Grevillea banksii: is a member of the Proteaceae family and was named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks.
Grevillea banksii is a native of Queensland and is a variable species. The frequently cultivated form is a tall shrub that will develop into a shapely plant with judicious pruning.
The leaves are about 25 centimetres long and deeply lobed. The upper surface is green and underside grey with silky hairs.
Flower heads are carried on the ends of branches and ten centimetres long. The usual flower colour is brilliant red. There is also a form with white flowers. All forms have a long flowering period.
We recall seeing a red-flowered form of Grevillea banksii growing in a Sydney garden many years ago. This remains the most dramatic Grevillea we have ever seen. The plant was covered in blooms and alive with honeyeaters.
The plant illustrated is growing in one of our gardens and first flowered in the spring of spring 2006. The specimen is a few years old. We hoped that it would have red flowers but are happy with the white bloom. Our honeyeaters are not concerned about the flower colour as they constantly visit the flowers.
There are a number of low growing and prostrate forms.
Grevillea banksii is prone to frost damage. In high altitude gardens the species should be grown in sheltered situations.
Grevillea banksii is one of the parents of many well-known hybrids including the popular Grevillea Robyn Gordon.
Propagate from seed and cuttings.

Plants