Banksia ornata
desert banksia
Overview
Banksia ornata is a bushy evergreen shrub reaching 3-10 feet (0.9-3 m) tall and wide, with rough grey bark and stiff branches. The leaves are narrow and wedge-shaped, 0.8-2 inches (2-5 cm) long, leathery, dark green above and pale beneath, with toothed margins and a blunt or notched tip. Cylindrical flower spikes 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) tall form at the branch ends in autumn and winter, opening from grey-green buds to cream and golden-yellow as the small flowers expand up the spike. After flowering the spikes harden into woody cones studded with seed follicles that mostly stay closed until fire. The shrub is killed by fire and regenerates from seed released afterward. Growth is moderate on sandy soils, and the plant withstands drought, heat, and low-nutrient ground but is sensitive to root rot in wet soil.
Native Range
Native to south-eastern Australia, in the mallee and heath country of western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. Grows on deep, well-drained sandy soils in open scrub and heath with a dry-summer climate.Suggested Uses
Planted in native, coastal, and dry gardens on sandy soils, and in low-water and habitat plantings, spaced 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) apart. The autumn-winter flowers draw nectar birds when little else is in bloom. The woody seed cones are used in dried arrangements and craft.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in autumn and winter, mainly March to August, with cream to golden-yellow spikes opening gradually up the spike. Each spike colours over 3-5 weeks, and a shrub flowers over several weeks. Flowering draws honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds in the cooler months.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to golden-yellowFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in deep, well-drained sandy or gravelly soil low in phosphorus, matching its heathland origin. Water through the first year to establish, after which it tolerates extended summer drought and needs no extra water. Phosphorus-rich fertilisers damage the roots, as with many Proteaceae spp.. Sharp drainage is essential, since the species dies from root rot in heavy or wet soils. Few pests trouble it. The shrub is killed by fire rather than resprouting, so it is renewed from seed.Pruning
Light pruning after flowering keeps the shrub compact and can be taken to just above leafy growth. Cutting back into bare old wood reshoots poorly, so pruning stays on younger stems. Spent flower cones can be left for their form or removed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons