Banksia ornata

Banksia ornata

Family: Proteaceae

Common names: Desert banksia

It is usually a rounded shrub up to 3 metres high. The leaves are up to 100 mm long and 20 mm wide and are of an elongated wedge shape with serrated edges. The cylindrical flower spikes 50-140 mm long by 60-120 mm wide are yellow or greenish yellow in bud, aging to bronze and, like all banksias, are attractive to honey-eating birds. Flowering occurs in winter and spring. 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