Banksia Birdsong - Spinulosa 'dwarf' x ericifolia 'golden girl'

Banksia ‘Birdsong’ is a compact, bird-attracting banksia grown for its bold flower spikes, tough native foliage, and low-maintenance performance in sunny Australian gardens. A brilliant choice for Brisbane and SEQ landscapes, it brings nectar-feeding birds into the yard, handles heat and dry spells once established, and suits everything from feature plantings to native screens and low informal hedges.

Quick Overview:

• Common Name: Banksia Birdsong
• Botanical Name: Banksia ‘Birdsong’
• Origin: Australian native cultivar/hybrid selected for compact growth and ornamental flowers
• Height & Width: Typically 1–2 m high × 1–2 m wide (varies with conditions and pruning)
• Foliage: Attractive, tough banksia foliage; dense habit with a natural native-garden look
• Flowers: Showy banksia flower spikes (often yellow-gold tones) produced in the cooler months through spring in many areas
• Wildlife Attraction: Excellent nectar source for honeyeaters and other native birds; also attracts pollinating insects
• Position: Full sun for best flowering and compact growth
• Soil: Well-drained soil; prefers sandy/loamy soils but will handle a range if drainage is good
• Tolerance: Drought tolerant once established; handles heat and coastal conditions; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
• Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering to keep dense and encourage fresh growth (avoid cutting into very old wood)
• Etymology: Banksia was named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, the botanist on Captain Cook’s 1770 voyage; the cultivar name ‘Birdsong’ highlights its strong appeal to nectar-feeding birds

Detailed Description:

Banksia ‘Birdsong’ is all about bringing life into the garden. When it flowers, the spikes produce nectar that draws in honeyeaters and other native birds, turning your yard into a mini wildlife show—especially in the cooler months when natural nectar can be scarcer. The plant itself stays compact and dense, making it easy to fit into modern Brisbane gardens without needing lots of space.

Like most banksias, ‘Birdsong’ thrives in full sun and free-draining soil. It’s a great option for low-water native landscapes once established, but it absolutely hates wet feet—good drainage is the secret to long-term success. If you’ve got heavier soil, planting on a mound is the easiest way to keep roots healthy and happy.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Watering: Water regularly to establish for the first 8–12 weeks; after that, deep water during extended dry periods only
• Fertilising: Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers; use a native slow-release fertiliser if needed
• Mulching: Mulch lightly with chunky organic mulch to stabilise soil temperature and reduce weeds (keep mulch off the stem base)
• Soil tip: If drainage is slow, plant on a raised mound—banksias are far more tolerant of dry than wet

Pruning:

• After flowering: Lightly prune to maintain shape and encourage more flowering points
• Density: Tip-pruning young growth helps keep it compact and bushy
• Avoid hard cuts: Don’t cut back into old, leafless wood—banksias generally respond best to pruning into green growth

Common Uses:

• Feature plant in native and wildlife gardens
• Low informal hedge or native screen in sunny spots
• Bird-attracting planting near decks and patios
• Drought-tolerant garden beds and coastal landscapes
• Pairing with grevilleas, callistemons, and other nectar plants

Planting Benefits:

• Bird Magnet: Nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters and other native birds
• Compact Native Colour: Bold flower spikes without a huge tree footprint
• Low-Water Performer: Drought tolerant once established in well-drained soil
• Easy-Care Landscaping: Great for sunny Brisbane/SEQ gardens with minimal ongoing fuss