In the Field: Banksia Baxteri

We’ve long admired the powerful Banksia. Strong, resilient and bold, this spiny protea is far from a delicate flower—and yet when it blooms, it blooms with the best of them. From long, distinctive cylinder-like flowers to petite round blooms, there’s over 75 diverse species to choose from. And unlike many of the Australian Proteaceae, the main flush of Banksia come not in spring but in summer and autumn.

Like clockwork… just before the summer solstice, we’re seeing Banksia Baxteri in full bloom with their lengthy stems reaching high up into the sky. The squat, lime-green buds have fully opened to form globe-shaped flowers surrounded by unique, deeply serrated foliage. Baxteri is also referred to as Bird’s-Nest Banksia, Baxter’s Banksia or in Hawaii, where it is fittingly known as ‘Summer Lime’.

A refreshing and revitalizing hue indeed… zesty yellow-green reminding us of Greenery, this year’s Pantone Color of the Year. These nest-shaped blooms offer a whimsical flair to bouquets and arrangements and the color, mixes well with a combination of green hues or a profusion of bright colorful tones.

Resendiz Brothers

Pinterest

Swallows Nest Farm

Resendiz Brothers

Ballinger & Shaw Botanics

Resendiz Brothers

Polka Dot Bride

Polka Dot Bride

Swallows Nest Farm

Baxteri are not only gorgeous fresh from the field, both the blooms and foliage dry beautiful and they can even be tinted for an extra splash of lasting color.