A rounded WA shrub with deeply lobed holly-like leaves and squat lime-yellow flower domes nestled among the foliage. A drought-hardy feature and long-lasting cut flower.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Baxter's Banksia
Botanically, Banksia baxteri is a shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 3 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Yellow and cream green flowers appear in summer and autumn.
Where to grow Baxter's Banksia
Baxter's Banksia suits Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Baxter's Banksia does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Baxter's Banksia is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Baxter's Banksia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Baxter's Banksia in the garden
Baxter's Banksia earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, a feature or specimen planting and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Baxter's Banksia with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Baxter's Banksia
Plant Sale lists Baxter's Banksia as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.