shrub

Scarlet Banksia

The Story

Plant Bio

Banksia coccinea, the scarlet banksia, is an erect, single-stemmed or branching evergreen shrub native to the coastal sandplains of southwestern Australia. It features stiff, broad, dark green leaves with sharply toothed margins and striking, velvety new growth in shades of pink and silver.

The terminal, squat cylindrical inflorescences consist of hundreds of tiny flowers with greyish-white perianths and long, prominent scarlet-red to orange pistils. This species lacks a lignotuber, relying entirely on seed stored in woody follicles for regeneration after fire.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, bright red and orange cylindrical flower heads that make exceptional, long-lasting cut flowers.

Serves as an excellent structural specimen plant for challenging, nutrient-poor coastal sandy soils.

Provides a rich source of nectar for hummingbirds in North America and supports native pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Early summer

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with deep, sandy, exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits at its original soil level.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then restrict watering to dry spells once established.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Plant in deep, fast-draining sand and strictly avoid any phosphorus-containing fertilizers, which poison the specialized proteoid root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to ensure robust flowering and prevent fungal issues.
Provide exceptional soil drainage to prevent fatal root collapse.
Use strictly low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertilizers if nutrient deficiencies appear.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay soils or areas with standing water.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from bare stems.
Do not apply standard garden fertilizers containing high phosphorus levels.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardenSpecimen PlantCut Flower GardenMediterranean Garden

Companion Plants

Grevillea Adenanthos sericeus Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarlet Banksia questions

What zones can Scarlet Banksia grow in?

Scarlet Banksia is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Scarlet Banksia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Scarlet Banksia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Scarlet Banksia bloom?

Scarlet Banksia typically blooms in winter through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Scarlet Banksia need full sun?

Scarlet Banksia does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Scarlet Banksia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Scarlet Banksia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.