Current Obsession: Banksia

Banksia-obsessed? Maybe a little... 😊 (Hard not to be with so many wonderful species to choose from right now!)

When it comes to true icons of the amazing Land Down Under, Banksia is one of them. They’ve earned a place on this list as they can be found all over the country. Awe-inspiring blooms that illustrate the signature qualities of this protea genus, bold, unique forms (bottlebrush or spike-like inflorescence) in rich, earthy colors that allow their natural beauty to shine through.

Their effervescence and textures are unrivaled and… they make wonderful cut flowers, both fresh and dried.

Unlike many other Australian wildflowers, the main flush of Banksia come not in spring but in summer and fall. To help you distinguish between the species we’re harvesting now, I’m highlighting a few of our favorites.

Burdettii or also called Burdett’s Banksia and Golden Banksia. This bloom has long serrated leaves and large, bright flower spikes that initially start out white before opening to a brilliant orange.

Victoriae or also called Woolly Orange. This lovely bloom starts out as an intriguing greyish-white bud and becomes a brilliant orange as the styles open out from the base, giving it a fluffy or woolly (hence the name) appearance.

Prionotes or also called Acorn Banksia, Orange Banksia or Orange Frost. It’s hard not to see how this banksia earned its name… the sight of an open flower-spike is enough to make any squirrel go nuts. The acorn-shaped bloom in cream and orange hues, evolves from a small silvery-white bud. The long stem and long, slender foliage contribute to its stunning texture.

Banksia baxteri or also called Bird’s-Nest Banksia, Baxter’s Banksia and in Hawaii, fittingly known as ‘Summer Lime’. This awesome bloom that starts out as a squat, lime-green bud opens to form a stunning globe-shaped flower surrounded by unique, deeply serrated foliage.

Speciosa or showy banksia. And… as the name “Showy” suggests, this species puts on quite a display with its long, green cylindrical spike and leathery, saw-tooth leaves that fan out in a circular pattern from the flower’s base. Also referred to as Green Banksia and Mint Julep due to its refreshing and revitalizing hue and Ricrac Banksia for its ridged foliage.

Want to grow your own banksia? It’s easy if you provide well-drained soil, full sunlight, and good air circulation. Plant on a low mound of soil to promote drainage, then surround the plant with mulch. Perfect drainage is critical, as banksia flowers are susceptible to root rot. Water banksia twice a week for the first year or two, then cut back to a weekly deep watering during hot, dry weather. Pruning isn’t necessary, but you can shape the plant or trim it to maintain the desired size.

The Mighty Banksia

We absolutely adore the mighty Banksia! Strong, resilient and bold, this bristly protea is far from a delicate flower, yet when it blooms, its vibrancy and textures are unrivaled. From long, distinctive cylinder-like flowers to petite round blooms, there’s over 175 species (including Dryandra) to choose from. And unlike many of the Australian Proteaceae, the main flush of Banksia come not in spring but in summer and autumn. Here are a few of our favorites:

Victoriae or also called Woolly Orange. A lovely acorn shaped bloom when it's fully developed, this Banksia starts as an intriguing woolly, greyish-white bud and becomes a brilliant orange as the styles open out. These styles form an inflorescence that’s made up of hundreds of tiny flowers that open from the base, giving them a fluffy appearance. Victoriae blooms range in size from 6 to 10" in length and 5" in diameter and have fabulous serrated foliage on long rigid stems.

Baxteri is also referred to as Bird’s-Nest Banksia, Baxter’s Banksia or in Hawaii, where it is fittingly known as ‘Summer Lime’. This Banksia’s squat, lime-green buds fully open to form globe-shaped flowers on long stems surrounded by unique, deeply serrated foliage.

Sceptrum, commonly known as the sceptre banksia or ‘Popcorn Banksia’ because of its freshly popped popcorn with rich creamy butter aroma. This is one of the most striking yellow-flowered banksias of all, especially when its tall bright yellow spikes are beautifully displayed.

Burdettii is also called Golden Acorn or Golden Banksia. This Banksia develops from a silvery-grey bud into a beautiful orange acorn shaped flower. Blooms typically range in size from 4 to 6" in length and 4" in diameter and it makes a wonderful cut flower, both fresh and dried.