Banksia ericifolia 'Red Rover'

Banksia ericifolia 'Red Rover'Description: Banksia ericifolia Red Rover is a compact and vibrant form of the popular heath leaved banksia, selected for its stunning red orange flower spikes and dense, upright growth habit. This striking Australian native shrub adds bold seasonal colour, fine evergreen foliage, and strong bird attracting features to the garden. Perfect for screening, borders, or as a standout feature in native and low maintenance landscapes. Flowers: Brilliant red

Description:
Banksia ericifolia ‘Red Rover’ is a compact and vibrant form of the popular heath-leaved banksia, selected for its stunning red-orange flower spikes and dense, upright growth habit. This striking Australian native shrub adds bold seasonal colour, fine evergreen foliage, and strong bird-attracting features to the garden. Perfect for screening, borders, or as a standout feature in native and low-maintenance landscapes.

Flowers:
Brilliant red to orange cylindrical flower spikes bloom from autumn through spring, providing months of colour and nectar. The flowers are rich in nectar and highly attractive to honeyeaters, bees, and other pollinators.

Foliage:
Fine, needle-like green foliage covers the plant densely, giving it a soft texture and excellent screening ability. New growth may emerge with a bronze tinge, adding subtle contrast.

Fruit:
Woody seed cones may develop after flowering and remain on the plant, contributing to its rustic, native appeal.

Form & Size:
Medium-sized shrub with a bushy, upright form, growing approximately 1.5–2.5m high and 1.5–2m wide.

Growing Conditions:

• Position: Prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade.

• Soil: Requires well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils. Avoid heavy or poorly drained soils.

• Climate: Hardy to coastal, temperate, and light frost conditions.

• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells for best performance.

Uses:

• Ideal for screening, hedging, or feature planting.

• Great for native and wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Suitable for coastal gardens, fire-retardant landscapes, and large pots.

Maintenance:

• Very low-maintenance and reliable.

• Light pruning after flowering maintains shape and promotes dense growth.

• Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring if needed.

Notes:

• Excellent for attracting birds and beneficial insects.

• Fire-retardant and suitable for bushfire-prone areas.

• Provides year-round structure with a long flowering season.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with Grevillea, Callistemon, Lomandra, and Leptospermum for a vibrant, layered native garden.

Common Name: Red Rover Banksia
Botanical Name: Banksia ericifolia ‘Red Rover’
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (cultivar of B. ericifolia)