
We planted this shrub, 1m high, with teasel like flowers and unusual grey, knobbly fruiting cones, in April 2009. The species name is from the Latin for pretty. The type collection was by Robert Brown in January 1802, Lucky Bay, WA. This plant flowers enthusiastically for us over a long period.
Banksia seminuda – River Banksia (Photo above right)
We planted this quick-growing erect tree, 5-15m high by 2-4m wide, with attractive dark green foliage, silver underneath, and large red and gold flowers in August 2016. Ben grew our plant from seed and the tree has now reached 5m high and 3m wide and has up to 50 flowers each autumn.
Banksia serrata – Old Man Banksia, Saw Banksia (photos above)
We planted one Banksia serrata or Old Man Banksia, 10 to 15 m high, in December 2003 . The rigid deep green leaves are coarsely serrated and the flowers are a beautiful silvery grey at first, opening to a yellowish color as the flower matures. The flowers appear from spring through autumn and are followed by large grey cones. This tree has grown well and is developing the wrinkled trunk that makes older specimens so attractive. This is a widespread species in eastern Australia, in open forests of the coasts and mountains of Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Our tree bloomed well for a couple of years, but has not bloomed now for seven years. Why? Update - our tree bloomed beautifully in January 2022 and has many new cones now in December 2023.
Banksia spinulosa – Hairpin Banksia (photo below left)
We planted this slow-growing shrub, height 4m x width 2m, with gold and black brushes which are highly attractive to honeyeaters, in December 2003. This plant is native to the three eastern states of mainland Australia, extending along the coast from Victoria to Cairns.
Banksia spinulosa ‘Coastal Cushion’ (photos above middle and right)
We planted three of these small shrubs, 50cm high and 1.5m across, with lush green foliage and yellow cone flowers with maroon styles in October 2014. One did not thrive and was replaced in January 2021, but now all three are flowering well.
Banksia spinulosa ‘Honey Pots’
We have planted ten of these shrubs, 0.5m high x 0.5m wide, with nectar rich flowers from late summer through to spring. Our original shrub, planted in April 2006, has grown to 1.5m high and wide, much larger than advertised on the label.
Banksia spinulosa ‘Stumpy Gold’
We planted three of these low growing shrubs, 50cm high and 1.2m wide, with bright green foliage and many gold flowers, in February 2022 . These plants require full sun to part shade, well drained soil, and are hardy to moderate frosts.
Banksia verticillata – Granite Banksia
We planted this shrub, 5m high, much branched and spreading, with woolly orange and white flowers, in October 2019. This plant is native to southwestern WA, near Albany. Our specimen became too big for its pot in November 2014, so we planted it in a protected area of the garden, where it thrived until the severe frosts of June 2015, when it died. We have since planted another specimen in October 2019, which we will retain in a pot. Unfortunately died in February 2023.
Banksia victoriae - Woolly Orange Banksia (Photos above: immature cone on left and mature on right)
We planted, in a pot, in November 2013, Banksia victoriae, a tall shrub to about 5 metres high, with linear leaves, deeply lobed with triangular teeth and orange, ‘acorn shaped’ flower spikes. This plant grows in sandy soils in a restricted area northwest of Geraldton in Western Australia. After ten years of magnificent flower this plant died in 2022.
Banksia ‘Yellow Wing’ (Photos above)
We planted eight of these hybrid banksias, Banksia ‘Giant Candles’ x B. spinulosa (Carnarvon Gold) ‘Birdwire’, 1.5-1.8m high and wide , with fine dense foliage and orange flowers, in February 2006. The flower spikes are held well above the foliage which attracts a range of nectar eating birds, and parrots love their seed.
