Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Well-drained sandy soil that dries between rains.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
Not generally cold hardy, but some species native to southern Australia can tolerate frost but not hard freezes.
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Feeding
None generally needed.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 6' 6" (2.00m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 6' 6" (2.00m) with 6' 6" (2.00m) row gap (minimum)
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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 250°F (120°C) oven for an hour. Seeds sown at room temperature should germinate in two weeks. Set out seedlings or purchased plants in fall 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 Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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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.
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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.
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Troubleshooting
Banksias can develop root rot when the soil stays wet for long periods.
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