Species

Banksia spinulosaHairpin Banksia

2 other cultivars

shrub

Cherry Candles Banksia

Banksia spinulosa 'Cherry Candles'

The Story

Plant Bio

Banksia spinulosa is an evergreen Australian shrub characterized by linear, serrated leaves and upright, cylindrical flower spikes. The species naturally inhabits well-drained, acidic soils and relies on specialized proteoid roots to absorb nutrients in low-phosphorus environments.

'Cherry Candles' is a dwarf, compact cultivar that forms a low, spreading mound reaching up to 20 inches tall. It produces golden-yellow flower spikes with contrasting, hairpin-like cherry-red styles that stand upright above the dense foliage from summer through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, upright golden-yellow flower spikes with cherry-red styles above a compact, mounding evergreen form.

Highly drought-tolerant and salt-spray resistant, making it ideal for exposed coastal gardens and low-water landscapes.

Provides a rich nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during the cooler months.

SpeciesBanksia spinulosaHairpin Banksia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

18"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Winter

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to light afternoon shade and exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth to prevent settling.
Gently backfill with native soil, avoiding any phosphorus-rich organic amendments.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then apply a coarse mulch keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Never apply standard fertilizers containing more than three percent phosphorus, as Proteaceae root systems rapidly absorb the element to toxic, fatal levels.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in sandy, well-drained soils to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Use specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated specifically for native Australian plants.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as the stems lack epicormic buds to regenerate.
Do not plant in heavy, moisture-retentive clay without significant drainage modification.
Do not overwater once established, particularly during humid summer months.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal gardensRock gardensContainer specimensLow borders

Companion Plants

Grevillea Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cherry Candles Banksia questions

What zones can Cherry Candles Banksia grow in?

Cherry Candles Banksia is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cherry Candles Banksia deer resistant?

Yes — Cherry Candles Banksia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Cherry Candles Banksia bloom?

Cherry Candles Banksia typically blooms in summer through winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cherry Candles Banksia need full sun?

Cherry Candles Banksia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cherry Candles Banksia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cherry Candles Banksia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.