Description
Regarded as one of the best low growing or Dwarf Banksias, ‘Birdsong’ is hybrid between B. spinulosa and B. ericifolia.
Attractive golden coloured flowers age to a mid orange to red. These classic candle like flowers appear from autumn through winter. The foliage is a mid to deep green, very fine and naturally dense.
How To Grow Banksia Birdsong
This is a low growing type so plant it near the frony of the garden border and avoid overshadowing with taller plants.
You can also grow this lovely little plant in containers on a patio or in a sunny position in a courtyard.
- Choose a sunny position.
- Ensure the soil is well drained. Add extra drainage material or plant on a raised section in poorly drained soils.
- Wedd the area well before planting.
- Plant and water in.
- Mulch around the plant to help suppress weeds and naintain a cool root run.
- Water regularly through the first summer summer during dry conditions.
- Fertilise with an Australian Native plant fertiliser once a year.
Top Tips
- Avoid wet soggy soils, build up, the garden bed if needed to help improve drainage.
- Plant Banksia Birdsong in a position where good air flow is available. Humid conditions are not suitable.
- Plant in full sun to promote the best possible flowers.
- Use a low phosphate fertiliser as Banksia Birdsong is sensitive to phosphates.
Pruning Banksia Birdsong
The best time prune is immediately after flowering. Remember that Banksia species flower on old wood so hard pruning may give you a more compact plant but you may also loose next seasons flowers.
Reguar pruning is the best way to maintain a compact growth habit.
Landscaping Uses
- Use as a low growing ground cover plant in the garden border.
- Grow Birdsong in a container on a patio or in a courtyard.
- Use in open areas of coastal gardens.
- Suited for use around outdoor entertaining areas and swimming pools as it creates very little litter.
Banksia ‘Birdsong’ Summary Sheet
- Botanical Name: Banksia hybrida ‘Birdsong’
- Height: Up to 2 metres, often more compact in habit
- Width: Approximately 2 metres wide
- Flowering Season: Autumn through to winter
- Flower Description: Upright, cylindrical flower spikes ranging in colour from golden yellow to deep orange-gold
- Foliage: Evergreen with fine, dense leaves providing a lush appearance
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun positions
- Fertilising: Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertiliser designed for native plants in spring
- Frost Tolerance: Handles light frosts
- Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established