Banksia - Tough & Tender Winter Colour

The magnificent Banksias are members of the Protea family related to Grevillea and Hakea. They were discovered and named after the great British botanist, Sir Joseph Banks, who first saw them lighting up the Australian bush near Botany Bay in April 1770. Since then 170 species have been discovered. All are exclusively native to Australia.

They range from spreading groundcovers only 1 metre/3.3ft high to 30 metre/100ft giants. Most species grow in the 4-9m/13.2-30ft range. Many Banksias are relatively dense and oval-shaped in habit, some are more upright, open and branching. These are bold and handsome evergreen shrubs and trees. Leaves are leathery, long and simple, often with prominent teeth. Banksias thrive in dry, hot climates and many are semi-desert natives.