General Description:

Banksia is a large genus of about 170 species in the Protea family, having been increased in size through the transfer of species in the former genus Dryandra to Banksia (see footnote box). The genus is almost exclusively Australian, being found in all States and Territories. A single species (B.dentata) is found in islands to Australia's north as well as in tropical Australia.

Banksia gardneri is one of several Western species with a prostrate habit of growth. Similar species are B.blechnifolia, B.petiolaris, B.chamaephyton and B.repens.

Banksia gardneri was previously known as B.prostrata. There are three recognised varieties; var.gardneri, var.brevidentata and var.hiemalis. The differences between the varieties are based on variations in foliage and flowers:

• var.gardneri…Leaves deeply lobed, deep green in colour. Flowers in spring with rusty coloured inflorescences.
• var.brevidentata…Leaves with toothed margins. Flowers in winter with rusty coloured inflorescences.
• var.hiemalis…Leaves deeply lobed, pale green in colour. Flowers in winter with pink inflorescences.

All varieties of B.gardneri are slow growing and may eventually reach a diameter of about 2 metres. The branches are horizontal and may be just below ground level giving the plant the appearance of flower spikes growing directly out of the ground.

The flower spikes are up to 100mm long by about 60mm diameter. The seeds are enclosed in follicles attached to a woody cone and are generally retained within the cone until burnt. Like many others in the genus, B.gardneri is a lignotuberous species (it has a woody structure at or below ground level from which regeneration of the plant occurs following fire).

B.gardneri is one of the few western banksias which can be grown with some success in areas of summer rainfall. Plants have succeeded in well drained, sunny positions and they make an excellent feature plant for small gardens.

Propagation from seed is relatively easy but cuttings may be difficult to strike.