Banksia Growing Guide

Banksia species and hybrids

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Well-drained sandy soil that dries between rains.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Not generally cold hardy, but some species native to southern Australia can tolerate frost but not hard freezes.

Feeding

None generally needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 2.00m (6' 6") each way (minimum)
Rows: 2.00m (6' 6") with 2.00m (6' 6") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Banksia are easy to start from seed provided the seeds have already been released from the cone. Many banksia species release their seeds in response to fire, which you can mimic by heating a banksia cone in a 120°C (250°F) oven for an hour. Seeds sown at room temperature should germinate in two weeks. Set out seedlings or purchased plants in autumn or winter (AU). Water regularly until the plant becomes established. Spacing requirements vary according to the type grown; some grow into small trees, while the smallest are knee-high ground covers. Check plant tags for a plant’s mature height and width when choosing banksias. Only small ground cover banksias like ‘Cherry Candles’ can be grown in containers. Allow one plant for each 14-inch (35 cm) pot.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Grown for their unusual flowering cones, which resemble bottle brushes, these Australian shrubs also attracts numerous insects and small animals in search of sweet nectar. Visit local display gardens to learn about the best banksias for your area.

Harvesting

Flowers are usually left on the plants to mature into interesting cones, which can be dried and used in crafts. Banksia flowers make stunning cut flowers that last a week or more in a vase. Flowers left on the plants are of great interest to insects and small animals because they are such a good supply of nectar.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Banksia

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail