Banksia occidentalis

Banksia occidentalis

Family: Proteaceae.

Common names: Red Swamp Banksia

It can be found as a small tree to 7 metres or a shrub about 2 metres high. Leaves are linear, 40 to 130 mm long by 2 to 3 mm wide with recurved (rolled under), sparsely serrate margins. The grey-brown bark is smooth with lenticels. Flowering occurs in summer and autumn with occasional flowers at other times.The bright red cylindrical spikes are 40 to 140mm high and 65 to 75mm wide at flowering. Used as a cut flower.

Sowing instructions: Sow seeds 3mm deep. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry. Seeds should germinate in around 21-40 at a soil temperature of 20-25°C. Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle (usually 5-10cm tall).

Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: October 2024