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Old Man Banksia

The Story

Plant Bio

Banksia serrata, commonly known as old man banksia, is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to the coastal sands of eastern Australia. It develops a highly gnarled, twisted trunk covered in thick, corky, grey-brown tessellated bark that provides significant fire resistance.

This species is distinguished by its stiff, oblong, saw-toothed leaves and massive, cylindrical flower spikes that open to a pale, greyish-yellow. Over time, the spent flower heads develop into heavy, woody cones with prominent protruding follicles that persist on the branches.

Uses & Benefits:

Gnarled trunk, corky bark, and large cylindrical flower spikes provide year-round architectural interest.

Highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and strong winds, making it an excellent windbreak.

Nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and generalist pollinators in North America.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

393"

Width

236"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (foliage is sharp)

Bloom period

Late summer – Winter

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and exceptionally well-drained, sandy, acidic soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the plant sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic compost or phosphorus-rich fertilizers.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, bare wood, as dormant buds beneath the thick bark fail to shoot; limit maintenance to light tip-pruning of green wood after flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in sandy, low-pH soils with excellent drainage.
Use specialized low-phosphorus fertilizers.
Provide full sun for optimal flowering.

Don't

Do not prune into old, leafless wood.
Do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not apply standard general-purpose fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingCoastal windbreakArchitectural focal point

Companion Plants

Grevillea Anigozanthos flavidus Correa reflexa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Old Man Banksia questions

What zones can Old Man Banksia grow in?

Old Man 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 Old Man Banksia deer resistant?

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

When does Old Man Banksia bloom?

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

Does Old Man Banksia need full sun?

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

Is Old Man Banksia drought tolerant?

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