This interesting low growing Banksia species has foliage that resembles a fern, hence the name Banksia blechnifolia, (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 relish brown.
It is found growing naturally in Southern Western Australia, always in sandy well drained soil and usually in full sun.
How to Grow.
- 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.
- Foliage – Deep olive green and fern like, new foliage in tinged with pink.
- Flowering Time – Late winter to spring.
- Frost tolerance – light frosts only.
- Drought tolerant – Yes.