1 named cultivar

‘Roller Coaster’Prostrate Coast Banksia

tree

Coast Banksia

Banksia integrifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Banksia integrifolia, the coast banksia, is an evergreen Australian tree with a gnarled, spreading canopy and rough, corky bark. The leathery, dark green leaves feature distinctive silvery-white undersides, while pale yellow flowers form upright, cylindrical spikes that bloom from fall through spring.

This species is exceptionally tolerant of direct maritime exposure, salt spray, and wind, making it a premier choice for coastal stabilization. Unlike many other banksias, it adapts to a range of climates from subtropical to cool temperate zones.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a striking gnarled growth habit, rough corky bark, and contrasting bicolored leaves with silvery-white undersides.

Acts as an exceptional windbreak and sand stabilizer in exposed coastal environments due to extreme salt tolerance.

Provides a valuable nectar source during fall and winter when few other plants are in bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590"

Width

393"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with exceptionally well-drained, sandy 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 during the first summer to establish the root system, then reduce watering to rely on natural rainfall.
Apply only specialized low-phosphorus or native-formulated fertilizers sparingly in spring if nutrient levels are low.

Pro Tip

Never cut back into old, bare wood when pruning, as this species lacks epicormic buds on old stems and will fail to shoot. Avoid standard garden fertilizers; high phosphorus levels are rapidly fatal to the proteoid root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable, sandy soil to prevent root rot.
Tip-prune young plants lightly to encourage a denser growth habit.
Use specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for native Australian plants.

Don't

Do not apply standard general-purpose fertilizers containing high phosphorus.
Do not prune hard into bare, leafless wood below the green foliage line.
Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.

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 windbreakErosion control on sandy slopesSpecimen treeWildlife garden

Companion Plants

Morella cerifera Leptospermum laevigatum Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coast Banksia questions

What zones can Coast Banksia grow in?

Coast 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.

When does Coast Banksia bloom?

Coast Banksia typically blooms in fall through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coast Banksia need full sun?

Coast Banksia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Coast Banksia drought tolerant?

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