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
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Orange Red | Green | ||
Winter | Orange Red | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.