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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

Other common names
honeysuckle tree
Tasmanian honeysuckle
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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 Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Proteaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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 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

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

Pruning group 1 or pruning group 8

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Outdoors may suffer from phytophthora root rot

Get involved

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