Expert Tips

Banksia Bounty

Banksia are a favourite native for many – and it’s no wonder. From their striking flowers in a host of hues and dramatic foliage to their bird and bee attracting qualities, these architectural marvels make a statement in all styles of gardens. Here’s our picks of different varieties to try in your outdoor space large or small…

banksia spinulosa ‘dwarf red 1
banksia spinulosa ‘dwarf red 2banksia spinulosa ‘dwarf red 3

Perfect in pots

Banksia spinulosa ‘Dwarf Red’ low growing habit means it’s a great choice for tubs, pots and rockeries. This variety boasts large golden flowers with red highlights that put on a show from autumn right through winter, with birds and bees also loving this attractive banksia. Be sure to plant it in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.

Order from the e-nursery here

Show stopping flowers

banksia prionotes ‘acorn banksia 3

It may be hard to get Banksia prionotes – ‘Acorn Banksia’ established in the garden, but this impressive banksia will reward you with bright, arresting flowers. Consider it for a large container, otherwise it can grow to a tall shrub or small tree in your garden but must have extremely well drained soil and full sun to thrive. Humid summers are not their friends, so best suited to temperate and coastal conditions. The flowers are stunning in vases and this variety is used commercially for cut flower production.

Order here

MORE BANKSIA AT THE E-NURSERY

Shop Now

A statement shrub

banksia robur ‘swamp banksia5
banksia robur ‘swamp banksia3

For a fast growing and hardy variety, seek out Banksia robur – ‘Swamp Banksia’.  This large shrub is a dramatic looking banksia to add as a statement plant or consider for an interesting hedging option. Adaptable to a wide range of conditions and soils, it prefers full sun for best flowering, but can handle part shade. Blue green flowers turn yellow-green and as then as the flower continues to age heads turn interesting brown and grey shades. Large serrated leaves with velvety coating of brown hairs add another attractive feature. 

Order here 

Go to ground

red rocks 197 banksia blechnifolia

Seek out Banksia blechnifolia – Groundcover banksia for a striking ground cover in a sunny spot. Come Spring and Summer, this variety will reward you with dramatic dark, velvety flower heads that warm up to a chestnut hue and when not in flower the serrated green foliage provides interesting texture and architecture in the garden. Try it in pots for a dramatic statement.
Add this variety to a Native Plant Box

Super screening

banksia ericifolia x spinulosa ‘giant candles 2
banksia giant candles

Massive, long lasting flower spikes are the stand out feature of this cultivar, with dramatic orange flowers up to 40cm long in winter to spring. Banksia ericifolia x spinulosa ‘Giant Candles’ is an adaptable large shrub that can be planted as a screen, hedge or feature plant, and of course for its cut flowers. It can grow up to 5 metres if left unpruned. Find a sunny, well drained position and watch it flourish.

Order here 

MORE BANKSIA AT THE E-NURSERY

Shop Now

Articles you may like

My Garden
38a8868

Soulful Gardening

Article >
Expert Tips
NPP Oct 2023 397

Create your own Plant Box

Article >
Expert Tips
blairgowrie acre54

Plants for small spaces

Article >
Everlasting Daisy
Endemic to Western Australia, this annual everlasting daisy is a go-to-choice for creating pretty native wildflower meadow effects in your garden. With flowers ranging from pure white to deep pink with contrasting bright yellow or deep black centres, each stem is topped with a flower appearing from August to November that opens in full sunshine, closing at night or in wet conditions. Can attract a range of bees and other pollinating insects to your garden. Be sure to grow in sandy open soil in sun to part shade, feed with native fertilizer and water in dry weather and cut back old flowers to encourage reshooting. Everlastings can also be dried by hanging upside down after cutting – pick in bud, they will open as they dry and retain their colour. H-0.2-0.7m W-0.2-0.4m
Rhodanthe chlorocephala ssp. Rosea
Everlasting Daisy
Endemic to Western Australia, this annual everlasting daisy is a go-to-choice for creating pretty native wildflower meadow effects in your garden. With flowers ranging from pure white to deep pink with contrasting bright yellow or deep black centres, each stem is topped with a flower appearing from August to November that opens in full sunshine, closing at night or in wet conditions. Can attract a range of bees and other pollinating insects to your garden. Be sure to grow in sandy open soil in sun to part shade, feed with native fertilizer and water in dry weather and cut back old flowers to encourage reshooting. Everlastings can also be dried by hanging upside down after cutting – pick in bud, they will open as they dry and retain their colour.
Rhodanthe chlorocephala ssp. Rosea