Australian native tree or large shrub with bottlebrush-like flower spikes attractive to nectar feeders.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 9–11 | −6.7 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H2 | 1 °C to 5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 4–7 | 0 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
About Banksia
Banksias are named after Joseph Banks, who collected them on the Endeavour voyage in 1770. Their flower spikes are made up of hundreds of individual flowers, and the woody cones that follow are among the most recognisable objects in the Australian bush. Many species are serotinous — the follicles stay sealed until fire, so seed release is timed to the open, ash-fertilised ground that follows. Like other Proteaceae they carry cluster roots for scavenging phosphorus and are readily killed by phosphorus-rich fertiliser or poor drainage.
Growing notes
- Needs perfect drainage and dislikes high humidity
- Phosphorus-sensitive — avoid standard fertilisers
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Banksia against your zones