Banksia ericifolia Red Rover

Common Name:
Red Rover Banksia

Description:
Banksia ericifolia 'Red Rover' is a compact Australian native shrub renowned for its vibrant, cylindrical flower spikes and fine, needle-like foliage. A dwarf cultivar of the heath-leaved banksia, 'Red Rover' produces striking red-orange to bronze-red flowers up to 25 cm long during autumn and winter, attracting a variety of pollinators including native birds and insects. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and makes it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a feature plant in gardens. 'Red Rover' thrives in full sun to part shade and is well-suited to Melbourne's climate, tolerating a range of soil types provided they are well-drained. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and can withstand coastal conditions and light frosts. Regular pruning after flowering encourages a bushier habit and maintains its compact form. With its brilliant blooms and resilience, 'Red Rover' adds both aesthetic appeal and ecological value to any garden.

Form:
*Shrub - Medium
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
Suitable for Hedging

Mature Size:
*Height: 1.8 to 2 metres
Width: 1.8 to 2 metres

Aspect:
*Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Autumn
Flowers in Winter

Flower Colour:
*Red
*Orange
Bronze

Key Attributes:
*Australian native
*Bird Attracting
*Bee Attracting
*Perennial
*Suitable for Hedging
*Drought Tolerant
*Coastal Tolerant
*Low Maintenance
*Evergreen
Suitable for Cut Flowers

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to humans
Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:
*Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'
*Callistemon 'Little John'
*Westringia fruticosa
*Lomandra longifolia
Leptospermum scoparium