Banksia formosa syn Dryandra formosa - Showy Banksia - 5 seeds

Showy Banksia is one of the most spectacular of a magnificent group of native shrubs and is an upright shrub reaching 3 - 4m in height in its native environment.  The flowers which appear in Winter to Spring, are large and golden with a metallic sheen and very conspicuous and like all Banksia and Dryandra flowers, make excellent dried flower arrangements.  It is fast growing, having reached 2m and flowered in two years in cultivation, it is hardy, easily grown, nectar producing, attractive to pollinating birds and insects and wind firm.

Propagation from seed is relatively easy and cuttings are also successful but may not give a high percentage strike.  Seed usually germinates well by conventional sowing methods in seed raising mixes although seedlings may be subject to "damping off".  To minimise this possibility, keep seeds moist but not wet. 
The best time for sowing probably depends on the growers location.  It has been suggested that early Autumn is a good time for most areas but early Spring may be best for areas which experience cold, wet winters. Germination should occur in 21 to 60 days, depending on the species.

Pre-germination of seed by sowing into a closed container containing moist vermiculite or a similar material is also a useful method of germinating seeds, particularly for Winter sowing when outdoor temperatures may be unsuitable.  Germination usually occurs in 2-3 weeks using this method and when the root has reached about 1cm or so in length, the seedling can be placed into a small pot of seed raising mix.

In cultivation all species perform best in well-drained soils and generally resent continually wet soils.  They are suitable for shallow soils over a hard claypan, shallow clay soils can present problems but if garden beds are built up to 300-600mm, greater success is experienced.  Dryandras are generally at their best in open, sunny positions although the plants will tolerate some shade but probably with reduced flowering.

With many different forms, growth habits and flower colours, Dryandras can be used for many different purposes in the garden.  In addition, the flowers of all dryandras produce nectar and are excellent for attracting birds.
 
Like most members of the Proteaceae family, Dryandras have a distinctive root system (proteoid roots) consisting of tight groupings of many small "rootlets".  These are believed to enable the plants to more efficiently take up nutrients from the nutrient-deficient soils where many of the species occur naturally. 
In cultivation this means that the plants can be adversely affected by fertilisers, particularly phosphorus, it is generally recommended that Dryandras and other Proteaceae be fertilised only with low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilisers or not be fertilised at all.
 
Growth is satisfactory on moderately alkaline soils and care is easy as they are hardy and will stand a lot of neglect once established.  They can be pruned for shape where necessary.
 
5 premium quality seeds shipped on receipt of cleared funds.