With a naturally low growing habit Banksia blechnifolia is one of the many interesting Banksia species. A natural prostrate habit it has foliage that resembles a fern, hence the name ‘blechnifolia‘ which means, foliage like a blechnum fern.
Reaching a height of around .5 metre and spreading by underground rhizomes it is a species that makes a great ground cover plant and is equally at home when grown in containers.
The foliage is a deep olive green and the flowers are an orange to reddish brown.
This is one of the toughest and cold hardiest of the Western Australia Banksias It is found growing naturally in Southern Western Australia, always in sandy well drained soil and usually in full sun. It also grow well in more humid conditions than many.
How to Grow Banksia blechnifolia.
This is an easy care plant that will respond to mulch and the removal of old dead foliage is the only other real care requirement.
- Choose a position in full sun.
- Make sure the soil drains well.
- Plant and water in well.
- Much lightly around the plant.
- You can fertilise with a low phosphate fertiliser in spring, however do not over fertilise.
- During how dry summers deep watering every few weeks will help promote good growth.
Spacing.
A individual plant will spread to around 80 cm, however it will spread overtime to 3 – 4 metres.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Banksia blechnifolia
- Common Names – Fern Banksia
- Family – Proteacae
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Growth rate : Medium to Fast.
- Foliage – Deep olive green and fern like, new foliage in tinged with pink.
- Flowering Time – Late winter to spring.
- Flowers – A reddish brown to orange, around 20 cm in height.
- Frost tolerance – Medium to light frosts only.
- Drought tolerant – Yes.