The hairpin banksia is a shrub native to the states of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, being as far north as Cairns in Queensland. It’s habitat varies from coastal forests to the forests of the great dividing range. The presence of this shrub does indicate that conditions within its environment are moist. Banksia is the name used to honour Joseph Banks who brought the first Banksia specimens to Britain from Australia. Spinulosa is Latin for small spines, here describing the spiny look of the shrub. The common name, hairpin banksia, comes from the fact that the styles are said to look like hairpins.

• Leaves-narrow, stiff, toothed on the upper half of the leaf and concave on the bottom, 5-8cm long by 1-2mm wide
• Flowers-spikes to 15cm tall, orange to yellow in colour, has red to black hooked styles, appear from March to September
• Soil-grows in most soil, provided that it has good moisture and drainage. High lime content (alkaline soil) can result in leaf yellowing and poor growth
• Uses-showy, long-lasting flowers, cut flowers, good food source for bees and birds
• Propagation-easy from seed, possible year-round under glass with germination 2-5 weeks after sowing (takes up to three years to flower), cuttings in late spring

While I have only seen this shrub in areas of bush around where I live, I find it is a nice little shrub that doesn’t take up too much space-ideal for smaller gardens. It would bring wildlife into your garden.

• All photos are my own
• Native Plants of the Sydney Region, Allan Fairley and Philip Moore
• Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney, Les Robinson
• RHS Latin for Gardeners, Lorraine Harrison
• https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp7/banksia-spinulosa.html, accessed 28/05/23