hi gardener, I bought one of these recently and the person at the native nursery told me they do suffer from yellowing if the soil isnt acidic enough, (Im on alkaline soil) so she was sure to put me in the picture about it and to expect it with mine, and to use iron chelates when it happens.

its one possibility for the yellow growth, there could be other reasons though.

just read a don burke book, apparately they dislike fertiliser

You haven't put phosphoric fertiliser on it?

We have acid soils and grow many Banksias without problems, both Eastern and Western species. In fact, Banksias are a feature in our garden.
However, while most Banksias thrive, Giant Candles yellows and grows poorly. I understand that it is notorious for yellowing. It even yellows in our pots, in mixes suitable for all other species tried (30 or more), including its parents, B. spinulosa and B. ericifolia.
We have given up trying to grow Giant Candles. There are many other Banksias which are more rewarding.

I succesfully grew B. "Giant Candles" in acidic soil (some mounded topsoil but on a heavy clay subsoil) in Brisbane 15 to 20 years ago. I tried again here in the Toowoomba district where we have red/brown alkaline soil and it failed miserably, severely yellowing and eventually dying. So I agree with the others that soil conditions are critical.

I suggest that you seek out the Banksias that like alkaline conditions.

Best of luck,
Frank

The proteas, leucodendrons, and leucospermums all do well here, but I have had lots of trouble trying to get banksias going. A few of the tougher ones that can handle some water are OK, but most of them just die. I suspect I water them too much or the soil is too alkaline. My next group to try are the dryandras.

Dryandras are bl**dy temperamental. I have had every single one (all six) pack up and die. Very unhappy with them.

I have heard the line "Can't grow a banksia, grow a hakea instead". And that's what I have done. Although I have recently popped in quite a few banksias and so far, so good (although one hookeriana just decided to pack up and die too). But I am particularly happy with my banksia littoralis which has some lovely new growth on it.

I have a banksia ericafolia and it seems to be ok - not yellow but no flowers as of yet.

I've always known it to be a characteristic of this cultivar rather than a nutrient deficiency. I sought it out and grow it precisely because of this colouration. It gives a nice contrast and looks good with the orange cones. 'Horses for courses' I guess.

Ive just planted a few Banksia Spinulosa, should I prepare myself for some problems? or are they quite hardy?
cheers
scott

MY mum grows a giant giant candles in silurian derived tertiary clay overlaid with 5 years of tip mulch. No water, no fertiliser, no yellowing and partial shade. Just a data point for you.

I have a Banksia ericifolia x spinulosa (giant candles) which has been in the ground (clay soil) since September 2002.
It's now just over 3 metres tall and currently has one candle about 40cm long.
I've got to say this is a very hardy plant.

Roy

to stop yellowing of foliage add some iron chelate to the soil and the plants should perk up green in no time
my spinulosa's and serratas look amazing now