Without doubt Banksia coccinea or Scarlet Banksia is one of the most beautiful of all banksias when in full bloom.
The flowers are a brilliant scarlet red, it is sought after for cut flowers and if you can grow it, it is well worth a place e in the garden.
It grows naturally in sandy soils in areas of dry summers, so low humidity is essential.
The flowers appear on terminal spikes and with naturally long stems are ideal as cut flowers.
How to grow Banksia coccinea
You do need very good drainage and low humidity to successful grow the Scarlet banksia. In good conditions this is a fast growing plant.
- Position
Full sun to a little shade in the afternoon. - Soil
Sandy well drained coastal soils are ideal. - Watering
Once established little extra water will be required. During long dry periods, a deep watering once a month should be adequate. - Mulch
A good layer of mulch set back from the base of the plant will help suppress weeds and provide a cool root run. - Propagation
Fairly easy from seed, also possible from cuttings although difficult.
Evergreen, frost tolerant, and drought tolerant, growing well in sandy coastal soil and tolerating windy conditions Banksia coccinea is well worth considering as a flowering feature plant in the garden along with other Banksia species