Banksia coccinea - Scarlet Banksia - 5 Seeds

Banksia coccinea, commonly known as the Scarlet Banksia, usually grows as a bushy, well shaped shrub from about 1.5 to 4m in height but can grow taller and is found naturally in south west Western Australia. 
The Scarlet Banksia is a very beautiful plant and arguably the most spectacular of all the Banksia, its dramatic habit and spectacular flowers making it one of Australia's floral icons. 
 
The conspicuous flowers are cylindrical, up to 10cm in height and width in a bright red to dark orange colour and present on terminal stems from late Winter to early Summer.   
Foliage is a medium green, broad and toothed, the flowers are followed by woody cones containing seeds.
 
The plant is does not have a lignotuber and relies on seed for regeneration after fire rather than resprouting from a woody lignotuber or root.
 
Unfortunately this species is particularly prone to the root rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi, which flourishes in areas of Summer rainfall and humidity making cultivation next to impossible on the east coast from Sydney northwards. 
 
Banksia coccinea prefers to grow in Mediterranean climates with hot dry Summers and cool wet Winters and performs best in full sun in sandy, very well drained soils - it has been grown with some success on the sandy soils of the Mornington Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne, as well as in Adelaide.  It can withstand dry conditions but is best described as drought and frost tolerant only once established.
 
The stunning, long lasting flowers make an excellent subject for floral arrangements and are keenly sought by the floristry trade.  They make a very attractive fresh or dried flower arrangement and to meet this worldwide demand, Banksia coccinea is now farmed extensively.
 
Propagation is from seed is straightforward, seed should be sown into a standard seed raising mix and watered as required.  Plant out young seedlings as soon as practical to avoid too much root disturbance.  Plant into well drained soil with an acidic pH of around 6.0 to 6.5.  Phosphorus fertilisers are toxic to the plant so an Australian native fertiliser must be used.
 
5 premium quality seeds shipped on receipt of clear funds.