About
Banksia marginata exhibits considerable variability, typically growing as a medium-sized shrub reaching approximately 2 meters in height, though it can also present as a low-spreading form or develop into a larger tree. Its evergreen foliage consists of narrow, leathery leaves that are dark green on the upper surface with rolled edges and a silvery hue beneath. In summer, it produces upright, cylindrical flower heads that are pale yellow and resemble bottlebrushes, which are succeeded by long-lasting, silvery-brown, cone-shaped fruits.
About the genus
Banksia are perennial shrubs and trees characterized by tough, glossy leaves that can be simple or pinnately lobed. They produce numerous small, tubular flowers grouped in dense spikes that create prominent, cone-shaped inflorescences, which eventually give way to woody fruit clusters.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Coastal
- Native to
- E Australia, Tasmania
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Requires frost-free conditions, but can tolerate drought and salty wind. Outdoors, grow in free-draining, neutral to acid soil that is low in phosphates and nitrates, in full sun. Under glass grow in equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost, grit and peat substitute in full light with good ventilation. Apply half-strength, phosphate-free fertiliser once a month while in growth
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 or pruning group 8
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown singly in small containers at 18C in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- Generally problem free
- Disease resistance
- Outdoors may suffer from phytophthora root rot