Banksia

Banksia plant - family. Proteaceae.

Origin. South Western Australia.

Description. Banksia is a tree or large evergreen bushy shrub with smooth leaves. The leaves vary greatly between species, sizes vary from narrow and long to very large, up to 45 centimeters long, the shape of the leaf blade can also be linear, reverse ovoid. The leaves of most species have serrated edges, grayish-green above, silver below, arranged spirally, alternately, or in whorls. An elongated dense inflorescence 10 - 30 cm long, vertical, has a cylindrical shape and consists of many small flowers.

One flower stalk usually contains several hundred or even thousands of yellow, orange, red, pink or even purple flowers. Flowers open from top to bottom in order. Despite the large number of flowers in an inflorescence, only a few of them will ever bear fruit. Some species have leaves with wavy edges.

Height. 4 - 25 meters in nature.

Care

Temperature

The optimal temperature range is from 18 to 25 ° C; it is worth providing coolness in winter with a temperature of 5 to 10 ° C. 

Banksia propagation 

Easily propagated by seeds. In the natural environment, capsules containing seeds open only after a fire - after exposure to high temperatures, therefore, before planting, the fruits are heated in the oven at a temperature of 120 - 140 ° C for about an hour. Seeds are sown in moisture-permeable soil and maintained at constant moisture. The soil is made up of equal parts of river sand, loam and leaf humus (or peat). It reproduces well by apical cuttings.

How to care 

Plants do not tolerate pruning well; it is advisable to do it only at a very early age. Mature plants may die after pruning.

Lighting

Choose the brightest place for the flower - even in direct sunlight, if you provide sufficient watering.

When it blooms 

Flowering continues over a long period from early spring to autumn.

Soil for banksia

Well-drained, neutral or acidic soils, low in phosphates and nitrates, tolerate even the poorest sandy soils.

Feeding

Only low phosphorus fertilizers should be used. Feed during the period of active growth once a month. 

Purpose

Cone flowers are good for cutting fresh and as dried flowers.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements, but it is better to spray periodically.

Soil moisture

Watering is frequent and plentiful in the warm season, reduce in autumn and winter.

Transfer

Young plants are placed in a larger pot every year after flowering in the spring, adults - once every 2 - 3 years. 

Pests and diseases

Root rot occurs when water stagnates at the roots of an otherwise fairly resilient plant. Pests visit this flower extremely rarely.

Note

Banksia is an impressive plant and requires a spacious and bright room to grow it.

Varieties:

Banksia hookeriana

An evergreen shrub up to 4 m high with dark green, long, narrow, serrated leaves 5 - 15 cm long. The leaves are arranged alternately, the leaf blades are directed upward. The central vein is highlighted in a lighter shade. The apical inflorescences are yellow or orange and are often used by florists as spectacular dried flowers.

Banksia prionotes

In their natural habitat, these plants can reach a height of 10 m and are attractive flowering trees with a spreading, luxurious crown. The leaves are dark green, long, narrow, with a jagged edge, reaching 15 - 30 cm. Bright orange or light brown inflorescences consist of several hundred small flowers, opening sequentially - from the base of the inflorescence to its apex. 

Banksia brownii

Flowering, abundantly branched shrubs up to 2 m high. The leaves are complex, narrow, reach a length of 3 - 10 cm and consist of many dark green, glossy, needle-shaped or triangular segments. The lower surface of the leaves is painted in a lighter shade. Large apical inflorescences - cylindrical cones consist of numerous small flowers, painted in orange, yellow, red, pink or burgundy shades. 

Banksia paludosa

Evergreen spreading shrubs, which in their natural habitat can reach a height of 1.5 to 5 m. The leaves are green or bluish-green, oblong-oval, on short petioles. The leaf blades reach a length of 4 - 12 cm and have large denticles along the edge. The lower surface of the leaves is painted a light, almost white shade. The inflorescences are cylindrical, large, brownish-orange or yellow.