Banksia Ericifolia x Spinulosa 'Giant Candles'

Giant Candles / Giant Candles Banksia

Botanical Name: Banksia ericifolia × B. spinulosa ‘Giant Candles’
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Australia (garden hybrid)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (large; can be trained as a small tree)

Overview

A spectacular hybrid banksia famed for its huge orange–gold “candle” flower spikes (to 30–40 cm) on a dense, upright plant. Flowers mainly autumn–winter (often into spring), providing dramatic colour and abundant nectar for birds and pollinators. Tough, low-maintenance and excellent as a feature or screening shrub in South Australia gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 4–6 m H × 2–3 m W (can be kept smaller with pruning)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow, mid-green leaves; neat, bushy habit
• Flowers: Very large orange–gold cylindrical spikes autumn–winter (prime bird food)
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure; showiest in autumn–winter
• Wildlife Value: Heavy nectar producer—honeyeaters, bees, insects
• Tolerance: Drought- and heat-tolerant once established; Wind and second-line coastal tolerant; Light frost tolerant
• Planting Density: Screens/hedges: 1 plant per 1.5–2.0 m (loose, natural screen); Specimen/mass: 2–3 m apart depending on final size
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; woody cones can be prickly—keep off paths

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering) to light part shade
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loam; add grit on heavier sites
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Tip-prune after flowering to keep dense (avoid hard cuts into old wood). Apply low-P native feed in early spring; mulch to keep roots cool/dry at the surface
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA (incl. sheltered coastal)
• Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (avoid alkaline/limey soils)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature specimen with year-round presence and winter wow
• Bird-attracting screen or backdrop in native gardens
• Mixed coastal/native border with grevilleas, westringias and lomandras (not suited to small pots)

Why You Will Love It

Colossal orange candles in the cool months, strong bird appeal, and a hardy, architectural form that anchors the garden with minimal fuss