Banksia spinulosa x ericifolia 'Bird Song'

Banksia spinulosa x ericifolia 'Bird Song'Description: Banksia Birdsong is a beautiful medium sized hybrid native shrub, combining the fine foliage of Banksia ericifolia with the compact flowering habit of Banksia spinulosa. It produces masses of soft golden orange flower spikes that bloom over a long season, attracting nectar feeding birds and pollinators. Hardy, low maintenance, and eye catching, Birdsong is ideal for feature planting, native garden beds, or informal screening. Flowers:

Description:
Banksia ‘Birdsong’ is a beautiful medium-sized hybrid native shrub, combining the fine foliage of Banksia ericifolia with the compact flowering habit of Banksia spinulosa. It produces masses of soft golden-orange flower spikes that bloom over a long season, attracting nectar-feeding birds and pollinators. Hardy, low-maintenance, and eye-catching, ‘Birdsong’ is ideal for feature planting, native garden beds, or informal screening.

Flowers:
Golden-orange cylindrical flower spikes appear from autumn through to spring, standing upright among the foliage. The flowers are rich in nectar and highly attractive to honeyeaters, bees, and butterflies.

Foliage:
Fine, narrow dark green leaves with a soft texture, offering year-round interest and a dense, bushy form.

Fruit:
Woody cones may develop after flowering and can remain on the plant for several seasons, adding rustic character.

Form & Size:
Medium-sized, upright shrub growing approximately 1.5–2m high and 1.2–1.5m wide.

Growing Conditions:

• Position: Prefers full sun to part shade.

• Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained soils.

• Climate: Suited to a wide range of Australian climates including coastal, temperate, and light frost areas.

• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Requires occasional deep watering in extended dry periods.

Uses:

• Ideal for feature planting, informal screens, and native borders.

• Great for attracting birds and pollinators to the garden.

• Suitable for wildlife-friendly and low-maintenance garden designs.

Maintenance:

• Low-maintenance and easy to grow.

• Light pruning after flowering maintains shape and promotes bushiness.

• Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth.

Notes:

• Fire-retardant qualities make it suitable for bushfire-prone areas.

• Long flowering period provides extended seasonal colour.

• Non-invasive and adaptable to most native landscape designs.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with Grevillea, Callistemon, Lomandra, and Leptospermum for a resilient, colourful native planting palette.

Common Name: Birdsong Banksia
Botanical Name: Banksia spinulosa × ericifolia ‘Birdsong’
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (cultivar hybrid)