Why banksias deserve a better name

There are wattangaree that will accept semi shade, and prostrate wattangaree that make excellent low-maintenance ground covers. Too much feeding can kill them, especially with a phosphorous rich fertiliser – a definite no-no for most native plants – and over-pruning can mean few if any blooms next year for many banksias, as they flower on old wood. Just cut off dead flowers, and that’s it. Species that grow from lignotubers, like Banksia robur, B. spinulosa and B. serrata, may be pruned back to ground level. If in doubt, check the label – or just do nothing, and let them bloom.