Re: Banksia Integrefolia

Joe Seals wrote:
Pamela:

I would not suggest planting such a huge plant in a problem site. I think it's always wiser to plant small when dealing with adverse conditions.
A smaller plant will adjust to the site more quickly and more effectivey in the long run.
Joe
You pretty well took the words out of my mouth!

While with some plants and some sites one might get away with such a big specimen, I feel it would always be at a disadvantage from having had its roots cramped up for a long time and would never establish itself as well or as sturdily as a youngster which has grow freely from the start. It would at least need the most careful staking for several years to prevent its simply blowing over. Remember any tree is only going to be as good as its root system!

However, when it comes to Banksias, the establishment difficulties are likely to be much more serious than the general run of plants, as members of the Proteaceae (to which Banksias belong) are notorious for resenting _any_ root disturbance and are for this reason usually only planted out when quite tiny so that it s possible to transfer the whole potful undisturbed without baring any of the roots, even the odd root tip and with no chance of the roots being already twisted and unwilling to grow out straight. I know this may sound very fussy to you Pam, but having had a lot of success transplanting many sorts of tree and shrub I was myself once brought up short by one healthy Protea plant I set out with only the slightest disturbance to a bit of the root ball and which certainly pined and died rapidly.

I certainly agree Banksia integrifolia would be a good choice to be part of a windbreak. It is known as the Coast Banksia in its native Australia and I can testify from my own experience can take any amount of wind without any damage, but I agree with Joe that you would have much more chance of success if you start with a small plant removed from its container without disturbance to the roots and then left alone and never moved again. It would if happy probably grow pretty quickly anyway and meanwhile would it be possible perhaps to arrange a simple hurdle fence or something like two wires with brushwood slotted between to block the wind gap on the outer side until the Banksia can take over its duties?

Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan,
Wainuiomata, North Island, NZ. Pictures of our garden at:-
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