The results make for a spirited arrangement with a energetic-feel and put a summer twist on these amazing botanicals.
Eximia, which means distinguished, is sometimes called rosespoon, ray-flowered protea, and broad-leaf sugarbush. A large, colorful protea with spoon-shaped bracts of reddish-pink and soft central dome exposing a purplish wine color.
Prionotes or also called Acorn Banksia, Orange Banksia or Orange Frost. An acorn-shaped banksia in cream and orange hues that evolves from a small silvery-white bud. Its long stem and long, slender foliage contribute to its stunning texture.
There’s no doubt Safari Sunset is the most well-known leucadendron. This New Zealand raised hybrid cultivar, this mix of L. Laureolum x L. Salignum brings a rich look to floral designs.
The gum tree or flowering eucalyptus is one of the most recognized Australian plants. Many varieties of gum not only produce lush greens, in summer they flower too. They’re not typical flowers though, as these showy blooms are made up mostly of anthers and styles, rather than petals.
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.
Unlike many of southern Australian wildflowers the main flush of Banksia come not in spring but in autumn and winter. To help you distinguish between a few of the species, we’re highlighting three of our fall faves: Banksia hookeriana, prionotes and victoriae.
Hookeriana or also referred to as Eneabba Banksia or Hooker's Banksia. This species’ long-stemmed, decorative orange flower is up to 5” or more in length developing from grayish-pink buds.
Prionotes or also called Acorn Banksia, Orange Banksia, Golden Bankisa or Orange Frost. This autumn favorite has large acorn-shaped flower spikes (hence the name) 6 to 8” long in cream and orange hues, opening from small silvery-white buds. The long stems and long, slender foliage contributes to flower’s stunning texture.
Victoriae or also named Woolly Orange. This Banksia starts as an intriguing woolly, greyish-white bud and becomes a brilliant orange as the styles open out. Victoriae blooms range in size from 6 to 10" in length and 5" in diameter and have fabulous, serrated foliage on long rigid stems.
Creating a fall arrangement is as simple as getting the right materials and mixing them together. The combination of banksia, protea, leucadendron, fruited branches and more provides a variety of colors, shapes, and textures that instantly makes the arrangement look complete.
