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.
Banksia menziesii – Menzies Banksia
Plant Information
Plant Type - Small tree, Large shrub
Common Name - Banksia
Scientific Name - Banksia menziesii
Family - Proteaceae
Cultivar Name -
Other Common Name -
Minimum Height - 5
Maximum Height - 15
Minimum Width - 5
Maximum Width - 10
Flower Colour - Yellow, Red, Orange, Gold, Brown
Flowering Time - Autumn, Winter
pH Level - Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type - Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Poor soil
Plant Environment - Low maintenance garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant
Climate Zone - Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Cool, Semi-arid
Light - Sunny, Light shade
Growth Habit - Evergreen, Dense foliage, Spreading
Life Span - Perennial
Soil Moisture - Dry, Well-drained
Propagation Method - Seed
Frost Tolerance - Tolerates light frost
Plant Usage - Screen, Windbreak
Special Uses - Cut flower, Decorative fruit
Attracts Wildlife - Nectar eating birds
Angus Cultivar -