A dense shrub with fine heath-like foliage and brilliant orange-gold candle spikes through autumn and winter, drawing honeyeaters in numbers. A superb screening and bird plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Heath Banksia
Banksia ericifolia is a moderate-growing shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to New South Wales. It reaches around 4 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Orange and red flowers appear in autumn and winter.
Where to grow Heath Banksia
Heath Banksia suits warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Heath Banksia does best in sandy, free-draining and acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Heath Banksia performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Heath Banksia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. For most gardens, maintenance is low maintenance.
Using Heath Banksia in the garden
Heath Banksia earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a feature or specimen planting and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
Heath Banksia sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Heath Banksia
Plant Sale lists Heath Banksia as tube stock, potted plants and seed. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Heath Banksia seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
