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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Proteaceae (Proteas) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Cream |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Height: 12-20 feet |
| Width: 10-15 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Banksia speciosa (Showy Banksia) - A dense, rounded medium-sized tree or large shrub which grows to 12-20 feet tall and has 1 foot long or more olive-green leaves that are deeply serrated and that have a whitish underside with new foliage clothed with brown hairs. Unique erect, 1 foot tall cone-like flowers, popular with florists because of the creamy-yellow color, rise above the foliage in summer and fall. Plant in full sun and irrigate only occasionally to very little. Hardy to 20-25 degrees F. This plant can be susceptible to root rot so it is always best planted in well-drained soils and water withheld in summer months. Tolerates near coastal conditions but needs some protection from direct salt spray and wind exposure. Showy Banksia comes the southern area of Western Australia, growing within 30 miles of the coast along the Southern Ocean, often in old dune formations in deep sandy soils. The name for the genus is one given by Carolus Linnaeus to honor the English botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who was on Captain James Cook's first expedition to Australia and collected the first Banksia specimens in 1770. The specific epithet is from the Latin word 'speciosus' meaning "showy" in reference to the showy flowers of this species. Another common name is Ricrac Banksia in reference to the zig sagging serrations of the leaf.
The information about Banksia speciosa displayed on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources we consider reliable. We will also relate those observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and in other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has additional information, particularly when they share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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