Overview
Banksia robur is a bushy shrubs in the genus Banksia, part of the Proteaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 metres tall. Banksia robur grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include coastal, gravel garden, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and patio and container plants.
About
Banksia robur, commonly known as swamp banksia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae. It grows in sand or peaty sand in coastal areas from Cooktown in north Queensland to the Illawarra region on the New South Wales south coast. It is often found in areas which are seasonally inundated. It grows as a multistemmed shrub to 3 m (10 ft) tall, with large, leathery tough green leaves with serrated margins up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 10 cm (4 in) wide. In the wild it grows across New South Wales and Queensland. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for coastal, gravel garden, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and patio and container plants. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Banksia robur
About the genus
Banksia is a genus of around 170 species of flowering plants in the family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes, and woody fruiting "cones" and heads. Banksias range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall.
Wikipedia contributors, "Banksia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Banksia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Banksia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Banksia robur size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.3 metres
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Banksia robur
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or from seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally problem free
- Disease resistance
- Generally problem free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Banksia robur?
Banksia robur prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Banksia robur need?
Banksia robur grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Banksia robur grow?
Banksia robur reaches a height of 0.3 metres.
Is Banksia robur hardy in the UK?
Banksia robur has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Banksia robur?
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings or from seed.