A prostrate cushioning form of coast banksia with white-backed leaves and pale yellow flower spikes. Tough, salt-tolerant and ideal for coastal banks and erosion control.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Mature size: 40 cm H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Coastal Cushion Banksia
Botanically, Banksia integrifolia 'Coastal Cushion' is a spreading groundcover in the Proteaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 40 cm tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in autumn and winter.
Where to grow Coastal Cushion Banksia
Coastal Cushion Banksia suits warm-temperate, subtropical 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
Coastal Cushion Banksia does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Coastal Cushion 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 Coastal Cushion Banksia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Coastal Cushion Banksia in the garden
Coastal Cushion Banksia earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Coastal Cushion Banksia with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate 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 Coastal Cushion Banksia
Plant Sale lists Coastal Cushion 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.