Banksia robur

This Banksia has large, leathery leaves and these green/brown flower cones. Sturdy stiff horizontal branches on an equally sturdy upright stem, this plant stands to attention and demands it. It grows to about 2 Metres tall on roots which demand very good drainage. On Tilligerry Peninsula in the gardens of Tilligerry Habitat they grow in deep sandy soil. Have clay in your garden? Dig in LOTS of compost and sand and make a decent mound, at least 30cms above the normal surface of your garden, give them some shade. This is one aussie plant which can get all the phosphate it needs all by itself, so DON'T feed it anything but low-phosphate slow release pellets, garden compost and a handspan depth of good mulch.