Scarlet banksia

Banksia coccinea

Western Australian shrub or small tree with broad oblong toothed leaves and brilliant short scarlet-and-grey cylindrical flower spikes through winter. Among the most spectacular of the banksias.

Hardiness ratings

Scarlet banksia hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 9–10 −6.7 °C to 4.4 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H3 −5 °C to 1 °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 4–5 0 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Endemic to southwestern Western Australia — Mediterranean winter-rainfall climate
  • WARNING: Phosphorus sensitive — never use phosphate fertilisers
  • Major cut-flower export crop — the scarlet flower spikes hold colour for weeks in the vase
  • Demanding cultivation — sharp drainage essential, sulks outside Mediterranean climate

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Scarlet banksia against your zones

Reference

Scarlet banksia on Wikipedia