Overview
Banksia ericifolia is a bushy shrubs in the genus Banksia, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Banksia ericifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include specimen plant and coastal gardens.
About
Banksia ericifolia, the heath-leaved banksia, or lantern banksia, is a species of woody shrub of the family Proteaceae native to Australia. It grows in two separate regions of Central and Northern New South Wales east of the Great Dividing Range. Well known for its orange or red autumn inflorescences, which contrast with its green fine-leaved heath-like foliage, it is a medium to large shrub that can reach 6 m (20 ft) high and wide, though is usually half that size. In exposed heathlands and coastal areas, it is more often 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft). Mature plants reach roughly 4-8 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Banksia ericifolia
About the genus
Banksia is a genus of around 170 species of flowering plants in the family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes, and woody fruiting "cones" and heads. Banksias range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall.
Wikipedia contributors, "Banksia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Banksia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Banksia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Banksia ericifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, Coastal gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Banksia ericifolia
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Banksia ericifolia?
Banksia ericifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Banksia ericifolia need?
Banksia ericifolia grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Banksia ericifolia grow?
Banksia ericifolia reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Banksia ericifolia hardy in the UK?
Banksia ericifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Banksia ericifolia?
Seed, Cuttings.
More in the Banksia genus
Browse all Banksia →Last updated