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  Banksia menziesii - banksia

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  Banksia menziesii

The Firewood Banksia grows to a large shrub or small tree, and is a stunning ornamental for the garden with its large flower heads, commonly grown as a cut flower. The flower colour can vary, but is mostly red or orange brown.
The flowers attract nectar eating birds, particularly honeyeaters, and the plant can be used as a windbreak in the garden.
Needs a well drained soil, and can be difficult to cultivate on the east coast where summers are humid, as it is susceptible to dieback caused by the soil-borne water mould, Phytophthora cinnamoni. Banksias are phosphorus sensitive, so a good native fertiliser is best when it comes to feeding time.