Species

Banksia integrifoliaCoast Banksia, Coastal Banksia, White Banksia, White Honeysuckle, Honeysuckle Oak, Entire-leaved Banksia, White Bottlebrush

groundcover

Prostrate Coast Banksia, Roller Coaster Banksia

Banksia integrifolia 'Roller Coaster'

The Story

Plant Bio

Banksia integrifolia is a highly resilient Australian woody plant native to the eastern coast, where it thrives in sandy, wind-swept coastal soils. It features distinctive whorled leaves with dark green upper surfaces and stark, silvery-white undersides that flash in the wind.

'Roller Coaster' is a vigorous, prostrate selection that forms a dense, cascading mat of evergreen foliage reaching up to three metres wide. It produces upright, cylindrical flower spikes of bright lemon-yellow from late summer through to winter, providing a valuable nectar source when few other plants bloom.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, cascading mat of glossy green foliage with silver undersides, accented by upright lemon-yellow flower spikes.

Excellent for erosion control on coastal slopes and banks due to its vigorous, soil-binding growth habit.

Attracts native honey-eating birds and insects with nectar-rich flowers, while dense foliage provides shelter for small lizards.

SpeciesBanksia integrifoliaCoast Banksia, Coastal Banksia, White Banksia, White Honeysuckle, Honeysuckle Oak, Entire-leaved Banksia, White Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

20 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low once established

Humidity

High coastal tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (foliage may cause mild skin irritation)

Bloom period

Late summer – Early spring

In flower about 8 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage, avoiding heavy clay soils.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
Water deeply during the first summer to establish a deep root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in early spring to support growth.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning into old, leafless wood as this cultivar lacks dormant epicormic buds on bare stems and will fail to shoot back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure absolute soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Use only specialized low-phosphorus native fertilisers.
Water deeply during the first summer to establish the root system.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay soils or areas where water stands during cool weather.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus garden fertilisers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Groundcover for large embankmentsErosion control on coastal slopesCascading over retaining wallsLow-maintenance mass planting

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa Correa alba

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Prostrate Coast Banksia, Roller Coaster Banksia questions

What zones can Prostrate Coast Banksia, Roller Coaster Banksia grow in?

Prostrate Coast Banksia, Roller Coaster 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 Prostrate Coast Banksia, Roller Coaster Banksia bloom?

Prostrate Coast Banksia, Roller Coaster Banksia typically blooms in late summer through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Prostrate Coast Banksia, Roller Coaster Banksia need full sun?

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

Is Prostrate Coast Banksia, Roller Coaster Banksia drought tolerant?

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