My bad-ass banksia...

This is my Banksia ericifolia, it's bad-ass.

This is what's left of a flower spike from last spring. When I bought it it was in full glorious bloom. The remains aren't half back either, especially when you consider they're 5 months old.

But that's not why it's bad-ass. This is...

And this! Yes it has the beginnings of two more bloom spikes, I am thrilled.

Baksia are members of the Proteaceae family and as such have a bit of a reputation for not being the easiest plants to keep happy in a container. Thus the fact it's still alive, putting out new growth, and fixing to bloom, well it's very good news.

Here's an interesting tidbit for you..."Banksia ericifolia was one of the original Banksia species collected by Joseph Banks around Botany Bay in 1770 and was named by Carl Linnaeus the Younger, son of Carolus Linnaeus, in 1782." (source) If you're as wild as I am about Australian plants you should be reading the blog Crumbs - the author, Amy, recently visited Kings Park Botanic Gardens and her photos are a treat for the eyes.

Since we're talking banksia I thought I'd share my others, kind of a family album. This is Banksia marginata, it's actually my second marginata as the one I was growing died last winter (it's the only banksia I've planted in the ground). In all fairness that one may have come back from the roots had I waited, but I was too impatient. I think I've got this one planted in a better (more protected) spot.

Banksia serrata (yes, with the serrated leaves) and Adenanthos sericeus (coastal woollybush, with the tiny red flower) on the right. The woollybush is also in the Proteaceae family.

Banksia grandis. This one suffered a little die-back earlier in the summer. It seems to be on the rebound.

Banksia blechnifolia, I've posted about this one before, when it was a featured favorite.

It's just amazing.

Switching gears a bit (but staying with the Proteaceae) here's a new flower developing on the Grevillea 'Peaches and Cream'...

And an older flower, falling apart.

This is the plant. It's hard to get a good photo of it because it's so large and airy. It's growing in the big black pot in the center (it's not hardy here) and then fans out to the full width of the image and beyond. This plant has been in full flower most of the summer. I thought it was done but several new flowers are forming.

Another Grevillea, G. 'Superb'...it's also currently in between flowers otherwise I'd share one.

And let's not forget the Leucadendrons: L. 'Ebony'

Leucadendron 'Wilson's Wonder'

And finally, Leucadendron argenteum. Which, while taking this photo, I realized I hadn't watered for a week. Not good when it's in full sun in a small container. I'd better go do a little watering now...

All material © 2009-2014 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.