A dense coastal WA shrub with blunt-tipped serrated leaves and large cylindrical flower spikes in wine-red or yellow. An excellent hardy screen and cut flower.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Cut-leaf Banksia
Banksia praemorsa is a shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 4 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and yellow flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Cut-leaf Banksia
Cut-leaf 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
Cut-leaf Banksia does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Cut-leaf 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 Cut-leaf 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 Cut-leaf Banksia in the garden
Cut-leaf Banksia earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, a fast screen or informal hedge and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Cut-leaf Banksia with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean 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 Cut-leaf Banksia
Plant Sale lists Cut-leaf 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.