A low, spreading dwarf form of the hairpin banksia forming a dense mound studded with gold-and-black flower spikes through the cooler months. A compact bird-attracting groundcover shrub.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Cushion Banksia
Banksia spinulosa 'Cushion' is a shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow and orange flowers appear in autumn and winter.
Where to grow Cushion Banksia
Cushion Banksia suits warm-temperate, subtropical and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning 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
Cushion Banksia does best in sandy, free-draining and acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Cushion 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. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Cushion Banksia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Cushion Banksia in the garden
Cushion Banksia earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, a feature or specimen planting and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same low water use and warm-temperate climate as Cushion 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 Cushion Banksia
Plant Sale lists Cushion Banksia as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the quote builder above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
