Banksia hookeriana

The Hooker's Banksia is a shrub native to woodlands and forests in Australia. Its Latin name, Banksia hookeriana, pays tribute to the English botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who first described the species in 1770.

This evergreen shrub has a bushy foliage. It thrives in dry and clay soils and hot and sunny exposures.  While it has been observed to withstand temperatures as low as -7°C (19.4°F), it is advisable to avoid temperatures below 5°C (41°F) for the plant's well-being.  Growing it in a pot would be the ideal solution to overwinter your Banksia indoors in a conservatory or the house.

Regular repotting is necessary for the Hooker's Banksia as it can grow up to 180 cm (71in). Under ideal conditions in Australia, it can reach up to 3 metres (10 feet).

The Banksia's tough leaves are dark green, long, thin, and dentate.

From April to October, large conical orange inflorescences measuring 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) appear. The flowers are loaded with juice that Aborigines used to suck directly or extract to make a sweet drink. 

An ecological asset: Throughout summer, the nectar-rich flowers of Banksia attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A good way to improve your garden's ecosystem and promote fruit and vegetable production in your vegetable patch.

Phytophthora, or root rot, is the main disease affecting the Banksia. Therefore, make sure not to water it too often and especially not to leave a water saucer under the pot.