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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Giant Candles Banksia performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
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. Once established, 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 easier irrigation and care, group Giant Candles Banksia with species that also favour low water use and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. 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. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
