Grevillea banksii – Best Backyard Native
Recently Don looked at one of the most important grevilleas of all time, Grevillea banksii. This grevillea is considered to be important as it has been used as a parent of many popular grevilleas.
There are three forms of this species found in the wild. They range in size from a low ground cover plant through to a small tree. The one shown on the segment was a tree form often sold in nurseries as ‘Forsteri’.
Details
Botanical name: Grevillea banksii
Description: There are several forms of this plant many with different flower colours, including a low prostrate form and cream-flowered varieties, but the one featured on ‘Burke’s Backyard’ was the taller growing specimen. This form of Grevillea banksii is a tall, open shrub with dark green divided leaves and deep red flowers which are highly attractive to birds. This native can develop furrowed bark and can grow to 9m (25-30′) tall in the right conditions. It flowers throughout spring.
Background: Grevillea banksii was named after the botanist Sir Joseph Banks and it is the parent of many well-known grevilleas such as ‘Robyn Gordon’, ‘Superb’, ‘Coconut Ice’, ‘Claire Dee’ and ‘Misty Pink’.
Uses
- as a specimen shrub
- for the red flowers which are highly bird attracting
- good for hedging
- suitable for coastal soils
- useful for stabilising embankments or slopes
Likes
- a sunny position
- well drained soils
Dislikes
- severe frosts
- be careful not too overfertilise
Climate (see climate map):
Suited to gardens throughout much of the warmer parts of Australia. Not recommended for very cold locations such as mountain districts.
Availability
Grevillea banksii and its cultivars are available at many garden centres particularly those specialising in native plants including:
New South Wales
Annangrove Grevilleas Native Nursery
98 Annangrove Road
Kenthurst 2156
Phone: (02) 9654 1380
Wirreanda Nursery
169 Wirreanda Road
Ingleside 2101
Phone: (02) 9450 1400
Queensland
Fairhill Native Nursery
Fairhill Road
Yandina, 4561
Phone: (07) 5446 7088
There is a comprehensive colour catalogue available from the nursery for $16 (including postage). The nursery, through its catalogue also offers a mail order service.
Victoria
Kuranga Native Nursery
393 Maroondah Highway
Ringwood 3134
Phone: (03) 9879 4076
Western Australia
Zanthorrea Nursery
155 Watsonia Road
Maida Vale 6057
Phone: (08) 9454 6260
