Coastal Banksia is a hardy Australian native tree prized for its striking yellow-green flower spikes, spreading canopy, and ability to thrive in coastal conditions. Its flowers attract birds, mammals, and insects, and it is well suited to gardens, street plantings, and revegetation projects. With a non-invasive root system and year-round ornamental value, it is a favourite along the east coast.
Quick Overview:
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Native to: Eastern coast of Australia
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Habitat: Coastal dunes, headlands, and coastal forest edges from Victoria to central Queensland
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Height: 8–15 meters in cultivation
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Canopy: Broad and spreading with dark green leaves, silver undersides
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Flowers: Yellow-green cylindrical spikes bloom autumn through winter
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Fruiting Season: Woody cones hold seeds and persist year-round
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Position: Full sun preferred; tolerates part shade
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Soil Preference: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
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Drought & Salt Tolerance: High once established; tolerant of salt-laden winds
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Wildlife Attraction: Honeyeaters, cockatoos, honey possums, pygmy possums, gliders, bats, and insects
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Fertilizer: Low-phosphorus native fertilizer if needed
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Etymology: Banksia named after botanist Sir Joseph Banks; integrifolia refers to the smooth-edged leaf margins
Detailed Description:
Banksia integrifolia, commonly known as the Coastal Banksia, is a versatile and resilient tree native to the eastern coast of Australia. It thrives in coastal conditions and is often seen along dunes, cliff tops, and the edges of coastal forests. With a natural height of 8 to 15 meters in cultivation, it develops a strong trunk and a wide canopy of leathery green leaves that flash silver underneath in the wind.
This species is well known for its striking flower spikes, which appear from autumn through winter. The cylindrical yellow-green blooms are not just ornamental—they’re a rich nectar source for wildlife including honeyeaters, black and white cockatoos, gliders, honey possums, pygmy possums, bats, bees, and other pollinators. The flowers can even be dipped in water to create a sweet, nectar-flavoured drink, similar to grevillea flowers. Dried flower spikes are commonly used in native floral arrangements.
The tree produces large, woody cones that hold seeds and remain on the branches for years. These add texture and visual interest, as well as food for seed-eating birds. With a non-invasive root system, the Coastal Banksia is widely used in coastal gardens, parks, and council plantings where space is ample and low maintenance is a priority.
Pruning for a Tree Form:
We recommend training a central leader if a tree form is desired. For each foot of vertical growth, remove about 6 to 8 centimeters of lateral growth from the trunk. Thick lateral branches should be gradually pruned back to 20–30 cm from the trunk up to a height of around 4 feet. Very thin branches—up to pencil thickness—can be removed completely. Avoid cutting thick laterals back to the trunk, as this can cause large wounds and increase the risk of infection. They will be easier to remove as the size of the trunk increases. After 4 feet, lateral branches can be left to grow out or pruned back to 30–50 cm from the trunk once they reach about 1 meter in length to promote a caged structure, though this is optional. Continue encouraging the central leader up to 6–8 feet before allowing it to branch freely.
Ongoing maintenance includes pruning for symmetry, removing any redundant internal branches, and optionally removing soft new summer growth to maintain a tidy structure.
Growth and Maintenance
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Watering: Water 1–2 times per week for the first 1–3 weeks after planting. Afterward, only water if leaves are drooping or during extended dry or hot spells. Once established, it can grow with little to no watering.
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Pruning: Remove dead or damaged branches. Minimal pruning otherwise unless shaping or maintaining tree form.
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Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Avoid heavy clay.
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Fertilizing: Apply a low-phosphorus native fertilizer as needed.
Common Uses
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Feature tree: Aesthetic year-round with flowers, seed cones, and silver-backed foliage
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Street and park tree: Widely planted in coastal council areas
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Coastal revegetation: Suitable for stabilising dunes and windy areas
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Wildlife garden: Essential nectar and seed source for diverse species
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Floristry: Dried flowers are widely used in native arrangements
Planting Benefits
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Nectar source: Supports a wide variety of pollinators and small mammals
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Salt and wind tolerant: Perfect for seaside gardens
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Non-invasive roots: Safe near paths, paving, and infrastructure
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Low maintenance: Minimal watering and care once established
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Ornamental value: Flowers, cones, and foliage provide lasting visual interest
The Coastal Banksia is one of Australia’s most iconic native trees—hardy, habitat-forming, and highly adaptable to garden and coastal environments. Whether used as a feature or functional tree, it brings beauty and ecological value to any landscape.
