Care of the shrub Banksia praemorsa or Cut-leaf banksia |
The genus Banksia, a family of the Protaceae, comprises 80 species of trees and shrubs native to Australia. Some species are: Banksia praemorsa, Banksia integrifolia, Banksia aculeata, Banksia attenuata, Banksia victoriae, Banksia coccinea. Common name: Cut-leaf banksia. This species is native to the south coast of Western Australia. They are evergreen shrubs branched from the base that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The bluish-gray leaves are arranged in a rosette and have serrated edges and a well-marked midrib. They produce large flower spikes (up to 30 cm/11.8" tall) with small reddish flowers. They can bloom from winter to early summer. Cut-leaf banksia is used as windbreak screens, in streets and public parks, as isolated specimens in medium-sized gardens or in groups of 3-4 specimens. It's ideal for coastal Mediterranean gardens and for low maintenance gardens. It's also interesting as cut flowers for floral decorations, even their fruits. Banksia praemorsa prefers direct sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. It resists light frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF). Cut-leaf banksia can be grown in any type of soil: poor, clayey, sandy, calcareous, etc. Banksia praemorsa resists drought very well; water moderately while waiting for the substrate to dry. Cut-leaf banksia does not need fertilization. Prune lightly after flowering to remove faded flowers and maintain a compact appearance. Banksia praemorsa is a plant resistant to pests and diseases. Cut-leaf banksia propagates easily by seeds sown in spring in a seedbed with moistened peat and perlite. |
Images of the shrub Banksia praemorsa or Cut-leaf banksia |