Banksia marginata
silver banksia
A very variable plant, usually a medium-sized shrub to about 2m but may be dwarf and spreading or develop into a large tree. The evergreen leaves are narrow, leathery, dark green on top with rolled edges and silvery underneath. Upright, cylindrical, pale yellow, bottlebrush flower heads appear in summer, followed by long-lasting, silvery- brown, cone-like fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | Brown Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | Brown Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Brown Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver | Brown Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Banksia are evergreen shrubs and trees with leathery, often handsome, simple or pinnately lobed leaves and many small tubular flowers in dense spikes forming showy, cone-like heads, followed by woody fruiting clusters
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Australia, Tasmania
How to grow
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 loam-based potting compost, grit and peat or peat substitute in full light with good ventilation. Apply half-strength, phosphate-free fertiliser once a month while in growth
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown singly in small containers at 18C in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Coastal
Pruning
Pests
Generally problem free
Diseases
Outdoors may suffer from phytophthora root rot
Get involved
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