Banksia ericifolia and Banksia integrifolia are two of the five species of the genus Banksia present in the new Sala Graupera catalog and are characterized by their bright colored flowering that takes place in this winter season.
These shrubs that naturally inhabit the southeast coast of Australia, belong to the Proteaceae family, and are fundamental plants in the country's shrublands, as the flowers produce large amounts of nectar that attract many birds and small mammals that feed on them. And they are also one of the most popular garden plants in the country for their unique flowers and fruiting cones.
The name of this genus is due to the English botanist and naturalist Sir Joseph Banks, who collected the first specimens of banksia in 1770, during James Cook's first expedition to Australia.
B. ericifolia and B. integrifolia have a compact habit and reach a height of 300-400 cm and 100-150 cm in width. The flower heads are composed of hundreds of tiny individual flowers grouped in pairs. The color of the same generally ranges between yellow and red. While the fruits (called follicles) are hard and woody and form conical groupings. The fruits protect the seeds from animals and fire, in fact in many species the fruits will not open until they are burned or completely dry.
Banksia ericifolia, is the most colorful of the eastern species with its reddish-orange flowers in contrast with the small leaves, of light green somewhat grayish color. The cylindrical inflorescences are quite large having 4-6 cm wide and up to 30 cm long. The flowers open from the top down. Flowering occurs over an extended period that begins in November and continues until early March.
Banksia integrifolia or coastal banksia is one of the hardiest species, it has dark green leaves with the underside of silver color and its flowering period is very similar to the previous one.
The cultivation of both species is quite adaptable, although they grow better in well-drained soils and in a sunny location. And they tolerate moderate frosts down to -5ºC.
These Banksias of the eastern coast do not show a tendency to suffer pests or diseases, and are more resistant to root rot than species native to western Australia. But even so, generally, these shrubs do not grow well in areas with high humidity and rainfall during the summer season.
Iron deficiency however, is common in B. ericifolia when planted in soils with a high pH or when growing near building foundations. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in acidic soils or, alternatively, the application of pH correctors. It is also important to avoid fertilizers with a high phosphorus content.
Banksias are very interesting ornamental plants for coastal environments and low maintenance gardening thanks to their resistance to salinity, sea breeze, their tolerance to lack of water and the few maintenance tasks they require.
A banksia alone can be a surprising specimen and function as a focal point in the garden. While one or more species can be used for an informal hedge, as a screen or grouped, creating with their different foliages a very interesting effect. They work well accompanied by other plants of the genus _[Callistemon](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/category/callistemon-myrtaceae-3)_ and _[Melaleuca](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/category/melaleuca-myrtaceae-3),_ as well as by other species native to Australia, which are also found in the Sala Graupera catalog.