A gnarled, characterful small tree with serrated leathery leaves, thick warty bark and large grey-green flower spikes that age to the woody 'big bad banksia men' cones. Tough and long-lived.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 10 m H × 6 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Old Man Banksia
Botanically, Banksia serrata is a slow-growing tree in the Proteaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. It reaches around 10 m tall and 6 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green and yellow flowers appear in summer and autumn.
Where to grow Old Man Banksia
Old Man Banksia suits warm-temperate, cool-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
Old Man Banksia does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Old Man 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 Old Man Banksia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Old Man Banksia in the garden
Old Man Banksia earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a shade tree and bonsai culture.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Old Man Banksia with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water 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 Old Man Banksia
Plant Sale lists Old Man Banksia as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens 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 Old Man Banksia seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.