shrub

Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear Banksia

The Story

Plant Bio

Banksia baueri, commonly known as the woolly banksia, is an evergreen shrub native to the sandplains of southwest Western Australia. The species produces exceptionally large, upright flower spikes enveloped in dense grey or brownish hairs, which bloom from autumn through to spring.

The rigid, narrow leaves have sharply serrated margins and produce woolly, pale brown hairs on new summer growth. Because this species lacks a lignotuber, it cannot resprout after fire and relies entirely on seed released from woody follicles for regeneration.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces exceptionally large, woolly flower spikes in shades of cream, yellow, and orange-brown, complemented by rigid, serrated evergreen foliage.

Highly tolerant of coastal winds, maritime exposure, and drought once established, making it excellent for sand binding and windbreaks.

Provides copious nectar and structural habitat for native honeyeaters, small mammals like the honey possum, and native bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Southwest Western Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may irritate skin)

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with deep, sandy soil or lateritic gravel that provides exceptional sub-surface drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot, plant at the same soil level, and backfill without adding organic matter or standard fertilisers.
Water moderately during the establishment phase, then restrict watering to dry periods, ensuring the soil dries out completely between applications.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch to suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.

Pro Tip

Plant on sandy slopes or in raised beds to ensure the immaculate sub-surface drainage this species requires, and never prune back into bare, brown wood as it lacks a lignotuber and cannot resprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in raised beds or sloped ground to ensure rapid drainage.
Use exclusively low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated for native Proteaceae.
Tip-prune young plants lightly to encourage a bushier habit.
Protect young plants from heavy frosts until they are fully established.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood because the plant lacks a lignotuber and will not recover.
Do not plant in heavy clay soils or areas prone to waterlogging.
Do not overwater during warm, humid summer months.
Do not use standard garden fertilisers containing high phosphorus levels.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingCoastal gardensRockeriesNative shrublandsCut flower production

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Hakea laurina Grevillea robusta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear Banksia questions

What zones can Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear Banksia grow in?

Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear 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 Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear Banksia bloom?

Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear Banksia typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear Banksia need full sun?

Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear Banksia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Woolly Banksia, Possum Banksia, Teddy Bear Banksia drought tolerant?

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