Banksia baueri, also known as Woolly Banksia or Possum Banksia, is a striking and fairly rare Banksia species from Western Australia.

Origin

• Endemic to Western Australia, primarily in the southwest around Albany, Esperance, and the Stirling Range.
• Grows naturally in sandy, well-drained soils, often in low scrub and open woodlands.
• Adapted to a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry, warm summers.
• Belongs to the Proteaceae family.

Care

• Grows as a compact, rounded shrub 1 to 2.5 m high and wide.
• Needs full sun for good growth and flowering.
• Plant in very well-drained, acidic to neutral sandy soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Avoid heavy clay and rich compost.
• Highly drought tolerant once established; only water during long dry spells.
• Hardiness: moderate. Tolerates brief light frosts down to about -5 °C. In the UK and Northern Europe, it’s safer to grow it as a container plant and overwinter frost-free (5–10 °C).
• Fertilisation: use only low-phosphorus fertiliser (specifically for Proteaceae or native Australian plants). Too much phosphorus is lethal.
• Pruning: light pruning after flowering to keep the plant compact.
• Extra tip: good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues.

Usage

• Mainly used as an ornamental plant due to its large, woolly, cream to tan flower spikes that resemble powder puffs.
• Attracts many birds (honeyeaters) and bees.
• Suitable for xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, and pots on a sunny terrace.
• Cut flower: the flowers last a long time in a vase.