Grevillea Banksii
Grevillea banksii R.Br.
Grevillea banksii, the red silky oak, is one of the most widely cultivated grevilleas in the world, a spectacular Queensland-endemic shrub or small tree bearing large cylindrical flower spikes in rich crimson red or creamy white year-round. A parent of iconic garden hybrids including "Robyn Gordon" and "Superb," it is among Australia's most globally recognised native plants.
Proteaceae
Flowers throughout the year in suitable tropical to subtropical climates; main display in spring and early summer; more intermittent in cooler or more temperate conditions
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: kunzea baxteris and callicarpas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Grevillea banksii occupies a place of extraordinary significance in the history of Australian botanical exploration, as it was named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), the celebrated English botanist and naturalist who sailed with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour voyage of 1770 and collected vast quantities of Australian plant specimens at Botany Bay. Banks later became President of the Royal Society for 41 years and arguably did more than any other individual to bring Australian flora to the attention of the world. The species was formally described by Robert Brown in 1830. It has become one of the most influential grevilleas in horticulture: as a parent of the landmark cultivar "Robyn Gordon," one of the best-selling garden plants in Australia since the 1970s, Grevillea banksii has shaped Australian gardens profoundly. "Robyn Gordon," a compact hybrid between G. banksii and G. bipinnatifida, can flower 12 months of the year in subtropical climates. Other G. banksii hybrids including "Superb," "Misty Pink," "Ned Kelly," "Pink Surprise," and many more are grown across Australia and internationally. In Hawaii, where it has naturalised and become invasive in some areas, it is known as the kahili flower or kahili tree, named after the feathered ceremonial standard of Hawaiian royalty, the kahili, whose appearance the large red flower spikes recall. The flowers and immature seeds contain hydrogen cyanide, which is an important safety consideration for households with pets or children.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; tolerates brief periods of partial shade but flowers best with maximum sunlight
Water
Moderate moisture preferred; water regularly when young; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but flower more freely with regular moisture; avoid waterlogging
Soil
Sandy, Sandy loam, Loam, Well-drained, Low to moderate nutrient, Slightly acidic
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained, sandy or loamy, slightly acidic soil in full sun in a frost-free or frost-rare position
Not suitable for cold climates; damaged by frosts below approximately -2 degrees Celsius
Water regularly and mulch around the base; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but flowering is significantly reduced without adequate moisture
Prune lightly after each flowering flush to encourage more lateral branching and denser growth; the plant flowers on current season growth
Caution: the flowers and immature seed pods contain hydrogen cyanide and should never be eaten; the alkyl resorcinols in the plant are also responsible for contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings; seed germinates readily but produces variable offspring; named cultivars must be propagated from cuttings
Widely grown in Hawaii, California, South Africa, and other subtropical and warm temperate regions outside Australia
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Feature shrub or small multi-stemmed specimen tree
- Year-round colour and nectar-source for wildlife gardens
- Tall informal screen or hedge
- Major nectar-plant for honeyeaters, lorikeets, and sunbirds
- Cut flower (fresh flower spikes are long-lasting and striking in arrangements)
- Parent species of landmark hybrid cultivars including "Robyn Gordon," "Superb," "Misty Pink," "Ned Kelly," and "Pink Surprise"
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Grevillea Banksii
Is grevillea banksii safe around pets and children?
Care is required. The flowers and immature seed pods of Grevillea banksii contain hydrogen cyanide and should never be eaten. The plant also contains alkyl resorcinols responsible for contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, similar to the reaction caused by poison ivy. Wear gloves when handling the plant. Keep children and pets from ingesting any part of the plant.
Is grevillea banksii the parent of robyn gordon?
Yes. The famous Grevillea "Robyn Gordon" is a hybrid between Grevillea banksii and Grevillea bipinnatifida, which first appeared in Queensland in the 1950s-60s and was released commercially around 1970. It has been one of the best-selling garden plants in Australia since its release, capable of flowering for 12 months of the year in subtropical climates. Other well-known G. banksii hybrids include "Superb," "Misty Pink," "Ned Kelly," and "Pink Surprise."
Why is grevillea banksii called kahili flower in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, where the plant has naturalised from cultivation and become invasive in some areas, it is called the kahili flower or kahili tree. The name refers to the kahili, the large, feathered ceremonial standards of Hawaiian royalty, whose long, feathery appearance the large red flower spikes closely resemble. The plant is listed as an invasive weed in Hawaii.
What climate does grevillea banksii need?
It requires a warm, frost-free or nearly frost-free climate. It is damaged by temperatures below approximately -2 degrees Celsius. It performs best in tropical and subtropical conditions similar to its native south-east Queensland, though it also thrives in warm temperate coastal climates. It is widely and successfully grown in Hawaii, California, South Africa, and other warm temperate and subtropical regions internationally.
How big does grevillea banksii grow?
In its natural range, G. banksii grows from 2-10 metres tall, though it is typically 3-6 metres in cultivation. It can be maintained as a large shrub through regular pruning or left to develop as a slender multi-stemmed small tree. Regular light pruning after flowering is recommended to maintain a denser, more bushy form and encourage the production of more flowering branches.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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