Banksia 'Giant Candles'
ORIGIN: Banksia `Giant Candles' is a spontaneous hybrid between B. ericifolia and B. spinulosa var. spinulosa that arose in cultivation. Cultivar received by the Authority 17 March 1979. Applicant is Ms Sylvia E Peach of Hellawell Road, Sunnybank Hills, Queensland.
DESCRIPTION: The leaves of this cultivar are plus/minus 4.5cm long and are intermediate between the two parents, being whorled around the stem as in B. ericifolia and with the revolute margins of B. spinulosa. The leaves are not toothed. The inflorescence of this cultivar is its most striking attribute. A single inflorescence can measure 38-40cm long. When fresh the inflorescence resembles B. ericifolia. The individual flowers are rich orange in colour and 2-2.6cm long, as compared to the gold flowers with black styles of B. spinulosa var. spinulosa. In Brisbane the flowering period is from autumn through winter.
CULTIVATION NOTES: This cultivar is a hybrid between the Gosford form of B. ericifolia and a form of B. spinulosa var. spinulosa. Its hybrid nature was confirmed by herbaria in Queensland and Western Australia.
COLOUR CODE: RHS Colour Chart 1966.
Dominant flower colour: near orange group 28B.
ACRA REFERENCES: ACC175, CBG 8111408, CANB 654008