Banksia

Banksia is one of the most interesting species of exotic dried flowers. 

Banksia

Banksia (Banksia) is an evergreen shrub included in the silverside family. The genus includes more than 180 species found in Australia and New Zealand. It mainly inhabits the south-western areas of the continent. Banksia is classified as a pyrophyte, meaning that the seeds are released when exposed to very high temperatures - usually in a bushfire. Outside Australia, the plant is only found in cultivated form. Dried banksia flowers are also prized around the world, making beautiful additions to bouquets and arousing interest among craft enthusiasts.

What does Banksia look like?

In the wild, banksia grows to a height of about 5-10 m, although it sometimes grows up to 15 m. It develops lanceolate, toothed leaves, usually forming dense thickets. The most recognisable and also showy part of the plant are its colourful, small flowers gathered in inflorescences that take on a cylindrical shape. They are pollinated by birds or bagworms. They are distinguished by their long pistils and stamens, making them resemble bottlebrushes. The inflorescences are supported on irregular, woody stems. After flowering, they develop into bellows, which in turn can be associated with the cone. Under natural conditions, the banksias can take on a variety of colours - red, pink, yellow or bright orange. When dried, the inflorescences take on a brown tinge.

Banksia under natural conditions and in cultivation

Banksias are endemic species that do not occur under natural conditions outside their native Australia. Their name is derived from Joseph Banks, a British biologist and botanist who arrived on the continent with Captain James Cook. The peculiar conditions needed for banksias to thrive, particularly their high need for light, mean that in other regions of the world these plants are only found as cultivated species.

However, it should be remembered that growing banksia is a huge challenge even for experienced gardeners. In Poland, the plant can only be grown in pots. In order for it to gain the right conditions for growth, it must be given constant access to light. In winter, the banksia should be illuminated by means of special lamps. It is also worth remembering that during the growing period the plant should be placed in a room where the temperature does not exceed 10 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, its growth will be completely stunted in spring. Until the banksia reaches a height of about 1 m, it should be repotted every 12 months. In doing so, the plant is not resistant to diseases caused by fungi and to chlorosis.

Use of banksia

Banksia is Australia's national pride for a reason. It is a unique plant whose flowers inspire admiration, not only among florists. At the same time, it is worth remembering that they are honey-giving. As a result, years ago they were prized by the Aborigines, who extracted their nectar and made sweet drinks from it. Today, banksias are a source of food for birds, bats, possums, bees and other Australian animals that feed on their nectar.

Outside their native continent, banksia flowers are widely used in floristry. They are excellent as a leading element in dried compositions. They are added to bouquets of live flowers. They appear more and more frequently in wedding arrangements. Their subdued colouring makes them fit in well with any colour scheme of the composition. They also look beautiful solo. Single sprigs placed in a vase can become a perfect decoration for modern interiors. Dried banksia is a great decorative element for events with an exotic theme. Nothing prevents you from giving them as a gift to someone who appreciates original floral decorations.

Dried banksia at Blosmi

In Blosmi, single branches of banksia topped with a single flower can be found. Their height varies between 20 and 40 cm, while their weight does not exceed 25 g. All plants are carefully packaged and protected for transport.