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 Banksia Giant CandlesBanksias
 Banksia Giant Candles
Banksias are found growing through the coastal regions of Australia. Species growing in western Australia have more vivid coloured flowers and it is from these that cut flower hybrids have been developed. However they are challenging to grow as they resent high humidity and rainfall through summer. The root rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamoni is common is such conditions and these Banksias are prone to this soil borne disease .Once attacked trees wilt and collapse over night. The eastern coasts have species that are more hardy and easier to grow and not as prone to Phytopthora attack.
The growth habit ranges from ground cover varieties , dense bushy shrubs and tall trees. Flowers are made up of dozens of stamens which are arranged around a woody cone. This is typically brush shaped. Some more flattened while the majority are elongated. All flowers produce copious supplies of sweet nectar .Banksias are one of the best trees to grow to attract nectar feeding birds. You will be guaranteed visits from Tuis and Bellbirds, particulary if you grow winter flowering varieties.
Banksias will grow in sand, gravel or clay soils as long as the drainage is good. There is one species that will grow in peaty swampy coastal soils but this is the exception. Full sun suits them best with the western species tolerating more shade.
Once established Banksias will tolerate extended drought and medium sized frosts. Don’t feed with artificial fertilizers as they resent phosphorous. I feed my plants with sheep pellets.
While there are hundreds of varieties I am only going to write about the more popular and readily available ones.
Banksia attenuata
A western species with intense sulphur yellow flowers on long spikes. Grows dense and shrubby up to 2ms. Best suited to grow in coastal sands. Tolerates coastal winds and frosts to -4 degrees. Can be hard pruned to the ground.
Banksia Birthday Candles
A lovely dwarf grower. Spreads 1m and only grows 50cms high. The soft golden yellow flowers with hooked black styles sit prominently on top of the foliage like birthday candles. Flowers from autumn through winter. Very hardy and frost tolerant. Excellent for containers. Consider growing it as a border plant.
Banksia blechnifolia
A ground cover western species. Handsome serrated leaves. Large reddish flowers sit on the ground through spring. Will spread 4ms. Best suited to coastal sands. Will tolerate frosts to -5 degrees.
Banksia coccinea
A striking western species with scarlet flowers on long stems. This is a very popular cut flower flowering from late winter to early summer. Grows narrow and erect up to 3ms and requires pruning back by half after flowering. Tolerant of frosts up to -5 degrees. Best grown in light sandy soils.
Banksia collina dwarf
An erect bushy dwarf shrub up to 1m.Yellowish bronze flowers are borne within the shrub. One of the hardier varieties
Banksia ericafolia
The hardiest of the bushy growers tolerant of salt laden winds ,humidity and both cold and dry climates .Frost hardy to -8 degrees and more. Excellent choice as a wind break. The long orange brown flower spikes are produced through autumn and winter. Grows 2ms The variety Lemon Delicious is a lemon flowered variant.
Banksia Giant Candles
An improved ericifolia and spinulosa hybrid with extra long flowers of burnt orange through autumn, winter and into spring. The flowers smother this dense growing bush. Grows 4ms.Very hardy and vigorous
Banksia grandis
A western species with huge yellowish green flower cones .They sit on the tree like giant candles from spring to early summer. The shining green jagged leaves with grey under felting are a real feature Grow in sandy light soils. Will tolerate frosts down to -4 degrees .A sturdy grower to 5ms.
Banksia integrifolia
The coastal Banksia is a favourite of nectar feeding birds because it commences flowering from late summer and continues to late spring. The smaller sized yellow flowers are borne in great quantities. The hardiest of all Banksias tolerating coastal situations, sand and heavy clay soils. It is very quick growing and popular as an upright shelter belt or specimen tree.. Frost tolerant to at least -8 degrees. Grows 10 ms but can easily be keep lower and bushier. Sadly a few years ago I noticed all Banksia integrifolias were being attacked by a leaf miner. This cunning miner burrows into the leaf where it consumes the sap from within and natural predators can’t get at it.. The leaves become distorted and browned at the edges . Affected trees still continue to grow strongly but the foliage is disfigured. It seems to be a problem through the warmer months and systemic sprays will clear the problem up but it will occur every summer.
Banksia integrifolia Rollercoaster
A ground cover version of above. A vigorous strong grower. Very suited for covering clay or sandy banks.
Banksia occidentalis
The only member of the Proteacea family that will grow in poorly drained soil. Ideal for peaty sandy coastal soils where it will tolerate coastal winds. A dense bushy grower growing 3ms high and almost as wide. Tolerates frosts down to-4 degrees. Shining reddish flowers from summer to autumn.
Banksia ornata
A very bushy smaller grower up to 2ms.Attractive saw shaped leaves. Winter and spring flowers are a mix of grayish cream ,golden bronze and yellow. The flowers have pollen very high in protein which makes them very attractive to bees. Grow in light or sandy coastal soils. Tolerant of frosts down to -4 degrees.
Banksia prionotes
A spectacular western species .The large acorn shaped cones are rich orange and borne through autumn and winter. A commercial cut flower in Australia. This shrub has very long and narrow toothed leaves. A demanding grower requiring perfectly drained sandy soil and preferably frost free. Grows 3ms
Banksia serrata
A tough cold and coastal hardy small tree. Very large cone flowers are creamy green. The flowers are borne from summer into winter. The bright green leaves are leathery, tough and highly serrated. Over time this tree takes on a gnarled appearance with its knobbly wood and persistent large cones. Grows 4ms.
Banksia speciosa
Showy flowers of lemon and chartreuse open from silvery grey buds. A popular commercial cut flower. Flowers through summer and autumn.The long narrow leaves are deeply serrated and are a feature of this western species. Grow in light sandy coastal soils. Will tolerate frosts down to -3 degrees Grows 4ms high and the same in width.
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