Banksia ericifolia is another of the Banksias flowering at Wittunga Botanic Gardens at the moment.

Banksia ericifolia (Heath Banksia)

There are a number of quite old plants with thick trunks and leaning branches. Rather attractive. The flowers vary in size from 10-30cm long.

This plant can grow 2-7m high and 1-2.5m wide. It prefers good drainage. It would be a good plant for exposed coastal conditions and for windbreaks and screening. I have seen them in the Eastern states used as a large hedge where that screening effect is desired. It is affected by alkaline soil but could be helped by treating with iron chelates.