Proteaceae
Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia)
Banksia integrifolia
A tough tree for full sun and sandy soil, widely used on the coast because it copes with salt and wind. Water it while young; after that it needs very little. Never use a high-phosphorus fertilizer. In gardens it usually stays around 10 metres, so leave it room.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-6° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Coast banksia?
Coast banksia (Banksia integrifolia) is a easy-care plant from the Proteaceae family. Coast banksia is a tree of eastern Australia, ranging from Victoria to central Queensland and from beach dunes to mountains. It often reaches 25 metres, but in windy, exposed spots it stays a gnarled small tree of 5 metres or even a shrub. The leaves are dark green above and white below, which stand...
Coast banksia grows up to 25.0m, spread of 1000cm, watering every 14 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Coast banksia tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Coast banksia is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Coast banksia?
TLDR: Coast banksia needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -6-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Coast banksia?
Water every two weeks for the first 2 or 3 years if it does not rain. Once established it needs little water, just a deep soak during a long dry spell. Avoid soggy soil, which rots the roots.
How Much Light Does Coast banksia Need?
Full sun. In shade it tends to get thin and leggy.
What Is the Best Soil for Coast banksia?
Sandy, well-drained soil is ideal, though it also accepts clay and acidic or alkaline ground. Plant on a slight slope if water drains slowly. Do not mulch heavily, and keep grass away from the trunk.
What Is Coast banksia and Where Does It Come From?
Coast banksia is a tree of eastern Australia, ranging from Victoria to central Queensland and from beach dunes to mountains. It often reaches 25 metres, but in windy, exposed spots it stays a gnarled small tree of 5 metres or even a shrub. The leaves are dark green above and white below, which stands out on windy days. The flowers form yellow spikes up to 12 cm long that turn into dry cones. It flowers through the year with a strong peak in autumn, drawing honeyeaters and bees to the nectar.
How to Propagate Coast banksia?
Seed
First flowers usually come four to six years after sowing.
- 1 Take seeds from ripe cones, which may need heat to open
- 2 Sow in sandy soil with no pre-treatment
- 3 Keep lightly moist in a bright place
- 4 Plant the seedling out once it is established
Materials needed:
How Big Does Coast banksia Grow?
TLDR: Coast banksia can reach up to 25.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
25.0m
Spread
10.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Coast banksia?
TLDR: Coast banksia is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Phytophthora Root Rot
Disease caused by fungus-like organisms (oomycetes) that live in soil and can survive for years. It affects roots, stem, and crown of plants, being especially severe in waterlogged or poorly drained soils. It is the second most common cause of root rot in trees and shrubs.
Overfertilization
Fertilizer burn is a condition caused by applying excessive fertilizer to plants. The salts in fertilizer draw moisture out of plant tissues, leading to scorched foliage, root damage, and overall plant stress. This environmental condition is not contagious and can be reversed with proper treatment.
Fun Facts
It was one of the first four banksias collected by Joseph Banks in 1770.
Settlers filled dry cones with fat to make slow-burning candles.
Beekeepers value it for pollen and nectar in autumn and winter, when little else is flowering.
Frequently asked questions
Does it grow near the sea?
Can I use regular fertilizer?
Is it frost hardy?
Can it grow in a pot?
Is it toxic to pets?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Wikipedia: Banksia integrifolia
- Wikipedia: Banksia integrifolia (es)
- Wikipédia: Banksia integrifolia (pt)
- Australian Plants Society NSW: Banksia integrifolia
- Trees and Shrubs Online: Banksia integrifolia
- Cal Poly SelecTree: Coast banksia
- Gardenia: Banksia integrifolia
- Plant Disease 1983: Banksia resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi
- Jardim Botânico UTAD: Banksia integrifolia
