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Banksia sphaerocarpa - Fox banksia
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Banksia sphaerocarpa - Fox banksia
An elegant ornamental small to medium shrub, with long needle-like leaves and gorgeous yellow to orange ball-shaped flowers. It is quite a variable species, with a number of distinct varieties.
It makes a wonderful container plant, and is also useful as a low windbreak or screen. Tolerant of dry periods once established, it also handles some coastal exposure.
They need free draining, ideally sandy, soils and a sunny aspect. Susceptible to cinnamon fungus in areas with humid summers, ideal for the Mediterranean climate. Banksias are phosphorus sensitive, so a good native fertiliser is best when it comes to feeding time.