Banksia | Australian Ultimate Grow and Care Guide

What are Banksias? 

Banksias are a native Australian flowering plant with a continuous bloom cycle. These drought-tolerant, attractive and incredibly versatile are often used in landscaping as a feature garden plant, filler plant or ground cover. 

The most striking feature of the banksia plants is its bottle-brush-like blooms which come in a variety of colours, including cream, yellow, brown, orange and green.

These blooms are brilliant pollen producers and will attract a range of birds, bees and butterflies throughout the year. Part of the Proteaceae family, the Banksia genus encompasses over 70 different species. 

While there are too many to mention each in detail, we will take a look at some of the most popular species available. 

Popular Banksia Varieties

There is an endless variety of beautifully blooming banksias to choose from. Each has unique flowering and growth habits, and it will be up to you to decide which will suit your garden best.

Here are some of the most popular and successful varieties to grow: 

How to Grow Banksia Plants

Almost all of the Banksia species are relatively easy to grow, provided they’re getting enough sunshine. This is where picking the right spot for your plant is crucial. As these plants are sun-lover, they are best suited for the outdoors. 

• Sunlight. Banksias need a  lot of sun and warmth in order to be able to bloom. Full sun for at least 6 hours of the day is a must. 
• Soil. As these plants are drought-tolerant, you’ll want to avoid moist soil at all costs. Sandy, well-draining soils are the best option. Should you be trying to plant in an area with clay or heavier-set soil, you could consider using a raised bed. 
• Water. When it comes to banksia, less is definitely more. Waterlogged soil will only lead to major issues like root rot. So, it’s best to avoid soaking the soil altogether. A little bit of water every few weeks will do the trick. 
• Nutrients. Although it’s not necessary, feeding with some multi-purpose fertiliser can help to support growth and bigger, brighter blooms.
  
  It is important to note that this species is incredibly sensitive to phosphorus. So, a low-phosphorus fertiliser is the way to go.

Propagating Banksia

The most common means of propagating is through seed. Although the banksia seed can often take a little longer to germinate, the method is often successful. Plus, seeds are readily available from other banksia plants. 

You will, however, have to prepare the seed cones in order to release the seed. Here’s what you’ll need to do: 

• Place the seed cone into the oven at 120°C for about an hour. 
• Allow the follicles to open, then remove the seeds using a pair of tweezers. 
• Seeds should be sown freely onto the surface of a porous seeding mix.
• Once the first leaves appear, the seedling can be transplanted into a small pot. 

Banksia Plant Care

There really won’t be much banksia care required once the plant is established. Be sure to keep seedlings slightly moist as they start the growing stage; thereafter, you can cut back on watering every so often. 

Take care not to over-fertilise your banksia. Once or twice every year is more than enough. Again, as these species do have nutrient-sensitive roots, over-fertilisation can lead to other issues. 

While pruning may not always be necessary, it can be done to maintain shape and size or to remove any spent flowers once bloomed. Here, it is important to note that most Banksia has their peak flowering season during the winter.

As such, pruning should be carried out towards the end of winter. When pruning, take care not to cut back too much old growth. Rather focus your pruning efforts on the new growth.

Banksia Bush Tucker Guide 

Australia is certainly blessed with one of the best nectar-producing plants in the world, the banksias. Also known as Honeysuckle, the flowers of the banksia plants are heavy producers of nectar which has made this plant a well-known bush tucker plant.

There are around 75 species of Banksia, where all but one species is native to Australia. Here is a short guide to using banksia as a bush tucker. 

Traditional Applications

Traditionally, most of the Banksia varieties with orange and yellow flowers were used for their sweet, almost honey-like nectar. These flowers were sucked on for a quick sweet hit and quickly became highly regarded by the Aboriginal people.

Native diets were often bland so any sugar-yielding foods were highly sought-after and quickly popularised. The nectar was also commonly used in medicines to treat coughs, sore throats and even stomach issues. 

Benefits of Using Banksia Flowers

Banksias have been a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush for generations and they are also an important food source for much of our wildlife.

By planting banksia in your landscape, you are also supporting your local birds, bees and many insects that are an important part of our eco-systems. 

Banksia flower nectar also contains some beneficial nutrients for us when consumed like vitamin C and other natural minerals. 

How to Use Banksia Flowers

These days, the banksia flowers are still widely used as a bush tucker for their delectable nectar. The nectar has a very similar profile to honey so its uses are naturally similar as well.

You can collect and consume the nectar in a few ways. Most still simply suck the nectar straight through the flower spikes or soak the flowers in water to make a flavoursome cordial that can be used to make many refreshing drinks.

Sweet drinks made from banksia flowers are also sometimes mixed with wattle gum.

Collecting Banksia Flowers

It is recommended to pick and collect flowers filled with nectar in the mornings during the plants' active growing season in spring to early summer. Collecting flowers in the morning is advised as this will be before the sun has evaporated the nectar or it has been diminished by the birdlife in your area. 

Popular Banksia Bush Tucker Varieties

Orange and yellow flowering Banksia varieties with flowering spikes are commonly used for their sweet nectar as bush tuckers. Some of these popular varieties may include:

• Silver Banksia (B. marginata)
• Swamp Banksia (B. robur)
• Orange Banksia (B. prionotes) 
• Woolly Orange Banksia (B. victoriae) 
• Coast Banksia (B. integrifolia)
• Yellow Lantern Banksia (B. lemanniana)  

Be sure to always first check with your local experts and research specific varieties to see if consuming the nectar from these plants is safe and won’t lead to any side effects for you.

Bush Tucker Summary

• Pick, collect and use nectar-filled flowers during spring in the mornings.
• Suck the nectar through the flower spikes as a fresh sweet snack. 
• Soak the flowers in water to make a flavoursome cordial. Longer soaking periods will increase the intensity of the flavour. This drink can also be used to make jelly with added gelatin.
• Young flower spikes can be roasted and eaten or nectar can be consumed from them. 
• Leaves can be steeped in water to make tea. 
• With many varieties, the white bases of the leaves are edible and the flowers and seeds can also be eaten. Be sure to avoid consuming the spikes of the plant. 
• Be sure to also strain your cordial after soaking to remove any stray material. 
• Add ice to mixed drinks for a refreshing drink in the warmer months.

Banksia Common Pests, Problems and Diseases

Although a low maintenance plant, certain issues can arise that will need to be dealt with to protect your plant. These issues will depend on the location, environment and type of Banksia you have planted. 

Some common issues include: 

• Root Rot. One of the most common issues is root rot, which is caused by overwatering. Unfortunately, the signs of root rot make your banksia look like it may be too dry.
  
  As a result, many gardeners then continue to overwater, essentially killing off their plants. Should you see wilting or browning leaves, cut back on watering almost completely.
  
  Should the problem continue, you may need to consider re-planting. 
• Phosphorus Toxicity. As we’ve mentioned, banksia does not do well with high levels of phosphorus in the soil. Phosphorus toxicity will cause your leaves to be yellow and become damaged or warped.
  
  Only fertilise once or twice per year, and be sure to check whether the fertiliser you are using is low in phosphorus.

Common Banksia Questions

How long does it take banksia to grow?

If you’re starting with a banksia seed, it can take anywhere between 2 to 3 years to begin flowering and around six years to reach its full height. 

How long do banksia trees live? 

Although they’ll take a few years to be established, once established, banksia trees can survive for over 100 years. 

Will banksia grow in the shade?

While it is possible to grow in part-shade, the downfall would be a far lower production of blooms. Rather play it safe and plant your banksia in a beautifully sunny spot. 

Can you grow banksia in pots?

Especially when soil conditions aren’t optimal, growing your banksia in a pot is a great option. Just be sure that your put has plenty of drainage holes and well-draining soil.