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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Old Man Banksia performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
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
Combine Old Man Banksia with plants that share its preference for happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. 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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Old Man Banksia seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
