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Banksia ericifolia

A fast-growing, bushy evergreen shrub with needle-like dark green foliage and tall, thick, cylinder-shaped flower spikes of rusty-orange to red bottle-brush like flowers in autumn and winter. Flower spikes can grow up to 20cm tall

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Orange Red Green
Winter Orange Red Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Proteaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Banksia are evergreen shrubs and trees with leathery, often handsome, simple or pinnately lobed leaves and many small tubular flowers in dense spikes forming showy, cone-like heads, followed by woody fruiting clusters

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in free-draining, neutral to acid soil in full sun. Under glass grow in equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost, grit and peat substitute in full light with good ventilation. Apply half-strength, phosphate-free fertiliser once a month while in growth. Tolerates a light frost

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Banks and slopes
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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