Banksia menziesii

flame banksia
Menzies’s banksia sports white and pink flower clusters at branch tips. Shrub to small tree that prefers sandy soils, low water.
Banksia menziesiiBanksia menziesiiBanksia menziesii
height 8–15
width 6–12ft
tolerates Coast, Drought, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Banksia are from mediterranean climates of Australia and adapt well to California, particularly along the coast. They appreciate good drainage, but are somewhat adaptable to heavier soil as long as watering is infrequent (once established) and they are in a sunny spot. Once established they will grow and look their best with deep watering every other week to once a month during summer. If they have sharp drainage they will tolerate even more water.
hardy
to		 25F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Bloodmeal, Fish Emulsion, Low Needs, No Phosphorus
origin W Australia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 14–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

This banksia has a thick bushy form, but can be kept smaller by pruning. It has evolved a thick taproot known as a lignotuber, this evolutionary advantage allows it to regrow from wildfire. As such it’s a great choice for high fire areas and also for a very hard pruning, best done in the fall. Alternatively, you can prune off the lower branches to force this plant into a more sprawling treelike form.

Special Interest

Long lasting cut flowers are followed by decorative cones.

The common name flame banksia is attributed to both the colorful flowers and the combustibility of the plant in Australian bush fires.