Australian Honeysuckle Tree, Red Swamp Banksia seeds
Introduction:
(In honour of Sir Joseph Banks who travelled with Capt. Cook) A genus of Australian shrubs and trees, relatives of the South African Proteas; equalling them in the form and splendour of their flowers and perhaps even surpassing them in the beauty of their foliage. The leaves are usually dark green and leathery, clothed underneath with silvery or red-brown down and their margins deeply toothed or spiny. The flowers are arranged in magnificent spikes which can bear more than 1000 flowers in each. Some species have been grown out-of-doors in the mildest parts of the country, but they will do best in a cool greenhouse. However, although Banksias will not stand frost, they resent being coddled and, given perfect drainage, (here we quote a Gardening Dictionary from about 1900) “they are not really difficult to grow.” So, take heart! Surprisingly enough, although the Proteas seem to be enjoying a vogue at the present time, it would appear that Banksia seed is not often offered commercially in this country. The species offered have been specially chosen as being best suited for cultivation in this country. The heights given refer to the size attained in nature.
Description:
Endemic to Western Australia where it is found growing in swamps is this fine species and one that offers great potential for winter hardiness in these Islands. An erect, bushy shrub with whorls of soft narrow leaves, silvery beneath, it bears from summer into autumn noble, five inch, cylindrical spikes of bright red flowers. Definitely a shrub to try both in the conservatory or outside – in bloom you can guarantee more than just the occasional gasp of admiration! Packet of 5 seeds.
Classification:
Greenhouse, Half Hardy, Hardy, Shrub
Price:
£2.84 per packet
Guide prices for information only: Euros: € 3.17 US Dollars: $ 4.35