Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' (Australian honeysuckle 'Birthday Candles') — Bushy

Overview

Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Banksia, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, banks and slopes, conservatory and greenhouse and ground cover.

About

Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' (Australian honeysuckle) is a bushy evergreen shrub from the Proteaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This drought-resistant cultivar thrives in full sun with a south or west-facing aspect and prefers sheltered positions. It grows best in well-drained loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH. Notable for its winter season interest, it is a compact and hardy choice for suitable gardens.

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.

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: H1a

Plant details

Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to full height: 5-10 years
Suggested uses: Gravel garden, Rock garden, Banks and slopes, Conservatory and greenhouse, Ground cover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles'

Propagation: Seed sown singly in small containers at 18°C in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Pest resistance: Generally problem free
Disease resistance: Phytophthora root rot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles'?

Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' need?

Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How big does Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' grow?

Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.

Is Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' hardy in the UK?

Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.