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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Cut-leaf Banksia handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
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. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate as Cut-leaf Banksia. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. 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. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
