|
|
[2nd Image]
|
 |
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
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.
This information about Banksia speciosa displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
|
| |
|
|
|
