Oak-leaved dryandra (Banksia heliantha) is a striking shrub native to Western Australia, known for its distinctive oak-like leaves and large, golden flower heads.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. Tolerates some light shade, but flowering may be reduced.
Moderate to Low
50% intensity
Prefers well-drained soil. Water thoroughly when dry, especially during establishment and hot weather. Reduce watering in cooler months. Avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained, Sandy loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers warm to hot climates. Can tolerate light frosts once established, but extreme cold may cause damage. Protect young plants from severe frost.
Low
25% intensity
Low phosphorus requirements. Use a native plant or Proteaceae-specific fertilizer sparingly in spring/early summer. Over-fertilizing can be harmful.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during establishment and dry periods, but ensure excellent drainage. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, especially in poor-draining soils.
Reduce watering significantly in winter.
Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant and remove spent flower heads. Avoid cutting into old wood, as Banksias are slow to resprout from older stems.
Pruning can encourage bushier growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
Best propagated from seed, which requires scarification or hot water treatment to break dormancy. Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood in summer, but strike rates can be variable and require specific conditions and rooting hormones.
Young plants may need repotting every 1-2 years into a slightly larger pot. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally formulated for Australian natives or Proteaceae.
Repotting should be done in spring or early summer, minimizing root disturbance.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Oak-Leaved Dryandra (Banksia heliantha)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Genus | Banksia |
| Species | Banksia heliantha |
Similar in genus Banksia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
