Banksia spinulosa – Hairpin Banksia

Hairpin Banksia ( Banksia spinulosa ) is an Australian native shrub; that grows along the eastern most parts from the snowy Dandenong Ranges of Victoria; right up to Tropical Cairns, in North Queensland. The plant gets its species name ‘spinulosa’ means ‘small spines’, however this name is a bit misleading, because neither the leaves or flower of this plant are prickly.

Banksia spinulosa can range quite a lot in height depending on the climate it is grown in. Because they have become quite popular, a few low growing cultivars have been developed for smaller gardens; that are neater in appearance. This species is attractive to nectar eating birds and wildlife, as well as beneficial insects and bees.

Growth

The Hairpin Banksia can range in growth from 1-3 metres tall and 1-2 metres wide. Thousands of tiny yellow-orange flowers grow from its flower spike, which looks like a corn cob and are 10-20 cm’s in length. Its flowering period is long, beginning in Autumn and lasting through Spring, which is one of the reasons it is loved by wildlife; there is not a huge number of other species that flower through the Autumn.

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:

2-3 years

GERMINATION RATES:

70-95%

GERMINATION TIME:

4-6 weeks

GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:

Easy-Medium

SEEDS PER GRAM:

Approximately 85

MEDICINAL QUALITIES:

Possibly, were used for this purpose by indigenous Australians.

WEED POTENTIAL:

No

EDIBLE:

No

SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:

Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.

 

FACTS ABOUT BANKSIA SPINULOSA (Hairpin Banksia)

Hairpin Banksia flowers are very attractive to many native birds, possums, and sugar gliders, they are also great as a cut flower.

The Hairpin Banksia can grow in understory shaded areas as well as full sun locations.