A hardy coastal tree with dark-green leaves silvery beneath and pale-yellow flower spikes through autumn and winter that feed birds. Exceptionally salt- and wind-tolerant for seaside windbreaks.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 12 m H × 6 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Coast Banksia
Banksia integrifolia is a fast-growing tree in the Proteaceae family, native to New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. It reaches around 12 m tall and 6 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow and cream green flowers appear in autumn and winter.
Where to grow Coast Banksia
Coast Banksia suits subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate 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
Coast Banksia does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Coast 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 Coast Banksia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Coast Banksia in the garden
Coast Banksia earns its place for a windbreak, a shade tree, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Coast Banksia with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and subtropical 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.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Coast Banksia
Plant Sale lists Coast Banksia as tube stock and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.