A large vigorous banksia hybrid producing enormous orange-bronze flower spikes up to 40cm long through autumn and winter. A dramatic bird-attracting feature and bold cut flower.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Giant Candles Banksia
Botanically, Banksia 'Giant Candles' is a moderate-growing shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 4 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Orange flowers appear in autumn and winter.
Where to grow Giant Candles Banksia
Giant Candles Banksia suits warm-temperate, subtropical and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Giant Candles Banksia does best in sandy, free-draining and acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Giant Candles Banksia is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Giant Candles Banksia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Giant Candles Banksia in the garden
Giant Candles Banksia earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a feature or specimen planting, cut flowers for the vase and a fast screen or informal hedge.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Giant Candles Banksia with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Giant Candles Banksia
Plant Sale lists Giant Candles Banksia as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.