Prostrate coastal banksia (forum)

Yum yumm starts with ...
Please help.
We planted 7 coastal banksias prostrate varieties 2 years ago. They face south west. They have shade and some competition with roots from a large bottlebrush.
Problem is no brush flowers. They have grown well chasing the sun, however the roots and the original stems don't get much sun at all.
I have heard that they are not happy to be moved.
What do readers think we should about them.
Also what could we do to improve the chance of 'flowers'. What fertiliser could we give them and how much water? Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks,

Time: 27th October 2016 12:46pm

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Everton Hills
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Pademelon1 says...
Hi Yum,

Banksia Integrifolia will not flower within the first 3 years, and generally takes much longer (I'd say maybe 5-6 years). This is because the flowers develop on old growth nodes.
In regards to fertiliser, Banksia's don't especially need them, but if you want to enhance growth and flowering, a slow release, LOW phosphorus fertiliser is best. these are generally just labelled as native fertilisers.

As long as the new growth is reaching the light, the plant should be able to flower. You are also correct in that they hate being moved. They are very hardy and can handle damage to the roots, but moving them will significantly damage the plant. Water-wise, they prefer more water than less, but will survive in dry environments well. It is a very hardy tree. The bottlebrush may or may not negatively influence the banksias depending on proximity of plants and how enclosed the soil area is (e.g. a pot vs. a field).

Hope this helps,
Pademelon1

Time: 31st October 2016 3:19pm

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PADDINGTON,2021,NSW
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Yum yumm says...
Thanks for your excellent information Pademelon1. I really appreciate it and now know what to do with my banksias. Ie leave them alone and wait for a few years to see flowers plus water more.
Thanks again,
Yum yumm

Time: 1st November 2016 12:09pm

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Everton Hills
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Posts: 4
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