Banksia occidentalis ( Red Swamp Banksia ) is an Australian native tree that is endemic to the south coast of Western Australia. Red Swamp Banksia is a low-maintenance ornamental that is tolerant of poor soils, and drought. The bright red cylindrical spikes attract birds and bees into the garden while providing a hardy screen or windbreak.
Suitable for Dry, Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
Banksia occidentalis is also commonly known as Waterbush Banksia due to its common occurrence near waterways, creeks and swamps. Red Swamp Banksia is naturally found along the south coast of Western Australia from Augusta to Cape Arid National Park. This versatile species can be found at the edge of swamps but also thriving in soils among coastal dunes,
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Growth
Banksia occidentalis is a small native tree that grows to a maximum height of around 7 metres (22 feet) while spreading to a width no more than 5 metres (16 feet). Like the wide growth range of some other Banksias, some specimens will only reach 2 metres (8 metres) depending on the soil conditions.
The leaves are linear and grow to a length of 13cm (5 inches) with recurved, sparsely serrate margins. Established plants of over five years old produce bright red cylindrical spikes up to 14cm (6 inches) long through all seasons except during Winter. Seeds are inside follicles attached to a woody cone and won’t disperse unless it becomes extremely dry or is burned in a fire.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Proteaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0°C to 40°C / 32 to 104°F.
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil; sandy, loam, clay. Acidic soils are preferred, alkaline soils can cause Chlorosis
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 3 metres commonly (9 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (6 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen shrub
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low – Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees, insects, mammals. Bisexual flowers
MATURITY:
5-6 years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-95%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-6 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy-Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 85
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT BANKSIA OCCIDENTALIS (Red Swamp Banksia)
Banksia occidentalis was part of a 1980 study which showed that it was pollinated by the New Holland Honeyeater and the White-Cheeked Honeyeater.
A unique feature of the Banksia is that fruits aren’t used to attract birds and animals like other plants. Instead, the fruits are produced to protect the seeds from being eaten or damaged by foragers and fires. This is because for many of the Banksia species the fruits will not open until they have been burnt or completely dried out.
The British must have thought the Red Swamp Banksia was a great tree. In 1834, not fifty years since they arrived in Botany Bay, the species had been returned and was being cultivated at Chiswick House in England.
