Little Eric Dwarf Heath Banksia

Little Eric Dwarf Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia 'Little Eric') is a compact form of the heath banksia, reaching about 2m high and 1.5m wide, roughly half the size of the full-size plant. Large orange, red and maroon cylindrical flowers cover it in autumn and winter, set against fine, heather-like foliage.

Why you'll love it

• Generous winter flowers. Once established it flowers freely, with large orange-red cylinders from autumn into winter.
• Fine, heather-like foliage. The needle-like leaves give a soft texture that sets off the big flowers.
• Very adaptable. It tolerates cold, humidity, salt spray, and acid or alkaline soils.
• A bird magnet. Birds feed on the nectar-rich flowers, so the shrub stays busy through the cooler months.
• Decorative seed pods. The seed pods are decorative as well, extending the interest after the flowers fade.

Where it works best

Screens and windbreaks. Plant 1.2m apart for a screen or windbreak. The shrubs meet as they mature, giving a soft green barrier.

Wildlife gardens. Set it where birds can be seen from the house, among low natives that fill the base.

Coastal gardens. Salt spray does not trouble it, so it suits exposed coastal boundaries.

Growing Little Eric Dwarf Heath Banksia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade suits it. It tolerates cold, humidity and salt spray, and it is frost tolerant once established, so it grows well in subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens.

Soil. Plant in a well draining, sandy to sandy loam soil that is neutral to slightly acid. In the wild it grows in woodland and sometimes in partly swampy areas, so it copes with damper ground than most banksias.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, then it needs little extra. Feed in spring with a slow release native fertiliser with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent, because banksias are phosphorus sensitive.

Pruning. Prune after flowering finishes to give a denser shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Little Eric Dwarf Heath Banksia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It is the economical way to plant a screen, and the shrubs reach flowering size as they mature.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower and is not always on hand. When it shows as sold out, use the notify button on the page and you will be emailed the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full banksia range
• Banksia care guide for Australian gardens
• Plants for windbreaks
• Plants that attract birds

Common questions

How is it different from the full-size heath banksia?

It has the same fine foliage and big autumn and winter flowers on a plant half the size, about 2m high and 1.5m wide.

Will it cope with humid summers?

Yes. It tolerates humidity, along with cold and salt spray. Good drainage still matters, so plant it in well drained soil.

Can I clip it into a hedge?

Lightly, and only after flowering. Pruning then gives a denser shape, but avoid cutting into bare wood.