Banksia praemorsa 'Red Dawn'

Common Name:
Banksia 'Red Dawn'

Description:
Banksia praemorsa 'Red Dawn' is a striking cultivar of the coastal banksia, renowned for its bold red flowers and robust, upright habit. Native to southern Western Australia, this selection has been bred for its brilliant crimson flower spikes, which are larger and more vibrant than the species form. The leathery, serrated foliage is deep green with an attractive silvery underside, providing year-round structure and texture to the garden. 'Red Dawn' performs well in Melbourne gardens, thriving in well-drained sandy or loamy soils and tolerating coastal winds and light frosts. It is drought-tolerant once established and benefits from a sunny position to encourage prolific flowering. The dramatic flower spikes emerge from late autumn through winter into early spring, providing crucial food for native birds and pollinators during the cooler months. Ideal as a feature shrub, screening plant or in native garden designs, this banksia adds visual impact and ecological value to any landscape.

Form:
Shrub - Large

Mature Size:
Height: 3–4 m
Width: 2–3 m

Aspect:
Full Sun

Flowering:
Flowers in Autumn
Flowers in Winter
Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
Red
Crimson

Key Attributes:
Australian native
Bird Attracting
Bee Attracting
Drought Tolerant
Suitable for Hedging
Suitable for Screening
Perennial
Low Maintenance

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals.

Companion Plants:
Grevillea 'Superb'
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
Correa reflexa
Westringia fruticosa
Lomandra longifolia

For more information and photos of this species, Warners Nursery has detailed information available to the public here