Dryandra

General Description/History

Dryandra is closely related to Banksia, and the flowers do look like small Banksia flowers. Each flower is very small, and many make up each cone-shaped flower-head, which are surrounded by bracts. Flowers in all 3 species are yellow or sometimes orange in colour. Leaves are spiky and look very like Banksia leaves.

D. polycephala flowers are bright yellow and dome-shaped with spiky anthers poking out. Each flower is ringed at the base by several thin spiky light-green leaves. D. formosa flowers are larger, darker yellow to orange and more tulip or cup-shaped, with narrow, fern-like leaves. D. quercifolia are more pointed when half open, and the centre of each flower can appear green. Fully open flowers are more rounded and spiky and are a light yellow colour. Leaves are sharp, and look like pointed oak leaves, hence the name.

Dryandra are grown in plantations and some may still be bush-picked. Most are grown in WA, SA, NSW or Victoria.

Types: Dryandra formosa, D. polycephala and D. quercifolia

What to look for

  • Buy when the flowers are just starting to open, that is, when the spiky stamens have just started to pop out;
  • Avoid bunches with brown leaf tips – yellow leaves are OK.

Flower Care

  1. Keep cool at all times.
  2. Wear gloves as Dryandra are prickly.
  3. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem and wash thoroughly.
  4. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
  5. Do not bash or split stems.
  6. Always use a preservative as this will help buds to open and keep open flowers looking fresh.
  7. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every 2 to 3 days.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Seeds are only released during a bushfire or when the plant dies.
There is an excellent website on Dryandra at the Australian Society for Growing Australian Plants

Botanical Name: Dryandra formosa, D. polycephala, D. quercifolia

Common Names: Bush Rose, Dryandra

Stem Length: 30 to 60 cm

Country of Origin: Australia: WA

Available Colours: Orange, Yellow

Season: Spring

Availability: September,October,November