Banksia Ericifolia Red Alert

Banksia Ericifolia Red Alert is a compact Australian native shrub prized for its striking red to orange-red flower spikes, fine foliage and dense upright growth. Its bold winter colour and manageable size make it an excellent choice for native gardens, screening, low hedges, feature planting and large containers.

Growth:

Banksia Red Alert typically grows approximately 2.5 metres high and 2 metres wide, forming a dense, upright evergreen shrub. It can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning and responds well to shaping after flowering.

Light Requirements:

Plant in full sun to part shade. Full sun will generally encourage the strongest growth and best flowering display.

Soil Requirements:

Red Alert prefers free-draining soil and performs particularly well in sandy to loamy soils. It is well suited to coastal conditions but should not be planted where the root zone remains waterlogged for extended periods.

Water Requirements:

Water regularly during establishment to develop a strong root system. Once established, watering requirements are relatively low, although occasional deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions will help maintain healthy growth.

Frost Tolerance:

Banksia Ericifolia has good tolerance of light to moderate frost once established. Young plants should be protected from severe frost while becoming established.

Drought Tolerance:

Once established, Banksia Red Alert has good drought tolerance. It performs best with occasional supplementary watering during extended periods of extreme heat or dry weather.

Flowering Information:

Large, prominent red to orange-red flower cones are produced from winter into spring, creating a striking display against the fine green foliage. The nectar-rich flowers attract native birds, bees and other beneficial pollinators and can also be used as cut flowers.

Spacing Requirements:

Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 metres between plants when growing as individual shrubs. Closer spacing can be used where a denser hedge or screen is desired.

Fertiliser Requirements:

Apply a slow-release fertiliser formulated for Australian native plants during the growing season. Avoid fertilisers containing high levels of phosphorus, as Banksias are sensitive to excessive phosphorus.

Care and Maintenance:

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape and control size. Remove spent flower heads if desired and maintain mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, keeping mulch clear of the main stems.