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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Heath Banksia is happy on low water, 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 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. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Heath Banksia with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Heath Banksia seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.