Coast Banksia
Banksia integrifolia
An evergreen tree or large shrub with dark green, leathery leaves that feature silvery-white undersides, and distinct cylindrical flower spikes.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Low water requirements once established; drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Avoid waterlogged soils.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen tree or large shrub growing up to 10 to 25 meters tall with a rounded, dense canopy and moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Grow in full sun to partial shade with well-draining, sandy or loamy acidic soil. Water deeply when newly planted, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings once established. Fertilize sparingly with low-phosphorus fertilizers.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Low water requirements once established; drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Avoid waterlogged soils.
Soil
Prefers sandy, well-draining soils with low fertility and an acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, with low tolerance for hard frosts
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen tree or large shrub growing up to 10 to 25 meters tall with a rounded, dense canopy and moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Autumn to winter, producing cylindrical, pale yellow to greenish-yellow flower spikes followed by woody seed follicles.
Propagation
Propagated primarily from seed sown in spring in well-draining propagation mix, or via semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot fungi in poorly draining soils. Generally resilient against most insect pests, though occasional scale insects may appear.
Similar species
Banksia serrata, which can be distinguished by its larger, deeply serrated leaves and distinctly gnarled bark.