Family: Proteaceae

Banksia was named after the English botanist, Sir Joseph Banks, who collected the first specimen, B. serrata, at Botany Bay in 1770. All 70 species are native to Australia, many to the south-west corner of Western Australia. Banksias are grown for their foliage and their striking flower spikes which look superb in a vase with other natives and last for a long time. Hundreds of flowers are clustered into the cone-like spike, some shaped like huge acorns, some like candles, others like spheres. They range in size up to 35 cm (14 in). They come in reds, oranges, gold, yellow, rust, lime and silver-blue. Some are multi-coloured. The foliage varies from fine and deep green to large, deeply serrated and silvery gray, but is always stiff. Banksias are suitable for drying and the seed cones are also favourites for dried arrangements. Banksia flowers, especially from Western Australia, are becoming a valuable export for Australia.

Species

It is unlikely that all of these are available outside their native Australia.

B. asplenifolia, rock banksia, is a very hardy species from Queensland and New South Wales. It grows to 3 m (10 ft). It has thick, dark green, serrated leaves and lemon-green flower spikes to 15 cm (6 in) long in autumn and winter.

B. baueri, possum or koala banksia, from Western Australia, grows to 3 m (10 ft) tall, with very large grayish yellow flowers, 30 cm (12 in) long and 25 cm (10 in) wide, and serrated foliage.

B. baxteri, Baxter banksia, from Western Australia, grows to 3 m (10 ft) tall and does well in sandy soils. With its dome-shaped yellow flowers and deeply lobed foliage, it is excellent for cut flowers.

B. caleyi, also from Western Australia, has dark green serrated foliage and deep yellow or red pendulous flowers in spring and summer. It grows to 2 m (6 ft) tall.

B. canei, mountain banksia, from New South Wales and Victoria, is a flat-topped, hardy species which grows to 3 m (10 ft) tall. Its blue-gray buds open to lemon spikes, 10 cm (4 in) long.

B. dryandroides, from Western Australia, is one of the most decorative of the genus, with saw-toothed foliage and amber flowers. A spreading shrub in its natural environment, it grows to 1 m (3 ft).

B. ericifolia, heath banksia, from New South Wales, is one of the most popular of the species. A robust, healthy plant, with reddish flowers and bright green linear leaves, it grows quickly to a height of 4 m (13 ft).

B. integrifolia, coast banksia, from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, has green leaves, silvery underneath, and lemon-yellow flowers. It is a fast-growing species, reaching heights of around 10 m (33 ft).

B. marginata, silvery banksia, from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, is suitable for coastal areas. While it is hardy, it can become dwarfed and shrubby if it is planted in poor soil. Its lime to gold spikes flower for a long period. It grows to 5 m (16 ft).

B. media, from Western Australia, grows 4 m (13 ft) and produces large yellow to brownish yellow flowers and wedge-shaped, olive green leaves.

B. petiolaris, from Western Australia, has thick, prostrate, creeping stems with 30 cm (12 in) long serrated leaves and erect yellow flowers.

B. praemorsa, cut-leaf banksia, is a coastal species from Western Australia, which grows up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. It has wedge-shaped leaves and reddish purple flowers up to 30 cm (12 in) long.

B. prionotes, orange banksia, from Western Australia, grows to 7 m (23 ft) tall. It is eagerly sought by florists because of its striking, pinkish orange and gray flowers.

B. robur, large-leaf banksia, is often found in swamp country. A hardy species from Queensland and New South Wales, it grows to 2 m (6 ft), and has huge leaves and greenish yellow flowers.

B. serrata, saw banksia, from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, grows to 8 m (26 ft) tall and produces grayish yellow flowers. Also very hardy, it can tolerate wet soils.

B. spinulosa, hairpin banksia, is a variable, hardy species from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Its red to gold spikes flower for long periods. It grows to 3 m (10 ft) tall.

Cultivation

In frost-prone areas grow in pots of well-drained, soil-based potting compost in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, in bright light but with shade from strong sun. Outdoors, the banksias of eastern Australia need slightly acidic, well-drained soil. The effect of using an over-rich soil is evident from a lightening of the green of the leaves. The Western Australian species require good drainage but appear to be able to utilize lime-enriched soil far more effectively than the eastern species. Banksias are usually grown from seed from the cones. Heat the cones in a hot oven to release the seeds, place the cones in cold water for 24 hours, then dry. The seed should drop out easily.

Climate

Grows in relatively frost-free areas. Zones 9 and 10.