Banksia

Banksia Pygmy Possum is an unusual and attractive native ground cover with dense, trailing growth and mid-green foliage. During summer and autumn it produces large, silver-yellow flower cones that are rich in nectar and create a striking display.This low-growing banksia is ideally suited to coastal gardens, poolside planting, rockeries, and mixed borders, where it can be used effectively as a carpet plant. It also performs well in large containers, cascading naturally over edges. Like all banksias, Pygmy Possum attracts birds, bees and butterflies, adding colour, movement and wildlife interest to the garden.

Soil: Well-drained clay to sandy loam, neutral to slightly acid soils.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and light frost tolerance once established. Tolerates wind and salt spray.
Size: Height 0.30m x width 2-3m.

A beautiful bright red and silver flowering banksia from Western Australia, Banksia Coccinea, or Scarlet Banksia, is popular in the cut flower industry and delights the gardener with its arresting visual display. The dazzling blooms appear from late winter to early summer - attracting native birds and bees. Cut back old flowering stems that have finished, along with any straggly stems, to encourage a more dense habit. The Scarlet Banksia is the one plant you will want in your garden - the blooms in the home will provide an arresting visual treat!

Soil: Well-drained soils.
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Frost, coastal and drought tolerant.
Size: Height 3-5m x width 3m

Banksia petiolaris is a striking prostrate banksia prized for its lush green, upright, serrated foliage and impressive golden blooms. Unlike many upright banksias, this variety forms a low-growing, spreading habit that hugs the ground while sending up its large, bright yellow, candle-like flower spikes above the foliage from late winter through to summer. Its spreading nature makes it an excellent choice for rockeries, erosion control, and covering embankments, where it can gradually form a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover over a wide area. The bold flowers not only create a dramatic display but also attract birds and pollinators to the garden. With minimal maintenance and high visual impact, Banksia petiolaris is a superb addition to Australian native landscapes.

Soil: Well-drained soil
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Tolerates frost, short wet periods and extended dry spells.
Size: Height 0.5m x width 4m