Care of the shrub Banksia praemorsa or Cut-leaf banksia |
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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. They are used as windbreak screens, in streets and public parks, as isolated specimens in medium-sized gardens or in groups of 3-4 specimens. They are ideal for coastal Mediterranean gardens and for low maintenance gardens. They are also interesting as cut flowers for floral decorations, even their fruits. Banksia praemorsa prefers direct sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. They resist light frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF). They can be grown in any type of soil: poor, clayey, sandy, calcareous, etc. They resist drought very well; water moderately while waiting for the substrate to dry. They do not need fertilization. Prune lightly after flowering to remove faded flowers and maintain a compact appearance. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases. They propagate easily by seeds sown in spring in a seedbed with moistened peat and perlite. |
Images of the shrub Banksia praemorsa or Cut-leaf banksia |
 Banksia praemorsa  Banksia praemorsa  Banksia praemorsa  Banksia praemorsa  Banksia praemorsa  Banksia praemorsa  Banksia praemorsa |