Banksia ericifolia compact form -- HEATH LEAVED BANKSIA --

This outstanding form grows to 4-6' tall by 6-8' wide in a reasonable amount of time. Pliant, dark green, rolled needle-like leaves grow to only 1/2" long, and are light beneath. They are densely packed along the slender twigs. Perfect, cone-like spikes open to bottlebrush-like flower clusters, to 10" tall, composed of hard, wiry, shiny orange red flower styles and dark golden anthers. This greatly improved selection has yearly growth only about half as tall and open as the regular species form, which means the flowers are much more conspicuously displayed. The flowering period is also longer than the type form, occurring intermittently from fall through spring, at the junction of branches produced the preceding year or two. The dried flower heads remain on the plant and are attractive for about a season after bloom. Several flowers will usually be pollinated in each spike, resulting in interesting swollen seeds which are retained for years. This is one of the most adaptable Banksias, and probably the most forgiving to grow along with the showy B. spinulosa and a number of large, leafy, not very showy Eastern species. It needs average to good drainage and occasional summer watering. It survived 25°F without damage, and should survive 20°F. Eastern Australia. Proteaceae. rev 7/2005

However if the pot is too big, the soil can remain too wet and the mix can get a bit sour. It is best to increase the size of the pot gradually as it grows. Remember Banksias like an acid (low pH) soil. Good luck.

I'll be sure to find an appropriate size pot, one not too big. It's currently in a 5 gallon pot and the plant itself is close to 4'. I'll make sure the potting medium guarantees good drainage. Very low P fertilizers are uncommon here, so I'll probably create my own organic mix.

Cheers,

Kevin