The banksias are probably the most recognisable group of Australian plants. As well as being widely-grown garden subjects they also regularly appear in both fresh and dried flower arrangements.
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Banksias are members of the Proteaceae family in company with the grevilleas and hakeas. All have flowers with a similar structure.
The proteas are also members of this extensive plant family. The proteas are natives of South Africa not Australia.
The southwest corner of Western Australia has the lion’s share of banksias and many of these are our most dramatic native plants. We find these western species difficult to establish in our garden but other native plant enthusiasts are succeeding.
On a more positive note, banksias from the eastern states have proved amenable to cultivation in local gardens. So we will concentrate our descriptions on eastern banksias.
NSW is home to 18 banksia species and of these at least four are native to the Northern Tablelands.
Banksia integrifolia is a tree that will, in the right conditions, reach a height of 25 metres. The flowers are held in large robust spikes containing hundreds of blooms. They are pale yellow and appear from late summer to winter
A mature plant will be covered with spikes and in common with all banksias honeyeaters are attracted to the flowers.
Banksia ericifolia, heath-leaved banksia, is a compact shrub reaching a height of five metres. The spectacular flower spikes may be up to 25 centimetres long and the flowers are orange-red.
The flowering period extends through the cooler months when flowers are rather scarce in the garden. The flower spikes are spectacular and to see a Banksia ericifolia in full flower is one of life’s rich horticultural experiences.
Banksia ericifolia could be grown as a “stand alone” specimen shrub or as a component of an informal hedge or screen.
Banksia spinulosa is known as the hairpin banksia because of the black, hooked flowers. The hairpin banksia usually develops into a rounded shrub reaching two metres. The cylindrical flower spikes are 18 centimetres long and the flowers are gold or yellow.
Banksia “giant candles” is a hybrid whose parents are the previous two species. “Giant candles” reaches a height of three metres.
The leaves are similar in shape to those of Banksia spinulosa. The flower spikes are a lengthy 40 centimetres and the flowers are deep orange. The cooler months are the main flowering period.
All these banksias could be used to provide impressive colour in autumn and winter, and the flowers will provide food for honeyeaters during our harsh winters.