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. A popular plant with florists as both the flowers and foliage are useful in large arrangements.

Banksia speciosa 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. We grew this interesting and attractive plant from 1992 until we closed the nursery in 2025 

Information displayed on this page about Banksia speciosa is based on our research conducted about this plant in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about it as it has grown in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.