Australia plant library · shrub

Banksia

Banksia spp. · Proteaceae

Nectar-rich native.

Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, preferably sandy; does poorly in alkaline or badly drained soils. Use only low-phosphorus fertiliser.
Soil pH: Acidic, about 6-6.5; dislikes alkaline soil.
Water: Low to moderate; tolerates dry conditions once established.
Hardiness: Tolerates light to medium frost, wind and salt; temperate to arid climates.
Height and spread: 0.5 m to 15-25 m, depending on species.

Guv's tipUse only low-phosphorus fertiliser on banksias, and give them well-drained, preferably sandy soil. Trim the spent cones lightly.

Through the year

Depends on species; many flower in autumn-winter, and collectively they flower in all seasons.

Light pruning; trim spent cones. Lignotuberous species can be cut hard; otherwise avoid severe cuts into old wood.

Seed (heat to open the follicles); cuttings for cultivars.

Disease

Phytophthora cinnamomi

Look for: Yellowing or browning leaves, decline and death.

What to do: Plant in well-drained soil; use a phosphonate (phosphorous acid) fungicide.

Always read and follow the label on any treatment, and check it is approved for use where you live.

Pets and people: Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline pet-poison lists.

Weed risk: Not a declared weed in Queensland and not listed as a weed on NSW WeedWise or Weeds Australia.

Checked against two or more reputable gardening sources. How we check our facts

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