Banksia ericifolia ‘Little Eric’, commonly known as Little Eric Banksia, is a compact Australian native shrub valued for its vibrant winter flowers, dense evergreen foliage, and naturally bushy growth habit. This smaller-growing selection of Heath Banksia produces striking cylindrical flower spikes with brilliant orange blooms and deep crimson to maroon styles, creating a spectacular display that adds colour to the garden during the cooler months.
Derived from Banksia ericifolia, a species native to the coastal heathlands of eastern Australia, ‘Little Eric’ thrives in well-drained soils and performs best in a full sun position. Flowering from winter through to spring, its nectar-rich blooms attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, while its dense foliage provides valuable shelter for small birds and other garden wildlife.
Reaching approximately 1.5–2 metres in height and around 1.5 metres wide, ‘Little Eric’ is well suited to native gardens, coastal landscapes, wildlife gardens, and feature plantings where a more compact banksia is desired. It responds well to light pruning after flowering, which encourages a dense, tidy habit and prolific flowering in future seasons. Once established, it is drought tolerant and relatively low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a colourful, bird-attracting native shrub with year-round appeal.
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With dense foliage it provides a habitat for smaller birds and will attract t honey eating birds and insects to the garden when in flower.
How to Grow Banksia ericifolia ‘Little Eric’
Choose a position with a well drained soil and full sun.
- Prepare soil by adding extra drainage material if needed.
- Plant at the same height as in the pot.
- Water in well
- Mulch around the plant to help suppress weeds.
- Water during long periods over the first summer.
Fertiliser
In a good soil this is not a plant that requires a lot of extra fertiliser. In poor soils, use a specialist native plant fertiliser (low phosphorus)
Pruning
Best pruned immediately after flowering or in autumn.
Garden Uses
This is a very generous flowering banksia, smaller growing than the Banksia ericifolia species itself but still with a wonderful display of flowers.
- Use it in the garden border amonst other native plants.
- It is suited to grow a low hedge or screen along a pathway or fence.
- As it is natural lower growing you can grow this one in a container in a sunny courtyard.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Banksia ericifolia ‘Little Eric’
- Common Names – Banksia ‘Little Eric’
- Position – Full Sun
- Soil – Well drained, slightly acidic.
- Height – To 2 around metres in height.
- Spread – To 2 around metres.
- Flowers – Large orange to red.
- Flowering time – From spring through summer into autumn.
- Foliage – Dense, mid to deep green.
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established.
More Banksia Varieties
