| Etymology | Genus: After Sir Joseph Banks, 1743-1820, botanist who travelled with Captain Cook. Species: From Latin, spinulosus, bearing spines, probably refers to the leaf tip of the plant originally described; having leaves similar to the genus Erica. |
| | This cultivar arose spontaneously in the grounds of a Brisbane nursery, the parent species are probably B. ericifolia var. ericifolia and B. spinulosa var. spinulosa. It is well-known for its extremely large flower spikes which can easily become 40 cm long. It thrives as far south as Melbourne but dislikes heavy frost and therefore will need a protected position in colder inland climates such as Canberra. It needs a relatively well drained soil, prefers a low phosphorus fertiliser and may need the occasional dose of iron chelates if the new growth starts to yellow. |
