This one is perhaps 4-5 years from mail order, does it look like a happy banksia and how long generally b4 they flower?

Is it B spinulosa Brad?

It looks pretty sparse, but otherwise healthy. Banksias generally flower from a pretty young age, so I would have expected one that size to have started by now.

You probably already know this, but it's worth repeating in case you don't...Banksias are very sensitive to fertiliser, particularly phosphorus. So if you’re fertilising the lawn or other plants around the area it may be affected by that. They respond really well to wood chip mulch and also like wood ash. I'd maybe try mulching out the grass around it.

Yes, no fertilizer gets near it, and time to weed!  If I use mulch feral hogs will plow up the area, so no can!

On 2/16/2026 at 7:43 AM, Brad52 said:

Yes, no fertilizer gets near it, and time to weed!  If I use mulch feral hogs will plow up the area, so no can!

Bummer. It might just be climate related, give it time I guess.

From seed usually around 4 to 5 years, some may take 6 years. They are one fussy plant that pretty well much require good drainage and heat! 

I have it planted mostly in black cinders with just a little soil so it’s really well drained and it gets full sun all day. It’s growing next to my aloe vera and my agave and they all do just fine.
 

So maybe it’ll flower soon it’s probably getting close to that time and yes, I think it’s B spinulosa with the needles for leaves.

13 hours ago, happypalms said:

From seed usually around 4 to 5 years, some may take 6 years. They are one fussy plant that pretty well much require good drainage and heat! 

Not too fussy about heat, or lack of...they grow perfectly in Tasmania, including our two native species!