The Banksia genus of natural plants is among the most popularly cultivated. This genus is adaptable due to its attractive, long-lasting flowers, simple maintenance requirements, and variety, which ranges from small trees or shrubs to enormous, tall bushes.
You have to have seen a variety of banksias growing if you’ve ever travelled along Australia’s east coast. However, when it comes to garden plants, banksias are also a fantastic choice.
With so many species to pick from, from larger trees to medium-sized shrubs and even ground-covering kinds, this fuss-free flora has stunning leaves and eye-catching blossoms that will bring a variety of creatures to your yard.
Because they blend in so well with our surroundings, banksias are a fantastic choice for novice growers looking for a showy garden plant that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep.
The banksia species and variants are discussed in more detail here, along with some useful advice on how to grow and take care of them.
When Do They Grow?
With 60 species known, South Western Australia has the most diversity of banksias. They play a significant role in the eastern Australian coast’s flora as well. In Australia’s drier regions and in the eastern coast’s rainforests, there aren’t many banksias to be found.
Except for Tropical Banksia, Banksia Dentata, which grows in northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Irian Jaya, and the Aru Islands, there are no species that are common to eastern and western Australia.
Popular Varieties Of Banksia
There are countless banksia varieties of gorgeously flowering available. The choice of which will work best in your garden will be up to you because each has different flowering and development tendencies.
The following are some of the most well-liked and productive plant varieties:
- Banksia Integrifolia
This type, often known as the coastal Banksia, is most frequently seen along Australia’s east coast.
This hardy, shrub-like variety has amazing resistance to dryness, frost, and salty winds.
- Banksia Serrata – Saw Banksia
This banksia has a distinctive appearance that makes it a valuable addition to landscaping, thanks to its rough bark, serrated leaves, and enormous flowers. Plants can reach heights of 2 to 12 m. It can grow in most soil types, although it needs adequate drainage and can withstand frost. The flower heads emerge from summer to winter and are greenish yellow. There is a B. Serrata cultivar called “Austraflora Pygmy Possum” that grows slowly.
- Banksia Menziesii
If you’re looking for something more stunning, think about the firewood or Menziesii banksia.
This variety, which has serrated, dull-green leaves and these crimson and yellow blossoms, is highly attractive.
- Banksia Marginata
This cultivar, often known as the silver banksia, is most frequently seen throughout southeast Australia.
Long green leaves of the silver banksia have a stunning silver underside.
Banksia Flowers and Fruits
Hundreds or perhaps thousands of small individual blooms paired together make up the flower heads. The flower heads often range in colour from yellow to crimson. Throughout the winter and autumn, many species bloom.
The follicles, or hard, woody fruits, of banksias are frequently gathered together to mimic cones, despite the fact that actual cones can only be formed by conifers.
The fruits shield the seeds from both fire and grazing animals. Many species’ fruits won’t ripen or open until they are totally dried out or burned.
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