Scarlet Banksia

Description

Meet Banksia coccinea, a stunning bright red and silver flowering beauty from Western Australia that's sure to wow your garden! This gorgeous plant grows up to 5m tall as a large shrub or small tree and can thrive in shallow, dense soils. To keep it happy, create raised beds or mounds for better drainage - or grow it in large containers with plenty of room to breathe. Native to south west Western Australia's Sterling Ranges, this plant loves filtered light to full sun, but be prepared for some frost (it'll tolerate a bit, but protection is still a good idea). Don't worry if you live along the east coast - it does well in southern states! To keep your Banksia coccinea looking its best, cut back old flower stems and straggly bits to encourage a bushy habit. Feed it with low phosphorus fertiliser in spring and summer if needed, but don't overdo it!