Whenever there is decent rain Banksia robur puts on a wonderful show of growing new leaves that emerge like the buds of red flowers, deep and furry. 

Over a few days the colours change and soften and the red recedes to the edges of the leaves, it is the most wonderful thing to witness, almost as exciting as when it develops bright orange flowers on its stem.

Banksia robur is one of my “must have” Banksias, it grows to 3 metres tall, is always covered with flowers and has the benefit of this striking new growth for added interest. It “loves” moisture as its name suggests, in QLD I have seen them as massive thick shrubs 3metres wide, they don’t quite do that here but are exceptionally forgiving of shade and dry.