Banksia occidentalis

A young Banksia occidentalis commonly known as the Red Swamp Banksia growing in a forestry tube.

Banksia occidentalis commonly called the Red Swamp Banksia

Banksia occidentalis is described as a shrub or a small tree and can grow up to 7 metres.  When grown in a pot its growth would be restricted so it would make an attractive pot plant for its green fine leaves as well as its flowers.  The Botanist, Alex George, describes it as sometimes reluctant to flower. Perhaps that could be when it is growing in the bush where life can be harsh for plants.  It prefers growing in peaty sand, or sand in low lying moist areas.    It was first collected by Robert Brown in 1801 near King George Sound, on the south coast of Western Australia.  It is native to the south coast from Augusta to Cape Arid.  The flowers in mature plants are bigger than the one I have photographed here.  Alex George describes the flowers as golden with styles of metallic red which is a lovely description.  Other people use descriptions like yellow, orange with red styles.

Banksia occidentalis or Red Swamp Banksia showing the whole plant growing in a tube.

This beautiful flower on this young Banksia occidentalis would make an excellent pot plant as well as an addition to a sandy garden where it can be kept moist.

There are many Western Australian Banksias that can make attractive garden plants and can also be grown in pots.  It is important to remember that Banksias do not like phosphorous in the potting mix or in your garden, so do not add any fertilizer once planted in your garden and only use a controlled native fertilizer sparingly when growing in a pot.  It is important to keep the mix in the pots moist but not too wet.

Reference:  Alex S. George The Banksia Book, Kangaroo Press in association with The Society For Growing Australian Plants - NSW Ltd.  (There is no date in the book).