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Plant Profiles / Banksia
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Banksia
Banksia spp. (e.g. B. integrifolia, B. spinulosa 'Birthday Candles') · Banksia
Iconic Australian natives with cylindrical flower spikes loved by birds. Dwarf varieties like 'Birthday Candles' suit pots.
Full sunLight
Weekly in potsWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun.
Water
Weekly in pots
DryWet
Drought tolerant once established.
Humidity
Low to average
LowHigh
Good airflow.
Temperature
-3–40°C (27–104°F)
CoolWarm
Handles light frost.
Growth
Slow to moderate
SlowFast
Dwarf 50 cm; trees up to 10 m.
Soil
Sandy, low phosphorus
LeanRich
Native potting mix.
Fertiliser
Native fertiliser only
RarelyOften
Low-phosphorus fertiliser lightly.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic.
About this plant
Banksias are found across Australia, mostly in the south-west. They're adapted to poor, sandy soils and dislike phosphorus. Coast banksia (B. integrifolia) is a tough tree; 'Birthday Candles' is a dwarf shrub with gold-orange spikes.
Best spots
Sunny balconies (dwarf types), coastal gardens and native gardens.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Banksia spp. (e.g. B. integrifolia, B. spinulosa 'Birthday Candles') |
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Origin | Australia |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub or tree |
| Mature size | 50 cm–10 m |
| Growth rate | Slow to moderate |
| Foliage | Serrated, leathery leaves |
| Flowers | Cylindrical spikes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Prune
Fertilise
FloweringPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Sudden death | Root rot from wet soil. |
| Yellow leaves | Too much phosphorus. |
| Few flowers | Too much shade. |
| Leggy | Tip-prune after flowering. |
| Scale | Horticultural oil. |
Common questions
Can I use normal fertiliser?
No, use native low-phosphorus fertiliser.
Can it grow in a pot?
Dwarf types yes.
Do they attract birds?
Yes.
Are the cones decorative?
Yes, they're great dried.
