104 saves
Banksia
We track 22 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 20 most-saved Banksia varieties
Browse all 22 Banksia varieties →
17 species of Banksia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Banksia in Sow
Save the Banksia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Banksia
Whats common across all Banksia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 22 most-grown of them.
The Banksia year
- PruneApril–June100% of varieties
Prune lightly behind spent flower spikes to maintain shape and prevent leggy growth.
- FertilizeMarch, April and September100% of varieties
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer formulated for native plants.
- Check for PestsJune–August100% of varieties
Monitor for spider mites and aphids, especially in dry or sheltered positions.
- Winter PrepNovember and December55% of varieties
Protect young plants from severe winter frosts and wet-freeze cycles.
- MulchOctober and November36% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of coarse, organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main stem.
Do
- Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely to prevent root rot.
- Plant in sandy, fast-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Prune lightly and regularly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense shape.
- Use only low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for Proteaceae.
Avoid
- Do not apply standard garden fertilizers containing high levels of phosphorus.
- Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
- Do not prune back into bare, leafless wood.
- Do not plant in heavy clay or water-retentive soils.
What goes wrong with Banksia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled, yellowing foliage in dry, protected structures. | Increase air circulation and apply a sharp spray of water or insecticidal soap. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on tender young shoots, causing distorted growth. | Wash off with a strong stream of water or apply horticultural oil. |
| Scale insects | Small, waxy bumps on stems and reduced plant vigor. | Apply horticultural oil during the crawler stage. |
| Deer and rabbits | Browsed tender shoots and new growth | Install physical fencing or apply repellents. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery coating on leaves in humid, stagnant conditions. | Space plants to maximize air circulation and avoid overhead watering. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Sudden wilting, yellowing foliage, and rapid dieback of branches in wet soil. | Ensure perfect soil drainage and avoid overwatering; infected plants cannot be cured and must be removed. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and rapid plant decline. | Ensure sharp drainage and avoid planting in heavy, wet soils. |
Making more Banksia
Seed
- Extract seeds from mature, dried cones by applying gentle heat.
- Sow seeds in a free-draining, sandy seed-raising mix.
- Keep the medium moist but not wet, placing it in a warm, bright position.
- Prick out seedlings into individual pots once the first true leaves appear, handling the roots with extreme care.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, active growth.
- Insert the cuttings into a free-draining, sandy propagation medium.
- Keep the medium moist and place in a protected, humid environment.
- Transplant once a strong root system has established.
Banksia questions
How many types of Banksia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 22 distinct Banksia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 104 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Banksia grow in?
Across its varieties, Banksia covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Banksia bloom?
Most Banksia varieties bloom in late fall, fall, autumn. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Banksia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.