THE HAIRPIN BANKSIA

I’ve only ever worn plain white tee-shirts, but I’m tempted to buy this one with a ‘hairpin’ banksia on it. The correct name is Banksia spinulosa. ‘Spinulosa’ refers to the spiny leaf tips, which are thankfully fairly soft, What a great plant; able to cope with heavy frost and snow. Where I live in the upper Blue Mountains (Blackheath) it flowers all through autumn and winter and into spring, providing nectar for so many birds.

Oddly enough the plant used to be called native honeysuckle.

If a bossy wattlebird wants to feed on the blooms, nobody else gets a look in. Oh, and I’ve just noticed that the colour matches its beady eye. 😍

The crimson rosellas love them too.

And look, a tiny silvereye takes his turn. He is hard to spot among the foliage.

I almost forgot the Eastern Spinebill. He can reach nectar so easily with that amazing beak.

This lovely painting of Banksia is by Julie Hocking. I’m not sure that is the Hairpin variety, but the flowers are the same

And here is a much earlier one (1935) by the wonderful Grace Crossington Smith.

I cut some flowers for the house myself this week.

It was so tempting to pick just a few more, but I didn’t want to deprive the birds of their honey. A pot of them makes a really nice winter table decoration.

Apologies re the poor lighting in our dining area.

Here is a Banksia spinulosa growing outside my upstairs study window. There are lily-of-the-valley ‘pips’ in the white pot. When they flower come October the banksia will still be going strong.

Thanks from myself and the birds of the Blue Mountains for the pleasure you give us all beautiful Hairpin Banksia. 💛💚

FOR INFORMATION ON THE CULTIVATION OF BANKSIA SPINULOSA, CLICK HERE.